Wednesday, April 8, 2009

New Shoes

Today was supposed to be hill training day. Glenn (a runner I had met at a 5K race) and I had made a tentative plan a week ago, of meeting up at Watchung Lake and running up and down the steep roads surrounding the lake. Then Glenn wimped out. Actually, he had the option of running later in the day, so I don't blame him for opting out of a 6 am run in 32 degree temperature. He strongly cautioned me against running without a reflective vest. I had been looking for an excuse to wriggle out of driving all the way to the lake on a week day and it didn't take much to convince me. We agreed to test out 2-3 locations, then meet up next week, wearing the aforementioned reflective gear. I ran 9 uneventful miles in the neighborhood instead. I have been feeling a few phantom twinges in my knees and shin over the past few days, and instinct has been telling me I need new shoes. But the miser in me says the old fellas still have a few more miles in them.

I decided to treat myself to a new pair of shoes and alternate the old pairs with the new one. I picked up a pair of trusty old Asics...I have worn out 3 pairs of the Nimbus series. This time, instead of the running store, I went to Running Shoe Finder on Runnersworld and after trying out a few of the 57 recommended matches at Sports Authority, decided to go with Asics Gel Phoenix. I like the soft, pliable feel of Asics and the gel cushioning. I like its looks too...I prefer more color than white on my running shoes. It was on sale, and I almost bought 2 pairs...but managed to stop myself in time.

Spinning class was exhausting today. My legs felt like lead. I was diverted for a while by the teacher's "humorous" story involving blood tests and fecal matter, which I will spare you the details of; but I staggered off the bike an hour later, wondering what makes me crazy enough to do 9 miles and spinning class on the same day.

Monday: 7 miles, spinning and BodyWorks

Wednesday: 9 miles and spinning

I am going to disappear for the rest of the week...my brother is visiting and there's lots planned for the weekend.

Now, you have got to run over to The Happy Runner and celebrate Felice's 200th post and check out her fabulous giveaway.

Happy Easter / Passover, all!

17 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Enjoy the new kicks and time with your brother! :D

Pearl said...

LOVE the new shoes!

teacherwoman said...

Gotta love new KICKS! Happy Easter to you too!

Lindsay said...

yay new shoes! not sure how you survived 9 miles + spinning, but awesome job. making me feel like i need to do more. ok, i need to do more anyway... hopefully your inspiration will stick with me through the weekend.

Aileen said...

I love new shoes too...you can NEVER have too many! Have fun with your relatives this weekend!

Marlene said...

7/9 miles + spinning?! Gah, I think I would die.

Have a great weekend!

J said...

Running and biking in the same day! That is one crazy workout! Enjoy the weekend!

Anonymous said...

Have a great visit with your brother. You have been doing some great workouts, running and spinning on the same day. Good for you.

Cindy said...

you and your double workouts! are you training for a duathlon? have a great weekend!

Ravi said...

Hey! I like your blog. I am a South Indian (Tamil) and run in and around Jersey City.

May I add you to my blogroll ?
I blog at http://chennairavi.wordpress.com

What is your target race this year ?

Felice Devine said...

Wow -- all that running and spinning, too! That's great! Have a nice time with your brother this weekend.

(And thanks for the mention!)

Aron said...

yay for new shoes!!!! i am getting close too, but trying to get a few more miles out of them :)

lauren said...

love new shoes...always feel so good. have fun with your brother. And you are EXTREMELY hardcore to run 9 miles and THEN take a spin class in the same day!

I Run for Fun said...

Ravi, thanks for stopping by. Congrats on your new Garmin!

X-Country2 said...

I LOVE new shoes! Looks like you got a great pair.

Christie said...

You are hard core. I'm not doing anything after running 9 miles. LOL

Tammy said...

Enjoy the visit with your bro! I'm an Asics gal too, yay! for new shoes.