"Favorite Thing" Fridays - Cozy Socks & Warm Gloves

No one likes to have cold toes or fingers! So it's important to keep those metacarpals and metatarsals warm and cozy for the ride and not to mention protect them from the elements of the harsh winter weather. If last night's run taught me anything, it was having the proper socks and gloves can make MAJOR differences in your run.

I was ever so fortunate to forget a pair of socks last night so I decided to run in my work-trouser socks. Not the best decision of my life, but sometimes you just have to do what you have to do! So, half way through the run my left (stocking thin) sock slips under my heel and instantly it begins to chafe. I tried to stop and fix it but no amount of yanking could keep it from slipping right under my heel again. Sweet! So, this led to thoughts of what pair of socks I has wished were on me feet. At least it helped to distract me from the inevitably forming blister for about 5mins! My favorite pair of socks are my Nike Elite Running - No Show Sock. I'm typically not a thin sock wearer, but these socks have great cushioning in the parts that you need it most. They're extremely comfortable, stylish and not at all bulky. LOVE them! My other favorite socks are the Ladies Under Amour cushion- no show. They're very comfortable and durable.
If anyone was out running last night, all the power to ya! The weather was a BEAST! I believe that at 6pm it was reported to feel like 12degrees. But as planned, I braved the West Side Highway (a.k.a. Hudson River Park rec path) after work (check my "fun stats" posted below). The wind was so fierce that it actually felt best when I had to stop for traffic lights on the way to/from the path. I was soooo.. VERY happy to have remembered my "good" gloves which kept my hands toasty, so thankfully that was the least of my concern. If you don't have a good pair of gloves (and you live in a cold climate), I suggest you invest in a pair. Once you try them, you'll never want to go back to that old ratty pair that you got for free at a race 10+ years ago that are three sizes too big for your hands. .. or at least I never went back to mine! My favorite are the women's lightweight running gloves. My hands heat up quick so anything heavier than a "lightweight" glove is a bit uncomfortable (at least, for me).

Stats from Yesterday's Run - 6miles (out and back) - WSH
# of times I thought about going back inside: 1
# of times I thought to myself "I'm crazy!": 1 million
# of times I had to stop to (try to) fix my sock: 5
# of runners spotted out on the WSH: 8 (brave souls)
# of bikers " ": 12
# of pedestrians " ": 4
# of times I wished I brought my metro card: 0 (I'm not that lame!)
# of times I wished I had put on an extra top layer: I can't count that high!

Today's training:
AM: Yoga, PM: 55min Cardio Kickbox, and 2 miles

Nike Structure Triax Update - Day 2
Today I used the RW Shoe Finder to see the comparison between what I was running in, the ASICS 1120's and the NIKE Structure Triax 11. I tried to link directly to the comparison between the two, but it didn't seem to work. So here's the skinny, they are both a stability shoe but the major differences were that the ASICS 1120's are slightly heavier (by 1oz) and the Triax was more of a neutral shoe where as the ASICS 112o is better suited for the overpronator.

So, last night went well sans the sock debacle!! I do wish the laces were a bit longer so I could do my "crazy laces" knot for more ankle support, but I suppose I could purchase new laces myself. As for the overall ride of the shoe, it was still just okay in my opinion.

Merrells, Treats for your Feets!

I know everyone is jumping on the "specialty running market" bandwagon, but Merrell is one company I'm happy to hear is now manufacturing running shoes. As you probably know, they've been doing trail shoes for quite sometime, but I'm so excited about this latest development. They seem to be a great company with a philosophy I can buy into.

As you may know from earlier posts, I'm an "ASICS girl" who most recently was persuaded by her EKIN friend to trail a pair of NIKEs. Last update I received was that my new NIKE kicks are in the mail (stay tuned). But considering my recent purchase of a pair of Merrell zodiacs which I love Love LOVE for kickin' around and for the to/from work, I'm interested to see how Merrell does in this first attempt at a training shoe.

Kids!!, just watch the video below, this shoe has memory foam and is partially made of recyclable material. That's pretty flippin' cool!!

Here's a glimpse of the Merrell CT Converge (and the Brooks Defy ance):

ASICS 100 miles in a month Challenge

I decided to sign up for the ASICS 100 miles a month challenge, which in truth really doesn't intimidate me since I'm pretty much a "killer woman!". Just kidding! But I signed up with a friend of mine as a way to start getting back on track towards some serious training. I started my ASICS challenge on Thursday January 17th and I have 13 days left. I also wanted to start getting used to loggin' in to MapMyRun since it really is a quality tool for tracking your training. There are definitely functions that I could do without, but it's fairly easy to skip over those parts and only log what you think is important. This is a great way for me to log some mileage and help get things started.

I typically use MapMyRun when I am training for something since that's when I get increasingly more anal about my actual mileage (as opposed to my general guestimations and/or use of "regular" or "familiar" training routes). So some of my routes are pretty old, since I currently do not use this on a regular basis, but feel free to peruse my "public" routes. I have to clean up my route list and then I'll probably make more viewable or "public".

Btw, I'm e-mailing Phil today with my shoe size to see if/when he can get me those trial NIKEs I was talking about a few days ago. Stay tuned.

Yesterday, I didn't get in a run, but I did get in 4 solid hours of quality skiing. It was probably the only day this season that I'll get to "shred it up". The conditions were good considering the lack of winter weather this season.

Today's training: 7miles - steady and then Superbowl or I mean "BIG GAME" madness! Sorry Giants fans, but "GO PATS!!". Interestingly enough, I'm watching the "BIG game" in Philly and I'm a steelers fan (thanks to my boyfriend). Honestly, I want to see the Pats stomp NY but I might just be more excited for Tom Petty's half-time show!

The Right Shoe For You

As I've already mentioned on this blog, I'm a bit of an ASICS fan (as far as running shoes go). I've tried Saucony's, Mizuno's, Nike's, Brooks, New Balance in the past, but I always end up coming back to my tried and true, ASICS. I'm currently running in my third pair of ASICS 1120's and I'm more than happy to stick with this model. However, it seems as though ASICS is no longer manufacturing it and has now moved on to the "1130". It okay though, I've had my heart broken before when I lost the ASICS 1090 and the old-old Kayano's... but all good (running shoe) things eventually do come to an end. I fully understand how it's not always easy to stay true to "your shoe" especially since most running shoe manufactures are constantly changing and "improving" (sometimes debatable) their models.

So, (if like me) you find yourself on the hunt for a new solid pair of running shoes, here are a few tips I'd like to share to help you find your next pair.

If you are a more experienced runner and know what your feet crave, check out this helpful Shoe Finder tool from the Runner's World Shoe Lab. I think it's an excellent way to help you find what's new and highly rated out there on the market. But for our lesser experienced runners, before you go guessing that your feet need more "stability" over "cushioning", I recommend visiting your local running specialty store for advice. Side note, this is my all time favorite specialty running store, the Bryn Mawr Running Company.

Running specialty stores allow you the opportunity to speak with actual runners who are better trained on the pros/cons of each brand/model....way more so than your average Footlocker or Modells salesperson. Most running specialty stores talk specifically with you about your running history, training goals and will examine your last pair of running shoes to see where they took the most beating in order to make a sound suggestion. And honestly, I always need to try new shoes on since just because they sound great and have received great reviews does not mean your feet, knees and/or entire body will love them.

Runners World has some great articles and helpful info & suggestions courtesy of their RunnersWorld Shoe Lab. It's an wonderful starting point as you being your search for your new "sole" mate :)!

Here's a video on their best rated shoes for winter 2008. Best of luck searching!