Six Miler

I decided to test the 10k this morning since I will be officially running one in two days. So, at 8:00 this morning myself and two running buddies set out on a six mile run. We decided to take a nice, easy pace and completed the course in 63 minutes. It ended up being more like 5.75 miles but it is close enough to feel confident that I will be able to complete the course. Now that I know I can complete the distance I am looking forward to Monday's run. My goal is to complete it in under 60 minutes. Stay posted for the results...

Heroes

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (as well as a tasty sandwich style). My hero today is a fellow co-worker that reached 14 days since her last cigarette. She just decided one day that it was time to quit, set her mind to it, and followed through. She is a great encouragement to anyone that needs to kick a habit, lose some weight, get back in shape, etc.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I decided to watch Barak Obama's speech last night. One thing really stood out and bugged me. At one point he went on a rant about the failed policies of the current administration. I have no problem with that since he is entitled to his opinion and he was given the platform to spread his message. However, when he did this he referred to the policies of "George W Bush" not "President George W Bush". This was after he made sure to refer to "President Bill Clinton" on at least one occasion earlier in his speech. I understand that Obama may not like President Bush but at least respect the position even if you don't like the man.

New Shoes

Last week I went to Big Peach Running Co and bought my first pair of official running shoes. I chose this store because I had heard great things about their process for making sure that you get the best shoe possible. Here was the process the salesperson (who is also a runner) used:

1. The salesperson had me stand on this device that measured my center of balance, my shoe size, where on my foot I place the most pressure, and the type of foot that I have. I found that I place too much pressure on front of my foot and that my arches are fairly normal.
   
2. Next, I was asked to run on a treadmill while they recorded the way I ran. I found that my left leg isnormal but my right leg tends to over pronate. It was explained (and showed to me in slow motion) that this means that my ankle on my right leg rolls too far in during the heel to toe motion of running.

From these 2 tests the salesperson brought out 3 pair of shoes from me to try (good heel and front of foot cushion and light stability control). I tried each pair on and took each for a "spin" out in the parking lot. I instantly noticed a huge difference from the Walmart specials I had been running in. In the end I settled on a pair of Saucony ProGrid Guide and to my surprise they happened to be 15% off that afternoon because the Saucony rep was in the store!

When I left I stopped and took my new shoes for a 3 mile spin and could not believe how much difference a good pair of running shoes made. If you are serious about running I would suggest finding a store like Big Peach Running Co and get fitted for the best shoe possible. It will change your life!!

Five Miler

Last night I decided to try and run 5 miles. Since I am planning to run a 10k (6.2 miles) this coming Monday I figured I should see if I can reach at least 5 miles prior to the event. Most of the time I run 2 or 3 miles, occasionally I run a little over 4. Five was hard! I kept thinking that once I reached the next corner it would be downhill, I'd get the second wind, etc. Well, when I reached the last corner (at 4.7 miles) to head home it literally was downhill. It was weird though, it felt like I was running uphill still. The lungs were tired, the legs were tired, and it was sheer willpower that moved me on. Monday should be interesting as I will need to add 1.2 miles to what I did last night to complete the 10k. My realistic goal is under 60 minutes, my "Shane is awesome" goal is sub 55 minutes. Stay tuned and I'll let you know how it goes.

First Post

This is obligatory first post. I am starting this blog because all of my friends do it and because with my new passion for running it gives me another outlet to share that with the 3 people out there who care (yes, I am counting myself twice). Not sure what you will find here but the goal is short posts that take a few seconds to read and when you are done you will probably wish you had not wasted that time you will never get back. ENJOY!!