Cold Weather Running

Today is the first snow up in the upper elevations. It is time to make a decision. Spend the money on cold weather gear or stop training until spring? My first choice is continue training. The wicking fabric gear at Salt Lake Running Company seemed pricey but I have not done my research with regards to local pricing. One of the biggest issues I will face, however, is sizing. While I have shed 135 lbs., I am still not a small person. Sometimes I can wear XL and sometimes not. It just depends upon the manufacturer. Based upon past experience, sports gear for women tends to be sized for small, athletic women and the items that I find do not fit me. If I cannot find anything in my size, the decision is made for me. If I do, then it will just be a matter of the best deal. My husband and I have been discussing the idea of checking out the new Scheels store in Sandy to see what they have available in Nike's Hyperwarm line. I am hopeful.

MapMyRun

An app that I have found very useful for tracking my progress is MapMyRun. There is a version for iPhone and Android. I downloaded the free version. You can track your route in real time and log your training. (NOTE: You should make sure your phone is fully charged before you take off.) I do not use the social networking option as I keep all stats private but you could post your routes and/or pacing, etc. to your Facebook account or Twitter. I think there may be a way to post to a blog as well but not really certain. There are other useful features but I have a FitBit Ultra and FitBit app for tracking exercise other than running as well as food logging.

Endurance

Despite the challenges of the last two weeks, my 30 minute power walk today was surprisingly easy. Definitely a big change from the first time that I began the challenge. One factor could be the cooler weather.

Reboot

I am rebooting the challenge. The first week I had awful shin splints, which the new shoes have corrected. The second week I had viral gastroenteritis for three days and I only got in one workout before it hit. So today is now Week 1 of the challenge. I am excited to get started again, especially with the new shoes as they are fabulous. The great fall weather will also make it more comfortable to run. Wish me luck!

Shin Splints

After two days on the beginning runner challenge, I had shin splints. Not the "I am uncomfortable because it has been awhile" shin splints but holy moley "I can barely walk up the stairs" shin splints. Rest, ice, stretching and ibuprofen fixed me right up. I thought it might be my shoes so I went to the Salt Lake Running Company (Draper location) store. My husband and I had been there before and purchased shoes for him. They offer a 30-day return policy, even if you have worn the shoes, which is why I was willing to pay more for my shoes than I would have at Dick's or some other sporting goods store. Through discussions with the employee, I discovered that the shoes I was wearing were great for walking on the treadmill but may be over-correcting me on pavement, thus shin splints. The employees are trained on how to do an evaluation of your running style. You run on the treadmill and they use an iPad to record you. They analyze the video to determine what type of shoes you need. He selected several pair and I tried each one on. They even allow customers to run back and forth on the sidewalk outside of the store.

Another great thing about Salt Lake Running Company is that the employees are familiar with the products in the store.  I was surprised that the guy who helped me was also able to knowledgeably discuss the sports bras they had available. He was also not put off by the fact that I am just getting back into running after more than 20 years and had questions. He recommended using a foam roller to help with stretching. I have seen them before and this will be on my list to pick up later.

I wore the shoes this weekend and had no shin splints. If this continues to be the case, the shoes were worth the $110 price tag. If you need running shoes, I highly recommend Salt Lake Running Company and the person who assisted me in the Draper store was Zac.