Running & Workouts Lately and I'm Back in my High School Running Shoe!

Hello and Happy Tuesday to you!  This is use to be a running blog, but you wouldn't know it lately, would you?  My leg/hamstring/back of knee area hasn't gotten any worse, but it hasn't gotten much better.  I will tell you this - It didn't bother me at all while I was out in California, even though I spent each and every day walking for hours in flip flops.  But when I came back, it began to ache again.  I guess the only conclusion you can draw here is if I ever want to run again I'm going to have to MOVE TO CALIFORNIA.  Right?!

For the past several weeks, I've eased back into running though.  Mostly doing run/walk intervals, where I run a mile, walk a mile, for 4 miles.  But recently, I've progressed to 3 to 4 full running miles.  The problem area bothers me much less on the treadmill.  I think the hills in my neighborhood are partially to blame for aggravating the hamstring.  But I miss running too much.  Even just a few short miles once or twice a week is making me happy right now.  If it becomes terribly bothersome again I'll back off but for now I'll take what I can get. 

Throughout all of this I've maintained my workout schedule, simply swapping my run days for walks.  I'm also trying to focus more on strength training, which I'm hoping will address any underlying muscle imbalances which may have led to this.  So here's what my weekly workouts look like lately:

Run or run/walk - 2x week
Strength training - 2x week
Other cardio/Class at gym - 2x week

In addition to adding more strength training in an effort to address the (unknown) cause of whatever is going on, I decided it was finally time to get some new shoes!

The Hokas I had been wearing just turned a year old, which is WAY too old for running shoes.  I had planned to get a new pair in the spring, right after my half marathon, but then I started saving money for my trip instead, and then after that, came down with this leg injury.  So I've been running on old shoes which is just no bueno.  I've been waiting for the running store to have some kind of sale since the Vomeros and Hokas I usually wear are close to $150.  That hasn't happened but as fate would have it, I recently got an email from Nike about their clearance sale on past season running shoes.

Last season's Pegasus was on there.  The Pegasus is the running shoe I wore in high school (TWENTY years ago!) and it's also one of the most iconic running shoes on the market.  It was introduced in the early 1980's and has been around ever since, now currently in it's 32nd iteration!  It's been a trusty trainer among long distance runners for decades. 

I upgraded to the Pegasus's cushier (ie. pricier) cousin, the Vomero, many years ago and haven't looked back.  But I needed new shoes and couldn't pass up the clearance price on these.  Original price is $100, and they're currently on sale at Nike.com for $65, plus I had a coupon (from retailmenot.com) that brought the price down to $55 plus free shipping!  Best price I've ever gotten for running shoes.  Just thought I'd pass that along for anyone else that runs in Pegasus.  Go get them now!

They're so pretty!

So what do I think of them?  I LOVE THEM!  I ordered the size I normally wear in Nike's (6.5) and they fit perfectly right out of the box.  There was no break-in period.  I took them out for a run and had 0 issues.  No rubbing, no blisters, no hot spots.  I've tried MANY, many brands of running shoes over the years, and none of them ever fit me like Nike's.  We all have our preferences, but these have worked for me for years. 

The Pegasus's are cut a bit narrower than the Vomero's in the toe box, but I had no issues with this.  I can tell they have less cushioning than the Vomero's, particularly in the forefoot, however, they ran so smoothly and the feel was similar, if less plush. 

Night Running.  Because it gets dark so DARN EARLY now :(

 

All in all, I'm ecstatic I have new shoes and that I found these at that price!  Since I'm not running high mileage right now, I feel the cushioning is quite adequate.  I know many distance runners wear Pegasus and put tons of miles on them so I think I'm safe with my current 7 miles per week!  When I'm able to run more, I plan to get another pair of Hokas or Vomeros to alternate with these. 

Sooooooooooooooo, that's where running and I are at right now.  We are in a committed lifelong relationship so I'm not too worried that we're currently experiencing a bit of distance. I know we'll be all over each other again soon. HAHA  Also, wearing these shoes makes me feel like I'm 14 again, and that's a good feeling!

(*Obviously, I wouldn't recommend most people order running shoes online!  Only do this if it's a shoe you've worn before and/or been fitted for at a running shop!)


What's the current status of your relationship with running?

What other workouts are you into lately?

What shoes are you running in right now?

Friday Faves - Running Edition

So today I'd like to share some of my favorite things - raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens - no, no, not those favorite things, although The Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies.  Today let's stick to running.

1.  What is the only real piece of "equipment" any runner needs?  Feet?  Well...yes, I suppose that's it.

 

 

But also, SHOES!  I've worn Nike since I ran track in high school. Back then I ran in Nike Pegasus, which is a bit less cushioned than the shoe I'm in now, but I wasn't putting in as many miles.  I've tried other brands, but they never feel like they fit my feet as well.  I've even bought a few other brands from my local running store over the past few years, only to return them a week or two later because of blistering, heel rubbing, etc.  So, old school I remain, but I do love my Nike Vomeros:

 

 





2.  I suffer from recurring shin splints and tibial tendinitis in my lower legs and no Doctor or Physical Therapist has yet been able to tell me why.  I've got loads of differing opinions from: too much mileage (not the case), heel striking (jury's still out), my bow legs (who knows?!), running strictly on roads/paved surfaces (probably correct).  In any case, there are two products that have saved me from these ailments taking over my life and really kept both at bay.

One of these is compression sleeves or socks.  I wear both but tend to like the convenience of the socks better because it combines two products in one.  For the socks, I love Pro Compression marathon socks.  I have 3 pair already.  Since I only run outdoors on hard surfaces (there are no trails/dirt paths near me), I wear them on every run, and since I've been doing this, my shin splints are pretty non existent. 

I also have a pair of calf sleeves from CEP which I also really like.  The compression on these is a little tighter than my Pro Compression socks, which I like.

In addition to these products, I discovered something AMAZING about a year ago - these beauties are compression sleeves with BUILT IN ICE PACKS! I kid you not.  I found them on Amazon - link here - and I think they are one of the best inventions ever.  I am really sorry I did not come up with this idea because it's golden.  I used to have to sit motionless on the couch with an ice pack on each leg, constantly moving them up and down my shins.  No more, now I can walk around, chase the cats, go on a date (I kid), and all the while any inflammation in my legs is being zapped away into oblivion.  If you can't tell, I highly recommend these!

3.  Now onto Nutrition.  As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I can't tolerate any dairy.  This actually makes it tough when it comes to sport nutrition bars, shakes and supplements because many of them are whey or milk based.  I enjoy protein shakes after my runs because I feel like they kill two birds with one stone - thirst and hunger.  I also seem to struggle with incorporating enough protein into my diet because I'm not the best cook.  I do eat meat but I don't have a grill which makes preparing meat a bit more difficult.  So, I have tried a variety of vegan and plant based proteins and my favorite is Plant Fusion.  One scoop in a Blender Bottle filled with almond milk is all you need and you get 21 grams of protein!  How easy is that?  My favorite flavor so far is Cookies and Cream.  It's not too sweet but in my opinion it's delicious.  I like that this protein powder is plant based and not soy based.  For many years I drank soy milk and ate soy products, but I've started to steer clear of them.  I just don't think they are the best for my body.

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There are so many more running products I love but I guess that's enough for today!  I am not sponsored by any of these companies and did not receive any money for writing these reviews, I just really love all of these things.  Probably as much as I love the Von Trapp children singing So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu. 

4.  And finally, although this isn't running related at all, I can't get enough of this song lately.  I find myself singing it constantly.  I was swimming laps today and was singing this in my head for the entire hour!





Questions for today:

What are some of your favorite running products?

What's your favorite song lately?