I've come to the conclusion that my running shoes are definitely *not* going to cut it and so spent yesterday checking out the local athletic shoes shops. I popped over to Pod+ as they promise a gait evaluation but it was a totally fruitless endeavor. I explained that I was doing the Moonwalk, needed some actual walking shoes as my New Balance were causing me a lot of pain and then showed the sales assistant my torn up feet. Not sure where the confusion came from but she promptly walked me away from the walkers and showed me to the wall of running shoes and cross trainers. I tried on 8 different pairs and was shocked to find out how much my feet have spread out since having the girls. Woah, I had big feet before, but now they are officially the 'gunboats' that my uncle called them when I was a teenager. Unfortunately they have also become incredibly narrow.
None of the shoes fit properly but the sales assistant did teach me a handy lacing tip or two. I'm off to Sweat Shop in Maidstone on Monday as I've heard nothing but good things and am hoping for the best. In the mean time, I'll be letting the ankles heal and I'll go have a swim.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2 Minutes
I never knew that 2 minutes could make a person feel so disappointed.
I set out early yesterday with the intention of taking a longer loop at the same speed I went with on Monday. The pace felt really natural and relatively easy. I had always thought that these walks would bring me a few free hours to be used clearing my head and lead a more examined life. Who knew that I would prefer to spend the time listening to the gentle rhythm of my breathing. The gentle inhaling and exhaling coupled with the misty haze has brought a sense of peace that has been missing for years. Exposition aside- I felt like I was rocking it. I felt strong, and fast. I hit the halfway mark- 'Ladies' Walk' ironically enough- at 34 minutes and with elation, smacked the light post and turned for home.
The miles on the way home seemed to fly at first. At some stage I started singing a loop of RENT melodies. I was certain that this was the reason my pace started slipping so I forced myself back to the quiet and focused on my breathing once more. The garden centre entered into sight, signaling how near I was to home, and I noticed I was really down on my pace. I couldn't figure it out. I was working just as hard and at times felt I was pushing even harder than on the outward trip. I got home and hit stop with a deflated sigh. I was two minutes off pace. I don't know why it bothered me so much but it did and I couldn't get my head around what I had done differently.
Then I took off my shoes. The heel of my right sock was covered in blood. At some point I got a blister and it must've rubbed itself off. No wonder I slowed down. I am impressed that I didn't notice it while I was on the trail.
I'll be off to Sweat Shop tomorrow to get some more appropriate shoes.
5.15 miles - 9640 steps - 1.10.47
I set out early yesterday with the intention of taking a longer loop at the same speed I went with on Monday. The pace felt really natural and relatively easy. I had always thought that these walks would bring me a few free hours to be used clearing my head and lead a more examined life. Who knew that I would prefer to spend the time listening to the gentle rhythm of my breathing. The gentle inhaling and exhaling coupled with the misty haze has brought a sense of peace that has been missing for years. Exposition aside- I felt like I was rocking it. I felt strong, and fast. I hit the halfway mark- 'Ladies' Walk' ironically enough- at 34 minutes and with elation, smacked the light post and turned for home.
The miles on the way home seemed to fly at first. At some stage I started singing a loop of RENT melodies. I was certain that this was the reason my pace started slipping so I forced myself back to the quiet and focused on my breathing once more. The garden centre entered into sight, signaling how near I was to home, and I noticed I was really down on my pace. I couldn't figure it out. I was working just as hard and at times felt I was pushing even harder than on the outward trip. I got home and hit stop with a deflated sigh. I was two minutes off pace. I don't know why it bothered me so much but it did and I couldn't get my head around what I had done differently.
Then I took off my shoes. The heel of my right sock was covered in blood. At some point I got a blister and it must've rubbed itself off. No wonder I slowed down. I am impressed that I didn't notice it while I was on the trail.
I'll be off to Sweat Shop tomorrow to get some more appropriate shoes.
5.15 miles - 9640 steps - 1.10.47
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
in the new gear
I figured it was about time I actually start blogging the build up to Moonwalk 2009 as I've been dragging my feet, maybe a bit of denial over the challenge to come. I did feel like a poser, fully kitted out in Nike, but you have to look the part right?! That said, my first proper walk in proper, fitting, training gear went off as near to perfectly as it could. I didn't get out the door til near on 5pm so I ended up with the return trip all in the dark. If you know anything about me at all, you know that the dark is not my friend. I spent much of that 2.5 miles looking over my shoulder and scaring myself silly convinced that there was someone behind every tree, hill or bench.
As a mom of three little girls, its been hard to finish a complete thought in literal years. This walk in dusk and darkness allowed my mind to run free for the first time in ages. Some thoughts were inspired but many were a bit mundane -as follows-
Must get a new jacket, this one makes far too much noise *swish, swish, swish* the quiet only managed to magnify the sound.
A marathon is a long old way. . . at night. . . in the dark. I hope I manage to buddy up on the night.
I have officially transcended into full blown mother-brain. A german shepherd jumped me- in the dark- and instead of a typical freak out, I just said 'down, now. . . where's your mummy gone?' Good Lord, what's become of me.
Running is not walking. The shoes do not serve the same function, the muscles used are totally different. I kept wanting to race off but had to hold myself to the walking posture; it was mental agony. I do hope that I'll settle into the gait soon.
Also, I think a dog walker was trying to race me. Strange man. Isn't my flourescent pink jacket and running pant combo proof positive that I'm working out, not going on a stroll. I can kick your butt!! :)
4.15 miles - 7304 steps - 55.08.06
As a mom of three little girls, its been hard to finish a complete thought in literal years. This walk in dusk and darkness allowed my mind to run free for the first time in ages. Some thoughts were inspired but many were a bit mundane -as follows-
Must get a new jacket, this one makes far too much noise *swish, swish, swish* the quiet only managed to magnify the sound.
A marathon is a long old way. . . at night. . . in the dark. I hope I manage to buddy up on the night.
I have officially transcended into full blown mother-brain. A german shepherd jumped me- in the dark- and instead of a typical freak out, I just said 'down, now. . . where's your mummy gone?' Good Lord, what's become of me.
Running is not walking. The shoes do not serve the same function, the muscles used are totally different. I kept wanting to race off but had to hold myself to the walking posture; it was mental agony. I do hope that I'll settle into the gait soon.
Also, I think a dog walker was trying to race me. Strange man. Isn't my flourescent pink jacket and running pant combo proof positive that I'm working out, not going on a stroll. I can kick your butt!! :)
4.15 miles - 7304 steps - 55.08.06
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
