Monthly Archives: January 2014
Running Shoes, Not Just for Running
I own and walk in Brooks Ghost running shoes. I purchased these shoes from one of my favorite stores Fleet Feet in Montclair, New Jersey. They fit well and are comfortable.
I have to admit though that I am always wondering if there is something that will be more comfortable. While waiting for the Hangover Run to begin, my friends and I started talking to a man with an interesting shoe on. It’s called the Hoka One One.
It looks so cushy and comfy that I had to ask him about it. He said that he broke his foot several years ago and thought his running days were over because of continuous pain. Then he found these shoes. Now they actually remind me of Sketchers Shape Ups which made my challenged knees hurt more so I remain skeptical. They can be expensive too. $130.00 to $170.00 on their website.
So even though I’m a walker I am always seeking advice on running shoes. Any advice out there?
This Healthy Stuff Takes Effort
So this morning on the news the reporters were talking about a half marathon being held somewhere that was very cold today. They mentioned that runners say they can pick their race but not the day. Okay I get it. I’m still concerned about my February 8, 2014 5K because it has been cold as all get out here in New Jersey. I went online looking for long underwear and I was reeling by the time I finished reading customer comments. So here is my current plan. First I’m going to rub and wrap the 62-year-old knees, then tights, then leggings then my Danskin pants. On top the necessary undergarment, an undershirt, tee-shirt, sweatshirt and vest. Hat to top off all. Did I mention hand and foot warmers? Okay this may be overkill but I’m getting ready. Remember I don’t run I walk so while my buddies are getting real warm I’m still gearing up.
What would happen if I was doing a long distance race. Lol. We’ll never know!!!!
Knitting Two Socks on Two Circular Needles an Once Using the Magic Loop?
Really? I looked at several videos on You Tube today and I’m not sure that I should attempt this. I thought about it for a moment because I have never finished a pair of socks. I see sock yarn, fall in love, buy it and rush home and make sock number one. Then I put the whole thing in a bag and never look at it again. I think I have a better chance if I am doing both together but frankly the whole thing looks a bit fussy. Will my stitches be tight enough, will I remember which needle I’m using and then what the heck do you do when you are turning the heel. I think I’m back to just admiring nice socks. We’ll see how I feel when I finish the Wurm Hat cause I have two hanks more of the same yarn. Socks or mittens? We…
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I’d be Working Out If I Lived in Hawaii
Okay I’m relying on excuses but my challenged right knee and the extreme cold don’t mix. It is too darn cold here in New Jersey for me to comfortably hit the streets and walk. My pool is down for at least two more weeks but I will be using another one next week. I can’t help but think though that I would be outside in a heartbeat if I lived in Hawaii ( the only part of this country not experiencing bizarre weather as far as I know.) That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Triwomen Kick Off the Season
Several of my swim buddies and I belong to a group called Triwomen, a group of ladies who volunteer their time and put together a fabulous training season for female triathletes. Every January they bring together a group of girls and women (14 – 70’s) who want to complete sprint triathlons. Now for those of you who have completed an Ironman or two a sprint Triathlon may seem like nothing for me the 62-year-old anti-athlete it’s a big deal.
This group has all types of free activities for members of the group (no membership fees) and they pretty much start in January with the goal of having members ready for August (Jersey Girl) and September (Iron Girl) events. They have swim clinics, riding clinics and running clinics. Any money donated to the group or realized from the sale of Triwomen gear is donated to Breast Cancer research. It’s a win win situation! They have taken many women from beginner to triathlete in less than a year and have lots of finishers to show for it. So I’m in.
Must overcome fear of the bike! Stay tuned.
More Training Challenges
Well for those of you not living in the northeast, we are having a bit of a snow.
My yard and the birdies that eat there
So after an insane visit to the supermarket with the Armageddon shoppers. I came home to drop groceries and head to the pool. Haven’t been in the water since last Thursday. Well I received a message that the pool is still down and that the reopening date is sketchy. OMG, now what? I am so bad with exercising in the house and my other municipal pool alternative is not as convenient. On top of that it is now 11 degrees and dropping so outside exercise won’t be fun either. I have to make an alternate plan and stick to it. Not sure yet but I will have to get up and do it tomorrow! What do you do when your training schedule is interrupted?
Iron Girl Registration …….Done!
So okay this is a sprint triathlon here in New Jersey in September. I registered last year but my very interesting health issues caused me to lose focus and then my training failed. I will not be daunted this year. I paid my money and am determined to make it this year. For those of you that don’t know what a sprint triathlon is, it is short distances.This year the website says the swim is 1/3 of a mile (1/2 in the past) 15 mile ride (longer than last year) and 3 mile run. I am still freaked out about the bike part but I joined HbWomen a riding group affiliated with Hilltop Bicycles in Summit and Cranford New Jersey. When they schedule beginners rides I will be there. I’m even buying a bike in the spring. Of course the knees don’t run but they can still walk and that’s what I’ll be doing. So it’s done. I’m even thinking about a second one.
Training Flexibility
I’m not very flexible in my thinking. Today was a pool day. I had a lot to do so I made sure that I got there soon after the 9:30 am opening. When I got out of my car Wonda was coming out of the gate and she told me the pool was closed due to engineering issues. What the heck. I got back in my car and headed home. For me this meant no exercise today because I was going to go on with my day and that didn’t include an alternate exercise plan.
Half way home I decided to go to the park and walk. It was about 35 degrees (Fahrenheit) Not too cold. I’m a walker not a jogger/runner so I have to go some before I get warm. Anyway I still had time since I would have been in the pool. So I went to the park. Not my best walk, just about 2 1/2 miles but it was something.
I have a goal and that’s to be comfortable in my fall 2014 Triathlon. Training starts now and if I can’t do one thing maybe I can do another. No swim but can I walk and eventually ride? Sure I can. I have to be flexible and just do it!
What are the best Goggles?
This blog has taken a turn and probably this year I will be spending a lot of time on my athletic activities. Hope I don’t lose some of you. Anyway who knew that there were different types of goggles for different types of swims. Okay so some people knew but not me. In my new Swimmer magazine there is a goggle review article. Apparently some come off when you dive or do a fast flip turn (not issues for me) or when you’re swimming a fast race. Good grief. My goal is to get goggles that don’t fill with water or sit too close to my large eyeballs. You don’t want to think about them once you start to swim. The beauties listed below Speedo F3 Elite lists for $75.00! Everything has its price.
Gratitude Is In the Eye of the Beholder
I call my Sunday walk my gratitude walk. I am so glad that I am able to do it. Today I lost count of my laps picked a number and continued. Ran into a friend and then I was truly off. I was aiming for my usual 3 miles.
Not bad for the 62 year old!!
First Steps the Hardest 