Toe Shoes!

So I FINALLY got to run in my Vibrams for the first time. I was a tad nervous because the woman at the store said to start off SLOWLY and that I would definitely be sore in my shins afterwards.

I had my first TNT practice, which was a short little fun run. I thought this was the perfect place to try them out. Our run was only going to be 3.4 miles (two lower loops) and we were supposed to take it easy so that we could talk to people and meet everyone on the team. Turns out the shoes were a great conversation starter. I had a million people ask me about them. I thought everyone was trying them out (it sure seems like it when you go for a run in the park). In fact, I felt kind of lame jumping on the bandwagon so late. But it turns out that most people are too freaked out to try them.

Me? I LOVE THEM!!! I actually love the feel of my feet on the pavement. And that's another thing...there is definitely more sole to these than you would think. I am running in the Bikila which has a 3mm sole. So while you get a good feel for the ground it's not like you are running barefoot with lots of calluses (which is what I thought it would feel like).

And it totally does change the way that you run. My turnover was definitely different. I'm not sure EXACTLY how to describe this...I think I will have to run in them a few more times...but I know it is different.

And yes, as a result I did have sore legs – but not my shins, just my calves, and that went away after a day.

But the best (lamest) part about the whole thing? I felt like some kind of modern warrior princess running in them. Especially since I bought into the whole feather hair extension thing on top of the crazy pink toe shoes :)

Sick of Being Sick

I think if I make it through this upcoming half marathon with a halfways decent time I will be extremely surprised.

I feel like for the past month I have been on-again off-again sick. Bill and I have just been passing sicknesses back and forth to each other and since we are both run-down they totally take their toll on us. I used to be able to get over something like a cold in a couple of days tops, but now I'm lucky if I get over them in a week. So my running has definitely been suffering.

Last Sunday (the 10th) I did get out for a nine-miler. And it actually felt really great. But I got sick right after that and haven't run in an entire week. I have so many missed runs this season it isn't funny. But I'm not going to dwell on it. It is what it is. And I have found that it is much better to wait until the sickness passes completely before getting back out there to work out. So even though it KILLS me not to go out for a run today I'm going to have to skip it.

I do have two fun upcoming things though in the world of running!

Firstly, I signed up to train with Team in Training again for the fall season. I think this is the best thing I could do. I need some structure to my workout plan because with all that is going on (work, baby, running) I've found that running is often put on the chopping block. Plus, it will be great for me to get out of the house twice a week and be around adults. And of course, Team in Training is also just fun, and it's nice to raise money for something worthwhile. Our first group training session starts the Tuesday after the Flying Pig Half Marathon. Already!

Also, this week I will be covering the JackRabbit NYC Running Show. Its the first year JackRabbit is putting it on, as sort of a kick-off to the NYC running season. It's only $10 for a ticket and for the price of the ticket you actually get $15 off event merchandise (awesome!). There are all kinds of exhibitors plus a lot of cool speakers. I am especially interested in seeing Scott Jurek and going to the Women's Running session. And there is a barefoot/minimalist running panel which should be interesting.

I'm also going to be looking for something fun to run in for the Flying Pig Half since none of my running clothes fit me anymore (in a good way! I've lost a ton of weight!)

Anyway, I am super psyched because I have press credentials for this show which means I get to go early to check it all out! Can't wait for Friday!