Jogging Strollers and Minimalist Running Shoes
So last week I got to go shopping with the parentals to get treated to a new set of running shoes. My stepdad had been reading up on minimalist running shoes and was eager to have me try some out to see how I liked them. Last season I ended up with 2 broken toenails that have taken me roughly 8 months to grow back, and I had some issues with my knees (mainly IT band) that I was beginning to attribute to my current set of shoes, not to mention the horrendous shin splints that I have had problems with ever since middle school track. So I happily met my parents at our local REI and tried on 2 different styles of minimalist shoes. I tried on the vibram 5 fingers and the Merrill Barefoot crosstrainers. I ended up with the Merrills and was super excited heading out of the store...unfortunately 50mph wind gusts that afternoon hampered my running plans, but I got to try them out later last week, and I must say I am seriously in LOVE.
I can usually start to feel my shins killing me about 1 mile in... ran 2.2 miles no problems whatsoever. The only adjustment I have really had to get used to so far is my right arch is a little bit tight from my previous pair of running shoes, but from what I have read so far, this is pretty normal, so I have been trying to stretch my feet nightly to help loosen up the arch a bit. But I am really digging the shoes. The Merrill's remind me of a cross between a track cleat, and a jazz shoe. They are super light weight and have a great barrier should I want to use them for trail running. This was the main reason I chose them over the five fingers, and so far I am really liking that aspect. More info on how I progress in them to come.
So...next item: Jogging Stroller
My parents had bought a bike trailer jogging stroller combo back when F was itty bitty. We had used it with grandpa a couple of times and Frank seemed to like it, however we didn't know where the wheel was to convert it to a jogging stroller. Well we finally found the wheel last weekend and I was able to start using it as a jogging stroller and bike trailer as it is intended. The brand is Baby Transit, and its the Rumble Seat. Its great actually because the kids can sit next to each other, its super light weight and has weather proofing (rain, wind, sun) on it so we can use it in a variety of conditions should I get stuck somewhere with the kids and the weather is not the greatest.
So far the kids LOVE IT...they like playing with it, riding in it, and while I am running they say "weeeeee" as we run along. Its been actually quiet an enjoyable experience being able to take them with me for runs. They can experience the outdoors and gain exposure to exercise and outdoor activities. Daddy likes it too because it gives him a little bit of down time without the kids. While I don't intend to take them on ALL my runs...its nice that if I need to get a run in and nobody is around for childcare, I can just load them in and away we go!
I am now in week 2 of an 18 week training program for an olympic distance Triathlon in Denver on July 24th...should be registering for it soon to get my spot. Also will be registering next week for the "Spring Fling" sprint distance triathlon in Rio Rancho on April 23rd. I am excited to get into the competition circuit again and it is helping keep me motivated to get my workouts in for the day. It's still not easy by any means...but it is getting a little less hard, and my mood feels like it is improving a little, which is always a good thing. Consistency is what I am striving for, not perfection, and to NOT GIVE UP! We shall see how it progresses, but I am still feeling really positive overall.
For anyone interested in checking out the training plan here is the site I got if from, I like the breakdown of it, while I don't do the workouts exactly as they are listed on the plan (I take the workouts that need to be completed for that week and try to aim to get them all completed) its a great guide especially helpful for people new to the sport or interested in trying out a formal training plan.
18 Week Olympic Distance Triathlon Training Plan
I can usually start to feel my shins killing me about 1 mile in... ran 2.2 miles no problems whatsoever. The only adjustment I have really had to get used to so far is my right arch is a little bit tight from my previous pair of running shoes, but from what I have read so far, this is pretty normal, so I have been trying to stretch my feet nightly to help loosen up the arch a bit. But I am really digging the shoes. The Merrill's remind me of a cross between a track cleat, and a jazz shoe. They are super light weight and have a great barrier should I want to use them for trail running. This was the main reason I chose them over the five fingers, and so far I am really liking that aspect. More info on how I progress in them to come.
So...next item: Jogging Stroller
My parents had bought a bike trailer jogging stroller combo back when F was itty bitty. We had used it with grandpa a couple of times and Frank seemed to like it, however we didn't know where the wheel was to convert it to a jogging stroller. Well we finally found the wheel last weekend and I was able to start using it as a jogging stroller and bike trailer as it is intended. The brand is Baby Transit, and its the Rumble Seat. Its great actually because the kids can sit next to each other, its super light weight and has weather proofing (rain, wind, sun) on it so we can use it in a variety of conditions should I get stuck somewhere with the kids and the weather is not the greatest.
I am now in week 2 of an 18 week training program for an olympic distance Triathlon in Denver on July 24th...should be registering for it soon to get my spot. Also will be registering next week for the "Spring Fling" sprint distance triathlon in Rio Rancho on April 23rd. I am excited to get into the competition circuit again and it is helping keep me motivated to get my workouts in for the day. It's still not easy by any means...but it is getting a little less hard, and my mood feels like it is improving a little, which is always a good thing. Consistency is what I am striving for, not perfection, and to NOT GIVE UP! We shall see how it progresses, but I am still feeling really positive overall.
For anyone interested in checking out the training plan here is the site I got if from, I like the breakdown of it, while I don't do the workouts exactly as they are listed on the plan (I take the workouts that need to be completed for that week and try to aim to get them all completed) its a great guide especially helpful for people new to the sport or interested in trying out a formal training plan.
18 Week Olympic Distance Triathlon Training Plan
Comments
Post a Comment