my brand new kicks!

For years I wore the wrong running shoe!  I was told by a runner friend that I should get shoes for over-pronation because they offered more support.  Me, being the newbie runner, went out and purchased some Asics with the Duo-max support system.  At the time I ran only short distances, 5K was about my max.
It's very difficult to assess a shoe until you run at least 10K in them.  I know that now.  I have owned several pair of Asics and Saucony but always went for that support when I purchased my new shoes.

Last year I started running longer distances, 8K's, 10K's and even 15K's were now part of my training.
In the spring I ran the SP10k and after the race I felt pain in my left ankle.  The more I ran the worse it got.

I went into a few running stores and finally ran into a salesman willing to take the time to assess the way I moved and was willing to delve into my ankle soreness.  He watched me walk, run and squat.

To my surprise, I DON'T pronate!!! I'm about as neutral as they come.  I was fitted for a shoe and even though I was reluctant at the time I gave them a whirl.  The shoe I brought home was the Saucony Triumph and it turned out to be a total winner!   This is now my third pair and I am in love.  I have ran several 10K races and two half marathons in these shoes and I don't even think about my feet when I run.

The Triumph is a neutral shoe with a lot of cushion.  The 8mm offset is pleasing to the foot and weighs in at 9.6 oz.  The toe box in this shoe is generous.  I have a lot of room and never feel my toes touching anywhere.  I can't say enough good things about this shoe.

Now, as I said, this is my third pair.  I'm not usually into the flashy colours but this time I went out on a limb and ordered this crazy blue/citron/silver combo and I'm adoring them!!!  Tried them on for the first time today and I can just hear them screaming, "Let's go, let's RUN"!!!

the definition of crazy...

Signing up for a half marathon three weeks after you just ran one!

Folks, that's me!!  A little ambitious, I will admit, but now that I am home and sitting cozy on my sofa, I'm so glad I ran it.

Originally, the Road2Hope half was my "back-up" race. Just in case I became ill or injured and unable to run the half three weeks ago. You know, it's really tough to sign up for a race and then not participate. Despite my numerous physical ailments ... sore calves, black toe, stiff hips... I decided to pull my "mental self" together and run. And run I did!!! Coming out of it with a PB in the half, I ran it in 1:57:36.

I am stoked! My second half marathon and a sub 2!!! Wow! who would have thought?

I had the benefit of running in very chilly temperatures this morning. For me, that meant my aches were minimized ... when your extremities are frozen it's hard to feel pain.

The race took place in Hamilton, a burb outside of Toronto. The full marathon captured some NYC runners that were faced with a cancelled race. I'm happy they got to run. It was a scenic route, some downhill which was nice for a change. The last seven kilometers was along the waterfront and flat.

As I approached the final kilometer, I was happy to see my sweetie, who also raced the half. Since his times blow mine away he was able to run me in the last 500 meters. That definitely helped give me a little boost.

As I crossed the finish, I looked at the clock and couldn't see any number "2"'s ... I knew that was a good, good thing. So PB at Road2Hope, injuries and all, I will take it!

Adrian and I at the finish...