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.

Training for a 5K

We have moved from Sandy to the Daybreak area of South Jordan. The access to walking trails is fabulous. So in keeping with an active lifestyle, I have begun the training for a 5K. I have had knee surgery so this project may not be completed but I am giving it a go even if I have to do it walk/jog to complete it.

I have a friend in the Phoenix area who is doing this challenge along with me. She is in considerably better shape though. The challenge that I am following is from the Running Planet website.  It is the 8-week program for beginning runners developed by Rick Morris. In 8 weeks, I should be able to run 2 miles without stopping. After that, my goal is to add a quarter mile to each week until I can run 3 miles. Once I can run 3 miles without stopping, I will work on speed. If my knee just cannot tolerate the running, I will purchase a bike. If everything is ok, I will sign up for a 5K.

I do not have insurance so hopefully I do not seriously injure myself in this endeavor.

Not in Utah

I saw a commercial for a CNBC special on Costco - "The Costco Craze: Inside the Warehouse Giant". I am a Costco fan so I recorded it on the DVR. When my husband and I watched it, we learned something new about Utah. This was not because Utah was mentioned in the special but a segment that alerted us to the fact that Utah Costco stores are different from the other Costco stores in the U.S. This difference is that none of the nine Costco stores offer wine. The segment in question discussed the fact that because of Costco's buying power, the buyer for the Kirkland wine label is one of the most powerful wine buyers in the world. My husband and I do not drink alcohol so we had never noticed that our Costco did not have a section for wine or that it should have it.

09/26/2012 UPDATE: Due to a law change, the Utah Costco stores are now selling alcohol. So far, we have seen beer. Still no wine section.