shoes

When I started running a few years ago, I went to the local running store to be fitted for running shoes.  Now, I normally wear 6 1/2 wides.  I was given 8 1/2 Wide to wear because you gotta give your foot room to expand when you run…  Whatever.  Okay.  Fine.

That winter, I had joined a gym mostly to keep running up on the treadmill.  On my one longer run, 5+ miles, my 2nd to littlest toenail (on both feet) bruised.  I went back to the same store and they upped my size to a NINE!  from a 6 1/2 to a NINE!  talk about running in clown shoes!  My feet slid around in them while walking.  I only wore the 9′s while running and my “old” 8 1/2 for everything else.

Then I went straight to barefoot last year.  With Raynaud’s, I knew I couldn’t run totally barefoot when the temp is less than 45, so off I went to the running store after doing a little research online.  I knew the toe box was a little wider than typical running shoes. so I wasn’t exactly sure what size I’d need.  The shoe guy asked me what size I’m currently wearing and tossed me a pair of the same size.  Ummmm…  no thanks.

I went to Dick’s and the girl there was VERY helpful and confirmed what I already felt I knew.  I WAS running in clown shoes and my toenails bruised because my shoes were too big and not too small.

soon I’ll go somewhere, NOT the local store, to get something minimalist to wear when it’s cold and snowy so my toes don’t fall off.  Until then, I guess I treadmill.

St. Patrick’s day 5K

I’m just a little late in posting this.  The St. Patrick’s day 5K was actually 3/11/2012.

I’ve always liked that race.  It’s flat.  This year, I ran it barefoot.  This year, I nearly PR’ed it.  The roads were less than ideal, but since I had not trained in my invisible shoes, I didn’t want to run a 5K in them.  I had to find a leather punch and punch a new toe hole.  Then I had to find a good tying method.  I think I found it, but that’s another post.

Anyway, The race was good.  I ran it barefoot.  The road was chip sealed, I think.  My feet hurt for the next two days and I got a HUGE blood blister on my big toe on my left foot.  That was it.  It was VERY good and very fun!  I met up with a few people I knew before and after the race.  I think next year I’ll run in my huaraches.

I’ve signed up for another 5K.  I need to scout the route to see if I can do this one barefoot with no problems or if I need to run in the huaraches,which I’ll be ready for!

So here’s my official times:

• Gun time:  33:23.9
• Chip time: 32:56.2 (PR on this course is 32:45 chip time/32:14 Garmin time)

I came in 505 out of 657 and 33rd in my age group out of 62.

 

A little giggle

Really funny sh*t…

Especially if you ARE a barefoot runner or even thinking about it.

 

Running

I’ve found a new love with running. I’ve been running barefoot, both on the treadmill and outside. I really, REALLY like it.

Barefoot running on the treadmill has its own set of challenges. For me, blood blisters. With the mild winter we’ve had, I’ve managed to run outside barefoot five times already. Considering this is still winter and I’m in Illinois, I’m really happy. I tend to run farther when I’m outside. I’ve conquered the hills. I’ve even stepped in dog poop.

 

Guest Post

A guest post from David Haas of Hass Blagg

The benefits of exercise for cancer patients

In recent years, exercise has been nationally promoted, due to the excessive obesity rate. Though many people associate exercise with weight loss, there are many health benefits, as well. In fact, exercise is now a factor for recovering cancer patients.

Of course, exercise does not only benefit recovering patients. Health experts recommend cancer patients in every stage to maintain a regular workout routine. However, patients who are undergoing aggressive treatment may require an assigned trainer to help them. For example, patients undergoing mesothelioma treatment will be subject to different types of radiation treatment and surgery than a patient who is undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Nevertheless, exercise benefits patients in a few primary ways.

1. Increased energy

Exercising for energy may seem like an oxymoron to many people, especially cancer patients, who often suffer from extreme fatigue. However, it is widely known that people who maintain a regular workout routine are benefited with increased energy.

When you become inactive, your body’s metabolism slows down. It is a natural safety mechanism in cases of emergency, where you may be deprived of a reliable food source. As a result, the inactive body becomes used to not using energy, so it does not require much energy to survive. When you become active, your metabolism kicks into gear and your body gets used to the increased flow of energy.

2. Relieved pain

Treatment and surgery do well to remove cancerous cells, however, it can cause some pain and discomfort as a side effect. Most cancer patients can attest to the pain from which they suffer during times of recovery. In fact, even some patients in remission still suffer from slightly painful side effects.

Exercise increases blood flow, which carries essential vitamins and minerals to the other parts of the body. This results in a better immune system and a greater white blood cell count. These two things combined can help relieve the pain for cancer patients.

3. Better outlook on life

If cancer patients are entitled to only one thing, it should be to feel depressed. Such a condition can naturally cause a person to become anxious. However, being optimistic during times of treatment and recovery are very important. Studies show that optimistic people typically heal faster, as well as have a greater immune system.

Exercise releases endorphins, a natural hormone that helps people stay positive. Most patients claim they feel better about themselves and their condition after a good workout.

Conclusion

Fitness is not a cure for cancer. Only a professional cancer center can help cure a patient. Regardless, fitness can greatly benefit a patient. Here is an article that lists the benefits of fitness for cancer patients.

where have I been?

Wow.. I guess it’s been a while since I’ve updated, huh?  Let’s see…

• I ran the Jingle Bell Run, or at least what passes for running.  Finished in 38:06  It was VERY windy and very little training.  Ran the first mile straight.  then started a 2 minute walk/run ratio.  All things considered, I’ll take it.
• I’ve been running on the treadmill.  Barefoot.  and I LIKE it!
• WoYoPracMo is in full swing.  So far, so good.

Today, the sun was shining, light winds (under 15 mph) and mid 40′s.  I ran.  Outside.  Barefoot.  1.75 miles.  It was nice.  I guess I am officially a barefoot runner.  I am hooked.  But if I do run more outside this winter, I’ll need to wear shoes if it’s snowy.  My feet were warm enough, but more poor little toes were frozen blocks of ice.

I’d love to run a 5K race barefoot.  I guess that’s a little goal of mine.  Possible the St. Patrick’s Day 5K.  Not too cold.

So I’m still around…  Still doing what I can.  thanks!!

Feeling pudgy

Ugh… I’m feeling pudgy. I know what I need to do. It’s just a matter of doing it. I’m almost at my pre-pregnancy weight (of my 8 year old) and I’m feeling blah.

I know that I should get my ass out of bed when hubby wakes up and exercise, but instead I lay in bed and play on my phone. I need to come up with a plan and follow through.

I’ve started running again, but that’s only once a week. I need to make time to up that to at least twice a week, if not three times. I’m running intervals for now, 2 minutes walk/2 minute runs. I’ve set my Garmin to alert me when my pace falls below a 15:30 pace, and it keeps me from slacking during my walking intervals.

I need to come up with a plan and the just do it. I can talk the talk. Now I have to walk the walk.