Do shoes make a difference?

Yes, apparently they do! When I first starting running in April, I went to Dick's sporting goods to get my "gear" which included Nike shoes with the Ipod tracker. The sales guy did tell me not to get the Nike shoes just because of the Ipod. However, the shoes seemed comfy so I went with them. 2 weeks later I went to a running store to get inserts because I didn't feel like the shoes were providing enough arch support. The guy there told me that my shoes were actually a little small and next time I should go up a size.

In mid-June, I felt is was time to get new shoes. For some reason-probably because I had a coupon-I went back to Dick's. In retrospect, the shoes I picked were a terrible choice especially because the girl who helped me told me she loved them but doesn't run! I was in somewhat a hurry so they felt comfortable and I bought them. These are the ones I have been doing my heavy training AND probably contributed to my planter facitis or sore heel.

Friday, I finally made time to go to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes. The guy immediately told me that I was wearing the wrong shoes. He had me walk for him and picked some different shoes that actually felt comfortable and supported my foot. I bought them.

While I was there, he introduced me to a drink, crytomax. I have been sticking to water because I am not into sports drinks but I thought I would try it since he said all the runners who work there swear by it. He instructed me to drink half the mix with a bottle of water before my run and then bring some along. I figured I would try it if it would possibly improve my run.

I am not sure if was the shoes or the drink or what but I had a great long run yesterday. I ran the whole way, the whole 11 miles! Alan and the kids met me the halfway point with water refills and then I was on my way. The only bad thing was I *thought* I was running faster and harder than I was but clearly the Ipod was off because it said I did 15 miles at 9-10 minute paces. When I clocked the route using my car, it was only 10 miles, but still did it in a good time. One more long run on Friday before the race 2 weeks from today!
If you are in Chicago, come down and cheer us on. Our time will be wearing cool grey shirts with pink writing   with Jill's quote on the back of the shirt. Check out her site and make a donation if you feel inclined!
https://www.kintera.org/site/c.jtJVJ8MSI...

Setting goals

In three weeks, I will be in Chicago for the big race. I am getting nervous but a little reassured with my good long run today. My time was good and I may not need to take the shuttle during the race to catch up to the runners! I read in the race info that if you are lagging too far behind, they will give you a ride to a closer point on the course so they can reopen street. I hope I can avoid this:).

Yesterday was a weird day, I don't believe in coincidences so at 2:13(Jill and my son's birthday), I looked at my odometer in my van and noted that it took exactly 13.1 miles from the zoo parking lot to our driveway and noticed for the first time that the last three numbers of my license plate is 131. Obviously, I have the race on my brain but it was weird nevertheless.

I cannot believe that 3 months ago, I took on this seemingly enormous physical challenge in memory of my dear friend, Jill. At the time it seemed almost impossible that I could run 13.1 miles, however today I ran almost 12. I guess motivation and determination can allow you to attain any goal.

My goal is to finish the race and while  raising at least $1310 for Jill's Triple Negative Breast Cancer fund to help find a cure for this underresearched and aggressive disease with no cure. If you would like to help, please click here:
https://www.kintera.org/site/lookup.asp?c=jjLVL8PSIuG&b=6125601 and indicate me in the "gift note" so I can properly acknowledge your generous contribution.

Getting close

Just got back from a 10 day trip with the family to the east coast. I did a pretty good job of sticking to the training schedule, even did an 11 mile long run(with plenty of walk breaks), a few 3 milers and a 10k. We were at the beach so it wasn't so hot, which was great! I am now getting a bit nervous for the big run in less than a month. I definitely need to pick up my speed in order to finish in the 3 1/2 time limit. It is doable since that is really 15 minute miles but doesn't give much wiggle room for walk/water breaks. I realized yesterday the best way to increase my speed is to do intervals on the treadmill. Since I have been staying away from treadmill and only running outside, this will be a shift but will also help with the training since it is now getting so hot in the late morning when I do most of my running since I have the kids home.
Today, I am headed to the running store to buy more comfy shoes...