28 November 2011

The Weekend Rundown

night run along Lake Front Trail, Chicago
Well, training last week didn't quite go according to my schedule.  Here's what happened.

          Schedule           Reality
Mon      rest                rest
Tues      7                     0
Wed      4                     7.12
Thurs     7                    5.92
Fri         rest                rest
Sat        16                   15.85
Sun       5                     9.08
Total     39                  37.97

Sooo ummm yeah.  At least I managed to get close to my total miles for the week.  Only downside is that both of my feet are in some pain from what I hope is just general soreness and not stress injuries due to over training.  The week before, my total mileage was only 18.64, so I increased it by 20 to get back on schedule for January. I know I am risking some injury by doing that, but the distances I ran last week were nothing new leaving me almost certain I can continue on without really hurting myself (fingers crossed).  I guess we'll see if I can make it through this week.  Here's the routine.

Mon       Rest
Tues       5
Wed       3
Thurs    7
Fri          Rest
Sat         18
Sun        5

See you at the finish line!

25 November 2011

Gear Geek: Merrell Sonic Glove



The Merrell Sonic Glove is essentially all the great things about the Trail Glove.  You have the Vibram sole and 0mm heel drop.  However, instead of mesh, the upper is composed of a flexible, breathable, water resistant softshell upper.  The shape and fit of the Sonic Glove is exactly the same  as the Trail Glove.  Some might find the stiffness of the softshell material uncomfortable.  My first couple of runs, the upper above my toes felt like the crease created with each toe off was digging into my skin, but that feeling disappeared completely after maybe two more runs.  The women's version called the Lithe Glove is designed like the men's edition.  Unlike the women's Pace Glove, the Lithe lacks the elastic material at the back of the ankle making the Lithe identical to its male counterpart.  This design has some Lithe users complaining of irritation in the area of the ankle.  My experience was similar when I first used my Trail Gloves, but I haven't had any issues since.  I've used the Sonic Glove for casual wear and running.  I haven't put any serious mileage on these yet, but I can testify to their water resistance.  


During Halloween weekend, New York was hit with a freak snow storm.  The following day, I took a short run through Central Park, and the Sonic Gloves kept the slush and mud out leaving my feet nice and dry.  The Sonic Glove looks to be a capable shoe for the fall and winter months when the streets and trails can get soggy.  If I have anything else to add, I'll post more later as I put more miles on these, but for now, the Merrell Sonic Glove gets two thumbs up and a smile!  



21 November 2011

Back On Track


For a month my training has been sporadic which is evident by my lack of blog posts.  I blame a busy schedule, shorter days, and changing weather for my lethargy and lack of motivation.  My weeks encompassed two training runs, one short and one long run.  With exactly 8 weeks left till my first marathon in Houston, it's probably time to get back to my training plan.  Here's this week's schedule.
Tues  7 mi
Wed  4 mi
Thurs 7 mi
Fri     Rest
Sat    16 mi
Sun   5 mi

If the change in seasons put a drag on your running like me, lace up and run!!  See you at the finish line!