Slow and Steady

Setting my alarm for 6:45am this morning in hopes of an early morning run was a wee bit ambitious. I ended up catching up on some z’s and snoozed away ’til 8:45am. Around 9:15am I set out for a 3 mile run in the heat wave because I was dying to test out my new running shoes. I swear, new shoes are THE BEST running motivation ever.

I love love love my Brooks Defyances but recently they’ve been hurting my arches when I run. I’ve had them for about a year (they don’t have that much milage on them though) and I knew it was time to get fitted for a new pair of running shoes.

There’s something so much fun about getting fitted for running shoes. Last year I went to a great running store in Danbury, Connecticut where they checked out my arch and whether or not I collapsed in my ankle. This time around I went to Jack Rabbit in Union Square to get fitted for a new pair of sneaks. I was video taped running on a treadmill in neutral shoes. The footage was analyzed and I found out that I collapse a tiny bit in my left side- weird! The sales person recommended a few pairs of shoes (including the newest edition of the Brooks Defyances) and let me test them out.

I was won over by the Mizuno Wave Inspires both because of the obnoxious color… and because they were super light weight and comfortable.  After wearing them around my apartment all day yesterday I was itching to go for a run.

Since the temperatures were already in the high 80’s and felt like the low 90’s by the time I made it outside this morning I knew “slow and steady” would have to be my motto for my 3 mile run. I honestly felt great the whole time despite the deadly heat, and I already love the new shoes. Even at the end of the run my arches felt awesome and feet were happy with my  decision.

While I was treating myself to a pedicure this afternoon and texting my good friend Sarah I had a huge realization about my relationship with running. She was telling me about how running has become her alone time when the rest of her day is filled with people. I totally understand that, I am an introvert after all and can only spend so much time with people before I feel overwhelmed. The thing is I live alone. My work hours are a bit bizarre and leave me with long stretches of free time in the middle of the afternoon aka the time of day when my friends are at work or school. I usually only see my boyfriend every other weekend. Often times I think I dread running because it means more time alone instead of going to a group fitness class where I’ll be surrounded by others. So much of running is a mental game and getting your head in the right place. I really want to join a running club of some sort in the city or at the very least start looking at my runs as “me time” instead of “lonely time”. Anyone else out there feel the same way?

I’m RIDICULOUSLY excited to see Violet at Encore’s City Center tonight. My brother has been obsessed with this show since he saw it years ago in college and tonight I’ll finally get to experience Violet for myself. There’s nothin’ better than spending a hot summer night in an air conditioned theater.

Got to go make some dinner before the show!