What strange weather we have had here in WI...I'll take it! 70's & 80's in March...oh yeah! For someone like me that gets cold so easily, it was so refreshing being able to run outside and not worry about hypothermia. I've seen birds on my runs I don't normally see until May. "Welcome back!" I say, "welcome back!"
The running saga continues. Track season is beginning. Road races are filling. Goals are being set. Shoes are being purchased. There are so many out enjoying these country roads on foot, and on bike for various reasons. Some days it seems so hard to get off the comfy couch, get into running attire, and get outside! But, I feel so much better when I return. I laugh more. I'm not so feisty (as my husband says), and apparently I say yes more (as my children say). They always know if I haven't run yet. If I am a little on the grumpy side, they'll say, "Mom, you should go for a run..." I usually take the hint.
NEW SHOES ☺ It is always fun to get new shoes. My joints always feel better. It seems as there is a fresh spring in my step, and they always look so new and fast! Two of the boys needed shoes as well. One tried a more minimal shoe and the other a more traditional shoe. The one with the minimal shoe has run a few times on the treadmill already. (He is in 6th grade). He can hardly wait to run outside with them for track. We always wear them inside for a while to make sure it is the right fit. My new shoes, however, the ones I have been getting for years, just didn't cut it this year. I have been wearing Nike's since the 7th grade. I ran varsity starting that year in track, and have mentally connected great running with Nike. Switching to another brand is very difficult for me because running for me has always been so much more mental than anything else.
My co-coach had introduced me to the Newton shoe. I had never heard of it. I read an article about the Newton's in the Runner's World magazine, April 2012 issue. Newton shoes are based on the concept of natural running. Makes sense to me. Although, all my life, I have run heel-toe. That's what we were taught back in the 80's. I also love that these shoes are an American based company in Boulder,CO (my birthplace :) That helps the mental aspect of things. So I located a store almost an hour away and made the plunge. So far, I like them. There is a definite spring in my step. I feel I can run farther without being so fatigued. It is recommended that with these shoes, they should be "eased" into, because they do promote a mid-foot strike rather than what I was used to, which is a heel strike. It takes some time for the Achilles tendon and calf muscle to adjust, but in the long run (get it--long run--) it promotes stronger legs, and more efficient running which equals faster times and less injuries. I am all for that! Are the Newton shoes ready for a season of patriot runs? I sure hope so. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a red, white & blue pair just for me ;-). I can't wait to get that flag flying, hear the crowd cheering, and feel patriotism pumping!
www.newtonrunning.com
