10 miles closer to 26.2

I ran 10 miles today and, I'm not entirely sure why but I'm really proud that I completed it. It's not a half marathon. It's not that long of a distance considering the whole distance I will be running in October. I think I'm just really happy about it because it was doable, and I could have definitely kept going. It was one of the first times that I've felt confident that I really can run a full marathon. And, there wasn't a single moment where I thought to myself that I could stop before the 10 miles was over. I don't know if that's normal for runners, but occasionally I will tell myself that I want to run say 8 miles and by mile 6 I'm telling myself "you could stop at 6" as if to say that 6 is good enough. I hate that. It's not good enough! But, I should give myself a break - it's usually when my legs are really tight or something is hurting that I say that.

Whatever the reason for my happiness in my success, today was a good day in terms of training. I'm a little behind schedule for my original running plan, but I'll be ok.  Things are coming along.

Last week I decided that my Asics were done for, so I started using just my Newtons. I was worried about doing this because when I first got my Newtons, my legs got so sore (from doing too much too fast) that I could barely walk.  I'm starting to feel more comfortable with doing my long runs with them and think that it may actually even be better because now that I think about it, my Asics and my Newtons are so different that I was probably putting myself on a path to get injured by switching between the two so often.  Running in my Newtons feels so much easier, that's for sure. I would like to have an alternate pair of shoes, so I'm in the market for a new pair to accompany my Newtons. I'm not sure what I will come up with.

Newton Running Shoes

A couple of weeks ago, my mom declared that she was buying me and my sister each a pair of Newton running shoes. I have to admit that before she had said this, I had no idea what the big deal was, or that they even existed. I have always been partial to Asics, but I was totally sold on the Newton shoes and theory after reviewing the website and hearing my mom get so enthusiastic and excited about the shoes. You'll notice the size of the mid-foot location on the shoe, rather than the large heel that most running shoes have. I noted the difference right away just having my Asics sitting next to a pair of Newton's.

This is week two with the shoes and this morning I had my first set back: my legs were too sore to run. Last week I ran two miles and three different days. Let me just say this: they aren't kidding when they say start out slow. It is incredible how little I was using my calf muscles before. I'll be switching between my Asics and Newtons from now on - at least until I build up my muscles...

My mom then shared this link, and this link with me. I'm a little disappointed in myself for not doing my research! There is so much I have to learn about running still. I love that.


P.s. I'm still sold on Newton shoes and theory!