We went into tonight’s run with the intention of taking it easy, since we were both a little sore from last night’s run (keep in mind that we have both been exercise-phobic for years… we’re geeks, what can I say). However, once we got started, we got a better rhythm and pace, or maybe we were just more ready for it, but we ended up running harder tonight and for longer stretches at a time.
The new shoes definitely helped as well. I was running on a pair of Brooks Beasts last night that my friend Andrew gave me years ago. Turns out they are for people with close to no arches, and I have average arches. I got a pair of Saucony Progrid Guide 2’s which are like heaven in shoe form.
Whether it was better pacing or better shoes, I have far less pain than last night. I was able to get my heart rate up higher and get out of breath some since my shins weren’t aching almost immediately.
Two runs so far, that’s all, and already I feel SO much better. Sleep came so easily last night, and I had so much energy today. I’ve been in an amazing mood all day.
As I was trying out different shoes at Runabout Sports in Blacksburg (amazing, amazing store) I was running around the store, and just that little bit of running was like waving a bag of coke in front of a junkie. I found myself daydreaming about the run all day. I can totally see how people get addicted to this. In fact, I’m well on my way.
In totally unrelated news, if you haven’t heard of Amanda Palmer, check her out. It’s imperative. AMAZING music. Here’s my favorite song.
#1 by Andrew P on July 17th, 2009
I will check out that music as soon as I slow down enough to do that. Yes, it is amazing how much a shoe can make a difference. I can imagine how running without shoes, if the soles of your feet were tough enough, would be better because you could avoid any blisters(from the shoes) and wouldn’t have to worry about the shoe rubbing your foot wrong, but since we have always worn shoes, it is so good to have a good pair that fit your feet. I can always tell if I get the wrong kind. If the arch is too high in my shoe it hurts the bottom of my foot and causes pain for does. Sorry about the Beast hurting your feet, but in my defense it has been about 8 years since I gave you those and they were already worn out by then. As far as the other benefits, definitely get more energy, definitely stabilized my moods, definitely sleep better than I used to. The moods thing is the biggest benefit I have found. Go down to the park and if you start on the other end there are mile markers so you can go 1.5 miles down and then turn around and do a full 3! Try not to time as much and just run as much as you feel like it. If you don’t want to try three, start with two! Anyways, proud of you!
#2 by Travis on July 17th, 2009
Thanks Andrew! Not really that worried about how much I run vs. how much I walk. I just couldn’t NOT notice the difference between the first and second runs.
Tonight is a walk night, unfortunately, I would love to get out and run again, but my muscles need the rest. Thanks for all the beginners advice