It was a typical December day in Texas, and much like my friend Helen, who was going for her long run on Saturday morning as well, I dressed appropriately. Funny thing - we both took pictures in our running gear and emailed them to each other. Here's how a Connecticutian and a Texan dress for running on the same day in December:
Crazy, I know! And the sad thing is that I really could have worn a sleeveless top. Oh Texas weather, you are one mixed-up mofo. My run was great! Coach Dale ran with me the entire way which was awesome - it makes such a huge difference to me when I have company. Thanks, Coach! And running seven miles was over half of a half of a marathon, which sounds pretty impressive when you phrase it that way. ;)
By the way, just to show you how utterly schizophrenic Texas weather is, this is what I wore on my run with Jenny yesterday morning (yes, just three days later):
I am wearing a short-sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved pullover, capris and a vest. Oh, and I also wore gloves. That run with Jenny? Let me just tell you, if I can find a way to make a fool of myself, I will. It was 37 degrees when we ran, but it had gotten down to the high 20's overnight. No rain, so I don't know how this happened, but we had just gotten started and hit the wooden bridge that we always cross over and suddenly I was flailing around like a cartoon character and basically running in place - there was an icy patch on the bridge! Took us by surprise - you just don't expect ice when it's been so dry! I am proud to say that I did not fall down - yay me! We ran to Smoothie King, where we shivered through our delicious smoothies...it might be time to switch things up and run to Starbucks for a nice hot cup of coffee!
Right ankle...
Left ankle - a matched set!Some of you have noticed and commented on my bright new running shoes. Take a look at these beauties:
I already own Thorlo Experia socks in lime green, turquoise, and yellow - how perfect, I can match my shoes! 
Newton Terra Momentus - the prettiest running shoes I've ever seen, much less owned! OK, in all seriousness, I did not buy these shoes because of the color. But, after my feet were measured and analyzed, and these shoes were brought out, I will admit that my heart soared - what a nice change from the boring white Forrest Gump shoes that I've been wearing! The back story is that I was planning on buying new running shoes after the half - however, I didn't think I would buy them a mere few hours later, but when in
I got to talking with one of the owners, Stephen, about the shoes I'd been wearing, and what I liked and didn't like about them, and he told me about the Newton shoes, which are less heavily-constructed and lean more toward the "barefoot running" idea - you can read more about their shoes here if you're interested. One thing that you need to do when running in Newtons is shorten your stride. Well, I already do that, so when I tried these shoes on, I was really amazed at how "springy" I felt when I took a test-run - and this was on the same day that I'd already run 13.1 miles! Because of the adjustment that most people have to make in getting accustomed to these shoes, they come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so I decided to give them a try...and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE them! It's hard to believe that a pair of shoes can make such a difference, but these do. If you are a runner and have a chance to try them out, do so - you may be pleasantly surprised.
I was so thrilled to find such a neat running store - as I've lamented here before, we don't have one in my town, so I appreciate not only the great store, but also the personal attention that I received at Fit to Run. I felt like I was taken seriously, even though I don't particularly look like a lean, athletic runner. And that is why I will make the effort, and the three-hour drive back to Galveston, next time I'm ready to buy another pair of running shoes. Sure, I could find them online, but these smaller stores need to be supported in order to stay in business, and I am more than willing to do just that. Hmmm, wonder if I could convince them to open up a second location in my town?
Sounds to me like you've got a serious business opportunity right there!
ReplyDeleteThose shoes are adorable (as is the whole running ensemble). But Helen wins on degree of difficulty points. Just looking at her makes me cold - although I hear you on the cold snap here.
Have a great Wednesday, Shelley. You look marvelous!
LOVE the picture of 2 of my favorite bloggers!
ReplyDeleteI am such a shoe geek, I found one pair that works and buy them every time (even when they only have boring colors in stock like white with blue).
I wish you could come visit and I'd take you to my favorite running store, Potomac River Running, it's that same feel, they listen, know what they are talking about and it's totally laid back!
Boo to ankle boo-boos :) But, Yay for new shoes! Those look so cool, Shelley! I really need new ones and I should take the time to get a proper fitting for them! Maybe an xmas gift to myself:)
ReplyDeleteThose shoes are awesome! And I sympathize with your pain...I, too, injure myself on a regular basis. Apparently that kind of thing doesn't necessarily change as you get fit and healthy and develop a strong core. I think I am doomed!
ReplyDeleteI love the new shoes, I can't remember seeing such brigtful colors here in the stores. They have written Shelley all over them.
ReplyDeleteThese days I look like Helen when I go out for a run :)
Great job on the 7 miler my friend.
YOU ARE A HOT MESS! The side by side composition makes the whole thing ridiculously funny. I think we need to find some way to put that on a Christmas ornament or something. At the very least, print me a 4 x 6 and mail it to me.
ReplyDeleteIn all the running advice I've given you I never, ever thought to warn you about bridges being icy even when it looks dry. You know where else you need to be careful? On the painted lines in the road - like crossing lines or the lines at a stop sign. Slick as heck!
I'm going to check out the shoes... I've actually never heard of them and we do have some good running stores around here!
Love the shoes! That's a bonus that they're good to wear as well. :-)
ReplyDeleteOH. I. WANT. THE. SHOES!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd the side by side pics of you and Helen were too funny.
Off to check out the shoes.
When I ran track in high school, there was a small independent running shoe store (still there 25+ years later) that at the time had a way to figure out what shoe would work best with your feet.
ReplyDeleteAnd even though one of my feet is 1.5 sizes bigger, they were able to find shoes that both fit like a glove - made all the difference!
But very $$ at the time. If I ran as much as you did, I would definitely do that again.
Happy Hump Day!
That does it! I'm going to have to get serious about my running so I can justify wearing and SHOPPING FOR all the fun stuff! I love-love-love that little skirt! Bring on the color! So cute!
ReplyDeleteOkay. So the shoes are awesome. But that running skirt! Where? Who? I WANT ONE! It's PINK!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your running shoes! So colorful and really matches your personality, don't they?
ReplyDeleteUh, running SKIRTS? Say it ain't so!
Vee at http://veegettinghealthy.blogspot.com
Sales rep - your new calling!
ReplyDeleteWhat event are you training for now? Anything in particular?
Come to Dallas in the mean while - they are bound to have it here at the Shopping Mecca of the Universe!
ReplyDelete(Or DO they? - they should!)
I love the shoes and wish I weren't so self-conscious about my big feet or I'd wear something more fun. Thankfully the only place I can buy fun shoes is the men's crossdressing store.
ReplyDeleteThe shoes are sa-weet! And, congrats on your 7 miles!
ReplyDeleteWinks & Smiles,
Wifey
Oh, those are some cool shoes! I'll definitely have to check those out!
ReplyDeleteAnd did you realize that - so VERY nonchalantly - you said you ran 7 miles, as if it was nothing??
Remember when running even 3 miles was a huge accomplishment?? Look at how far you've come, girlie!!
And you look BEEYOOTEEFULL in that skirt. Very colorful. LOVE it!
I'm a huge thorlo fan myself. hmm..may have to look into the newtons
ReplyDelete:) and totally feel ya on the weather, we're close
"I felt like I was taken seriously, even though I don't particularly look like a lean, athletic runner." Who told you that?? Chicka, you ARE an athletic runner. Just look at your photos :)
ReplyDeleteYou and Helen look awesome in your weather-appropriate outfits. I love love love that you run "together".
ReplyDeleteAnd you are BOTH athletes. Get used to saying it!
Just wanted to tell you that you have done an amazing job!
ReplyDeletePlus I LOVE your bike! It is what i am getting for Christmas.It has to be PINK.. I can't wait!
http://reneasskinnylove.blogspot.com/
Did your Newtons make you run on your toes more? I don't have your pair but my new ones are so strange! You are such a cutie in your running skirt, just a spicy little runner!!
ReplyDelete