New Shoes- Fit for the Job? 10K training

I've been wearing Asics Nimbus 12 that are about one year old, but have very little running on them. I've been experiencing pain in the inside of my lower legs...not really shin splints, but farther back along the leg. On the advice of folks, I went to a specialized running store in Carytown in Richmond, Virginia.

The folks at Roadrunner, at 3002 Cary Street in Richmond were very helpful. They looked at the wear patterns on the bottom of my current shoes and had me run back and forth in the store. Afterward, the associate told me that my ankles were rolling too far inside, after landing on the outer part of the foot. Based on the strike, he brought out a pair of Asics, followed by Saucony and finally, Brooks.

After trying each shoe, I narrowed to the Saucony and the Asics. They were very close in feel so the associate had me try running the small loop in the store with one on each foot. That did the trick. Once I had the on together, I much preferred the stability of the Saucony Progrid Guide 5.

Interesting, because having not been a runner I had never even considered a Saucony shoe. Everything that I read recommended having your stride reviewed at a speciality store and trying their recommendations. The Progrid Guide 5 felt light but very stable, with a ton of arch support.

We'll put it in motion on Tuesday morning and I will let you know what I think after a few days of running in them. In the interim, if you have a favorite brand or shoe, drop a comment and not which and why so that others reading the blog might learn from your experience.

Have a great week friends.

3 miles down

The YMCA 10K training team was off and moving at 7:30 this morning. Pretty morning, sunny and about 35 degrees. It felt a little chilly heading out but that changed pretty quick.

If you've been following, you know that this guy isn't a runner in any way-shape-or form. This morning had me concerned because I hadn't run 3 miles in about 12 years. It wasn't pretty, but, I kept moving and never broke into a walk :) So that was a victory!!

Did a Men's Health Magazine workout yesterday that incorporated one handed flat dumbell bench presses. I thought one hand would make it easier, but, to the contrary. It actually puts you off balance and activates core/back muscles to keep balance while lifting with one hand. I felt beat at the end of the workout, and it was great. Give it a try and drop your thoughts here.

Take care everyone. Happy SuperBowl!!

2.5 in the books

I know, it's only 2.5 miles, but it felt good to accomplish having never been a runner. I have about 58 days to go to 10K---6.2 miles. I will do 3 miles on Saturday morning. I won't TRY 3 miles, I WILL DO 3 miles :)

The weight has started to roll off now that I am running. I was hitting the treadmill regularly before, but there must be something special about being out and actually moving, because the scale is headed down!!! Great stuff.

Question for my readers----whats a good stabilizing running shoe? Advice?

10K? We shall see.

Ok, so I am always look for ways to improve. I've been doing very well with eating right. I've been hitting the gym 5-6 times per week with with help of a new Y that only a few blocks away, and the help of my daughter who has been getting up at 5:15 a.m. to keep me motivated!!

Recently I singed up to run a 10K race that will be held on March 31st, 2012. Problem is...I am not a runner. I've signed up for the YMCA 10K training team and yesterday morning, in sleet and rain, we did our first mile. I was provided daily training calendar that will take me through the process of increasing mileage up to 6.2 miles/10K.

I'm excited at the prospect, but at the same time slightly intimidated by the challenge. If anyone has entered such a training team, please drop a note and let me know how it went. Any words of wisdom? Advice?

Thanks everyone. I hope 2012 has thus far been wonderful for you all.

Current stats: 209.1 lbs, 27% bf, 37" waist.