Running Light

I just recently purchased a pair of New Balance WT101 women’s trail running shoes.  Now, let me tell you, it has been a long search to find MY shoe.  I have searched high and low to find the shoe that was built for me.  Low and behold I have finally found it in the WT101.  This shoe is exactly what I’ve been looking for.  It’s incredibly light (only 6.3 oz), low to the ground with a minimal heel to forefoot drop (10mm) and it’s a trail shoe to boot! It’s also pretty stylish in my opinion.

I’ve been running in these shoes for a couple of weeks now and I’m really impressed with their snug and comfortable fit.  They run on the small side so I recommend purchasing a half size larger.  My previous trail shoes were very heavy and clunky.  The 101’s on the other hand are light and airy.  I feel weightless and zippy when I’m wearing them.  These are the type of shoes that make you want to run fast.

I’ve mainly been running on the road in the 101’s and I’ve been alternating them with a pair of more structured shoes for long runs.  I have noticed that they definitely assist me in running with a more natural foot strike (landing midfoot, rather than on my heel).

Overall I think these shoes are great option for a trail (or road)  runner who is looking for a lighter, more minimal shoe.

Picture courtesy of barefootrunningshoes.org

 

Good Socks Make My Feet Happy

While this might seem obvious to you, it took me months to realize what a difference a good pair of socks makes.  When I first started running back in January, I wore several pairs of festive candy cane and reindeer socks purchased from the clearance dollar bins at Target.  Cute, right?  Anyway, I couldn’t understand how my feet could get so wet and sweaty in 30 degree weather.  The answer,  my friends?  Crappy socks make your feet sweat.  They also can cause blisters, chafing and just plain unpleasantness.  Not to mention the smell… Still cute?

Now, I don’t know about you, but none of those ailments seem at all appealing to me.  So what should you look for in a good sock?  In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to look for a running specific sock made of synthetic materials or wool that wick moisture away from your feet.  Never, I repeat, never run in 100% cotton socks.  Cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away from your skin, which will cause blisters and overall wetness.  

There are also a number of running socks that are geared to your specific arch type.  Some provide mild arch support while others provide more cushioning.   This is really an area of personal preference.  I personally prefer thin socks that keep my feet close to the ground.

If you're looking for a basic starter sock, I love the Saucony Athletic Anklet socks.  They are fairly inexpensive ($12.95 for a 3-pack).  They are super thin and provide no cushioning which keeps my foot closer to my shoe and the ground.  I use these socks mainly in the spring and summer as they don’t provide as much warmth as a wool blend.  

I just recently purchased a pair of Feetures Pure Comfort Ultra-Light Cushion-Tab socks.  They are made from a wool and bamboo blend and let me tell you, I love these babies.  They provide mild compression in the arch area and the wool keeps my feet warm in cold weather.  They are made with CoolMax to keep feet dry and comfortable. They're even eco-friendly, made predominantly with sustainable fibers.  I have to say, these are my favorite socks that I've tried so far.  They are soft, light and fit tightly to my foot. 

SmartWool makes great wool blend socks that are light and fit snuggly. I really like the PhD Ultra Light Sock.  They have ventilation to help keep your feet cool and the material is strategically blended for moisture, temperature and odor control.  Not to mention they come in fun and cute colors!  

Another great option if you’re looking for some extra cushioning is the Thorlo Experia sock.  It provides great cushioning in the heel and forefoot and also fits snuggly through the arch for a glove-like fit.  For a sock with a lot of cushioning, its surprisingly light.  

While not always true, in general with running socks, you get what you pay for.  Consider it an investment in your feet.  They’ll thank you for it.

    

Why a Good Running Buddy Kicks You in the Ass Sometimes...

While the first rule of running might be, don't stop.  I think the second rule might just be to find a really good running buddy.  As a runner, I am constantly fighting the demon on my shoulder.  The little monster that likes to whisper sweet excuses into my ear.  Hey there, how about you just walk for a bit?  You've worked hard for a couple miles now, maybe you should call it quits for today.  You can always make up those extra miles tomorrow.  Plus, you don't want to hurt yourself, do you?  This is really for the best you know.  Plus, if you quit now, you can make it home in time to watch a Seinfeld rerun and eat some Ben & Jerry's on the couch.  You deserve it. You know, THAT demon.  He's always there, trying to get me to quit.

Fortunately, I have a few weapons in my runner's arsenal.  Weapon #1:  My ipod.  I crank that puppy up and drown that sucker out with the likes of Britney Spears and Madonna.  Weapon #2: Mind games.  I'm just going to run until I get to that tree.  When I get there, I can renegotiate, but first I need to get to that tree. And last, but definitely not least, weapon #3:  The running buddy.  My running buddy is a living, breathing, corporeal combatant to that demon.  For every excuse, she has a reason not to quit.  She's there cheering me on every step and fighting in the trenches right alongside me.  A running buddy can not only keep you motivated while you're running, they can also hold you accountable for all those runs you have scheduled on your calendar.  It's one thing to drop the ball when it's just you, it's another thing to stand up a good friend who's counting on you.  Not to mention the fact that it's just plain safer and more fun to run with a friend than to go alone.

So next time you're getting ready to pound the pavement or hit the trails, bring a buddy!  Because who couldn't use another weapon on the road?

The Life and Times of a New Runner...

Hello and welcome to my blog!  Ever since I ran that first step in January of this year, my life has changed dramatically.  I never thought that someone like me (a short, unathletic and painfully  uncoordinated self-proclaimed couch potato) could run 5 feet, let alone 5 miles.  But, what I found (in between gasps and side stitches) that first day, was that I actually LIKED running!  Who would have thought?  Anyway, from that moment on, I was hooked.

I can't really say what made me go out that first day.  You couldn't exactly say the weather was ideal, unless you find 22 degrees with a "slush-like mix" falling from the sky ideal.  It's not like anyone was jumping off the couch to go run through the elements with me either.  But something in me just wanted to run.  So I did.  I have to say, those first few minutes were pretty rough.  I ran 2 minutes at a time and had to walk one, but I just kept moving.  I ran/walked like this for about half an hour.  When I finally finished, I realized that instead of feeling tired, I actually felt more energized.  I was shocked at how good I felt.  I was experiencing my first runner's high and man, was it good!   There was no turning back after that.  I was completely addicted.

I have been running between 3 and 5 days a week ever since.  My runs range from about 3 to 7 miles.   I've run several 5k runs and I am currently training for an 8K race in November. I am obsessed with running shoes and I am very interested in new running gadgets and philosophies (if you can't tell, I'm a nerd at heart).  My newest gadget is the Garmin Forerunner 405 (look for a review later this month). So that brings you up to the present.  Stay tuned for my latest adventures!