My New Shoes

At the end of January I decided that it was time to invest in some new running shoes. My old ones weren't completely run down, but I figured it was better to change them sooner rather than later. The roomie and I went down to the Road Runners store in Carytown one Friday. It was a little weird because I like to think that no one sees me when I'm running. I had to run back and forth in the store numerous times so that the associate could gage my running style and to make sure I liked the shoes. I ended up with a pair of Brooks Defyance 3. I'd never worn a pair of Brooks before and I'll admit I was a tad bit hesitant. I actually just wanted to purchase another pair of Nike Pegasus but I wanted to know my running style.

The first time I ran in my new shoes I felt a little awkward. The shoes were kind of heavy and I felt like I had to work really hard just to get my feet up. It was raining and water kept getting into the shoes. By the time I got home I just wanted to get the shoes off. I have only worn the shoes 4 times so far. I really don't like them! They don't make me happy. they don't make me want to run, and I don't like the way they look. I'm seriously thinking about selling them and getting another pair of Pegasus(which happens to be the best shoes for overpronators like me).

Stay Motivated!

Since my first road race on November 13th I have seriously been slacking in the running department. I think I've run only 2 times, maybe 3! Because of this I had to change my race plans for this year. That didn't bother me, but my lack of enthusiasm for running did. All of that changed today. I had made up my mind to run 3 miles this morning. I woke up and snoozed for about 45 minutes. Then I drove back to my old neighborhood where I felt more comfortable. As soon as I stepped out of the car I was slapped by a harsh winter breeze. I didn't get discouraged at all, I just knew that I could NOT do this every day! I contemplated only going 2 miles because my fingers, ears, and toes were numb from the cold. Just when I was recalculating my distance a stranger passed me across the street. He wasn't rude at he. He simply said "you doing good, stay motivated". STAY MOTIVATED! This became my mantra for the rest of my run. Whenever I was out of breath or my legs felt heavy I just repeated to myself "stay motivated". I think its so awesome how God knows your heart and can sense your weakness and at the perfect time send you something to inspire and lift your spirits. That strange man has no idea how he helped me this morning. Lord love him! I completed a little over 3 miles in 45 mins. It's not the best time but given that I haven't run in 2 months I'll take it as an achievement.