The Old Soft Shoe (New, Actually)

For my report on my most recent run I have to give you a photo of the equipment since I didn’t take any pictures of the scenery. These are my new shoes, which look incredibly like my old shoes as well as like my three previous pairs. Runner’s rule: When you find a running shoe model that you like, keep buying it until the next version comes out. Stick with what works as long as you can. I fully expect this model, the Saucony Hurricane X, to go out of existence soon, now that I’m deeply attached to it.

Here's my report on what went on this past week. Wednesday I did the previously mentioned five-miler. I ran hard (did 4 x 3 minutes of speed on the straightaway, plus sit-ups, push-ups, parallel-bar lurchy things). Thursday I had an hour on my hands in the morning and so went for a 9-mile bike ride out the Ohlone Greenway. I didn’t push especially hard, but kept the pace steady. By Wednesday night I was—to use the technical term—toast. I felt mentally and physically drained and whimpered my way home from work and right into bed. Thursday morning I immediately turned away any thoughts of going for my scheduled run. I was wupped, and couldn’t figure out why.

Thurs. night Z opined that I might be iron-deprived. He gave me an iron pill and I went to bed. (Wish I could tell you how many mg. it was, but I’m not at home now and can’t remember.) Wow! Friday morning I felt human again. I can’t say if it was the iron or the extra rest, but I was s-o-o-o grateful. I don’t make a good sick person.

Saturday I bought the new shoes. Sunday (yesterday) I did my running club’s Fourth Sunday Run. (My friend M. from work did it too—she won her age group!) I turned in the best 5 K that I’ve run since June 2003. My time of 30:36 means I ran sub-10-minute miles. Barely, but undeniably. I conclude that doing speed intervals, like other challenging activities, is a double-edged sword. It can kill me (or make me feel the way I felt Wednesday night, like I’d appreciate being killed), but if I survive, it can make me strong.

I promise to report on the 10 K trail run, coming up Sunday. My friend K. did a trial run yesterday, and said the course offers “…long, gradual 65-70 degree (?) angle hills (only a couple). ” Encouragingly (?), she added “The rest is twisting, turning and rolling—fun!” Fun, I hope. Challenging, I don’t doubt. I haven’t done a trail race in many years. Will check my old running logs for just how many years and get back to you.

Ps. Needless to say, last week was not one of those yay-I-did-20-miles weeks. But the week previous to that I did log 20.25. Credit to me when credit is due.