A Week Of Running 'Firsts'
I have been running for years, still this past week was full of 'firsts' for me...
- First time wearing full compression sock
- First time running in my new Altra Shoes
- First time feeling what it feels like to really run ball to heel
- First time spectating a race
- First time watching Molly cross a finish line
Compression Socks
Do you wear compression socks? I have calf sleeves that I wear if I'm running a distance longer than 12 miles or so.
Early this year I had some calf problems and attributed to my shoes, don't know why. I think I was just injured. Anyway I decided to try some different versions of Saucony shoes. My result has been weird blisters that I've not had before, and my shoes just don't feel as good as they have felt in the past.
To help with the 'blister/callous on my toes' issue I thought compression socks would be good. Why not bring the compression benefits down into my feet right?
My first run in them actually hurt my right foot! My cuneiform bone sticks up a bit and the socks were squeezing the living daylights out of my feet! That caused some tightening in my foot muscles which went up into my calf! Love that!
I stopped to readjust then at about mile 3 I felt ok. I ended up wearing them for several hours after to get used to them!
I have worn them out on several runs since and I'm digging them.
My wonderment is if runners wear these for every distance or just longer distances?
Altra Shoes
I was reading The Fit Fork running blog a while back. She is an ambassador for Altra Shoes.
I was intrigued by the larger toe box and longer arch. Have you checked out this shoe? I'd never heard of them before.
I wear the Kinvara now, tried the Viratta, which are minimalist shoes, but like I said earlier I'm feeling like my feet need a change.
They came fast, look very different than what I am used to, but feel good on my feet.
I was excited to take them for a test drive.
Toe/Heel Strike
The drop on the Kinvara is 4mm. I feel that I don't run heel/toe. I feel that I run pretty flat footed maybe even trending toward a little toe/heel. I'll be honest though, I have tried and tried to strike with the ball of my feet and have never really distinctly felt it successful. Whatever. I don't have time for all of that... I just run!
Or I did, before I put on my new Altra Shoe...
The drop on the Altra shoe is 0mm.
As I took off on my run this shoe felt a little different. The slap of my shoe hitting the ground was different. The slight difference in drop was felt.
I ran for about a quarter mile before I decided to try this ball/heel running out.
I felt like I was tip-toeing for a minute, but then settled into really hitting the ball of my foot with each strike.
This may have been the first run that I was aware of every step of my run. Every. Single. One.
For the first time I felt it!
I tried to go back to flat footed running and it felt unnatural in this shoe so I ran all 5 miles toe/heel.
I thought it was tough transitioning from a cushioned shoe to a minimalist shoe. Nothing compared to this shoe!!!
My feet and calves were so sore... for days!!!
I won't be marathoning in this shoe anytime soon! I've got to acclimate!
Cheerleader/Coach
Can you believe I have never been to spectate a race?
I only go if I'm running it!
Saturday Molly ran her first half marathon. This was my turn to give back to her. I didn't sign up for it. I wanted to be there for her to cheer her on, and run with her.
It is quite unnerving being the cheer squad right? Trying to time when to be at what mile, and how to get there with course limitations. I was a mess! I do better as the racer!
Once I found my spot I was fine, but I wanted to meet her at mile 9 then park at the finish and see her again. I took a wrong turn and couldn't get to mile 9! I found myself at the end of the course and made a new plan!!!
I parked and planned to run backwards to meet her at 10!
She wanted me to run the last 3 with her, but I was nervous they wouldn't let me on the course. Again with the anxiety!
The police and volunteers were nice and I ran with my camera, so maybe they thought I was an 'official' photographer or something, but they let me run backwards, on the other side of the road!
I ran back to mile 11 cheering for runners the whole way.
I parked it around 11 (I thought it was 10). I cheered for everyone. I know how that feels as a runner and it really is great to have people cheer you on, get you out of your head, lend you some engergy.
I saw a bunch of friends running, took their photo... then came my girl!
I am SO proud of her! Seriously, she hates running and she finished this race so strong. Not one complaint, no dragging her through, no stopping. She was awesome! I talked her through the end and ran with her. I cheered for others as we went.
I told her as we finished 13 to keep strong. We saw the finish line and as she passed people I cheered them on too. I encouraged those around us to push hard. It sucks finishing a race with gas left in the tank. You'll regret it!
Later I met up with a guy we'd run past. He thanked me for pushing him. He needed it, an encouraging finish. Apparently this was his first race in a year, he'd broken his leg or foot or something. I thought that was pretty cool!
Anyway, it was rewarding to give back. I wondered if people thought I was rediculous, but then again, we know I don't really care what other's think! I put my energy out there for whomever wanted it!
Molly says she now never has to run again. We'll see! I'm in need of a running partner... I'll keep wearing her down!
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Here is what my week looked like. The marathon is less than two weeks away!
I only ran 4 days.
Monday - Still in TX, traveling home. No running
Tuesday - Tried compression socks
Wednesday- Tried new shoes
Thursday - Can't walk!
Friday - Once I got started my legs were ok. Didn't want to push it, so ran part tempo, not full speed tempo. Also spent 14 hours on my feet photographing a wedding.
Saturday - Ideally I'd have gotten my 12 miles in before Molly's race. Due to my late night and long day playing photographer I did not get up early! Being sore, then spending all day on my feet about killed me when I tried to get out of bed Saturday morning. I thought I'd have to strap on some roller blades for the race. Wasn't sure I could walk let alone run!
I got going and was fine once my muscles got warm. I ran somewhere between 4 and 6 miles.
I then intended to run later... so didn't happen!
I always rest on Sunday... Sabbath
I actually did my long run today, 12 miles.
It felt good. The weather was cool. I was even able to amp up a bit at the end. I ran the bike path. I usually only cycle it. As I turned around to head back I remembered that there is always a wind coming at you on the way home!