What a GREAT DAY!
Today was the first time I have run in 3+ months. Last night, with another bout of insomnia, I spent a good amount of time researching what types of shoes I should get. My Nikes had 300+ miles on them and it was time for a new pair. I examined the wear pattern on my soles, watched video footage of my finish at last year’s Hot Chocolate Run (Thank you Justin.), and searched my hard drive for any photos of races that showed my stride. I learned that I am an UNDERPRONATOR. I also wanted a pair that provided a little extra cushoining for my still healing tibias. I found a few pairs that I thought fit the bill.
Today I went to the Northampton Running Company. The clerk who was working today was a woman named Nancy Conz and I had seen her there before. She was very knowledgeable and helped me pare down my options to two shoes that she thought might be what I was looking for. Ultimately, I decided on the Asics Nimbus 10s. She offered to let me run around the block in them to test them out, but I had McKenna with me and couldn’t. So, Nancy said, “Take them home, go do a short dry run, and if you don’t like them, bring them back.” I also got a 10% discount because I am a member of the Central Mass Striders Running Club. That’s the difference between supporting your local running store and going to a place like Dick’s Sporting Goods.
I couldn’t drive home fast enough. As soon as I got home, I laced up the new pair and got McKenna in the running stroller for a nice slow easy run. Not only did I want to test out the new shoes, but more importantly, I wanted to test out my old legs. I ran just under three miles and at NO TIME did I feel even the slightest twinge of pain in my tibias. After I got home I percussed the anterior edge of my right tibia and nothing - no pain at all. It felt so great to finally get out there and run again. McKenna enjoyed the scenery and said her hellos to the cows, but fell asleep before she could greet the horses. I encountered two friendly dogs along the way and fed them both some treats (I always keep a few on the stroller.) Today wasn’t about pace, or intervals, or anything other than testing the old twigs and enjoying the beautiful Spring weather.
During dinner I told my wife that it is her job to police my running and to make sure that I don’t over do it. I’m not allowed to run two days in a row until mid summer. I will do my best to keep to the 10% per week rule, at least until then, and I will listen to my body.
NO MORE INJURIES!!!!!!
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