Yoga Pants Life

Week 1

Oy vey! I felt like I was off to a strong start in week one. Despite coming back from injury and dealing with dental issues, I got through nearly all of my runs (three 2.5-3 mile runs and a 6 mile long run.) The only one I missed was a speed session on Sunday (the end of my week) and that was because I managed to give myself a blood blister on my foot (gross and surprisingly painful.) I had planned for Saturday to be a rest day (though, I went on a mini-hike in UGGS and I’m not sure that helped my foot. And, yes, it was in the upper 60s that day, which, is cold for California) and when things hurt on Sunday, I decided to take another day off.

As for the first long run, I’ll have to write about it in more detail. It was actually an awful run, but I was so happy I did it and I was flying high the next day (minus the blister.) I also learned a lot of what to do and what not to do and I’m actually pretty excited for the next one. I felt great emotionally all week (I think.) It’s amazing how kind I am to myself when I’m working out and eating (mostly) right. This week gave me the confidence I needed for training…but then I got to week 2 and lost it all.

Week 2

I got all geared up to run after work on Monday, but knew as soon as I put my shoes on that it wasn’t going to happen. Each step in my running shoes felt like I was stepping on a steak knife in the instep of my foot. I took my running shoes off and went home. I felt bad about skipping my run, but there’s a difference between pushing through discomfort and making an injury/issue worse. I’d much rather sit out a few days than a few weeks or miss the marathon altogether. I’m not out to BQ or set any records, I’m just trying to finish and get a time I’m proud of.

In an effort to get back out on the road ASAP, I ordered new running shoes Monday and purchased new socks (because I hadn’t purchased proper running socks in years and I think the ones I have most definitely have seen better days and aren’t helping the blister situation.) Unfortunately, I over-pronate when I run and I need supportive, motion control shoes (these also happen to be expensive, sigh.)  It killed me to spend more money on running shoes, because I recently got new shoes back in March (Asics Gel Fortitude) but I think they are too stiff and the cut into my instep (it’s not a fit issue, I have a narrow foot.) To be honest, I’ve never loved the Gel Fortitude model. I’m sure it’s great for some people, but not for me (though, I will likely use them as my gym shoes now.) 

I ended up purchasing a pair of Asics Gel Kayanos and I LOVE them. I’ve worn them before and always had good luck with them, so I thought if I’m going to spend money, I need to go with what I know works. It’s  no longer worth it to me to save $40 by purchasing shoes I don’t love. I tend to try other brands/models because the Gel Kayanos are expensive ($140) but I have to remember that this is a ‘health-related’ issue. It’s not like I’m buying sparkly heels for a night out on the town. Lesson learned.

My shoes arrived in the mail yesterday (God bless the Running Warehouse. They are fantastic!! Great prices and free overnight shipping in California!! And, no I don’t get paid to say that, though, I sure wish I did. If anyone at Running Warehouse is reading this, I will gladly accept anything you send my way!! ha!) I haven’t taken them out for a spin yet (or, run, if you will.) but I’m planning to this afternoon. I have a good feeling about it.

(Asics Gel Kayano – yoga-pants-loving-human tested, kitty approved!)

I’m not sure what I’m going to do about my ‘long run’ this week, since I was scheduled to run 8 miles – a lot when you haven’t done anything all week. I think I’ll stick to 3-5 mile runs until the end of week 3. I’m scheduled to do 6 miles for my long run in week 3, but I think I’ll bump it to 7-8 and just pick up and continue on as usual in week 4. I hate having to mess with the training plan, but sometimes plans have to change. It’s just how life works (of course, it’s sooo much easier in theory than in practice.) 

Now I just need to keep focusing on eating better and drinking a boatload of water (I almost typed ‘alcohol’ instead of water. oops.) Most importantly, I need to focus on positive thinking. I always argue that being pessimist serves me well because it keeps me from getting to disappointed in life…and that’s fine for a lot of things, but running and working out is not one of them. Running is nearly just as much of a mental sport as a physical sport and I need to train my mind as well as my body for 26.2 (UGH! maybe I should just start puking glitter and rainbows.)

(All this running talk really makes us sleepies!)