Runner Insight

Running in the winter provides me with some of my most enjoyable runs.  When I can get past the mental barriers I have about running in cold temperatures, I really do enjoy the sights and sounds, and even the stillness of winter.  

The best part of my winter runs is when I’m going over a bridge that’s about 3 miles into my 8 mile run.  I just love the way the winter sun hits the river.  The angle of the sun is lower in the sky, casting a more diffuse light across the water at a different angle than during the rest of the year.  It looks like the cascading of diamonds across the surface, sparkling, glimmering and fading, over and over again, millions of times each instant. Awesome.

Sometimes I’ll just pause and take in all that this winter scene has to offer, free of charge, just for the price of a minute’s stopping and savoring: peace, tranquility, and a calming of my soul.  And even though I can’t see the river the way I used to be able to, the cool thing is that my eyes allow me to view the rushing water in a way I have never before experienced it.  Abstract trees line the banks, as an artists’ brush paints a serene,  indistinct, yet beautiful landscape for my eyes only.  

Nothing makes me feel more alive than when I’m running in the cool winter air, and I find myself grinning like a fool just for the pure pleasure of running. And that’s the way I like it!

How ‘bout it?

-Vision Runner

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Spring Running Tips

I wrote this about ten days ago or so….sorry it didn’t get posted till now!

What a glorious day it was today.  For the first time this year I went running without my running jacket!  Clad in my new running shorts and the electric blue short sleeve running shirt I bought just after Christmas, I headed out for what I knew was going to be a good run.  I had finished listening to the book “Sea Glass” by Anita Shreve so I took along my mp3 player loaded with my running songs.  I was listening to Melissa Etheridge’s “Breakdown” -one of my favorite CD’s to run to.

So after my beautiful sunny day run it occurred to me that I could share some spring running tips I have found useful over the years.

So off we go…

Spring Running Tips number one: No-Sweat Sunscreen

You might think about putting on some sun block before heading out in your running shorts and short-sleeved running shirt or tank top.   Having run in running tights or running pants all winter, exposing much more skin to the sun can cause some discomfort the next day.  But make sure you don’t put regular sun block on your forehead.  You will be sorry when you start to sweat!  You don’t want it burning your eyes while you’re trying to get a good run in. Believe me, I know!  You can get one of the no-sweat sun blocks that won’t burn your eyes. Click Here Now to check out Coppertone’s no-sweat sun blocks

Spring Running Tips number two: Check the weather. 

If there is a chance it might rain…or snow, make sure you bring your running jacket just in case.  I always bring along a snack size Ziploc plastic bag with a rubber band around it, too.  If it starts to rain I slip my cell phone into it and secure it with the rubber band.  It clips right back into the belt clip…albeit a much tighter fit. 

Spring Running Tips number 3: New pair of running shoes. 

If you have been running outdoors all winter, your running shoes have probably seen better days.  And don’t you want to look good when you put on your new spring running clothes? Seriously though, your running shoes wear out faster after being worn in the snow and slush.  They lose their form and don’t fit properly anymore, exposing you to all sorts of unnecessary foot and leg pain.

Spring Running Tips number 4: Leave the running songs.

If you normally go out running with an mp3 player, leave it at home for a change.  Give yourself the chance to listen to all the cool sounds of spring, like the robins singing and people out enjoying the nice weather.  You may even hear the buds starting to come out on the trees…well maybe not, but the sound of your feet hitting the path, and the rhythmic sound of your breathing will make your heart soar and put a smile on your face. Take in some deep breaths and just savor the taste of spring and the smells of new life all around you.

Hopefully you can use some of these spring running tips to your advantage!

How ‘bout it? 

-Vision Runner

Popularity: 3% [?]

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I pretty much like to baby myself when it comes to my running shoes.  This however was not always the case.  When I first started running over 16 years ago, I pretty much bought my running shoes based on how they looked and the price.   Since I bought my running shoes at JC Penney’s that might tell you I wasn’t willing to spend too much for my shoes.

Over the years though, I started to have problems with my shins.  First, it was shin splints. Then it was just very tight shin muscles.  I could only run a few miles, and then I would have to climb Mount Sentinel up to the “M” to alleviate the shin tightness.  While it was a good workout, it frustrated me with my inability to run longer distances.

At one point, about 10 years ago, I was talking with a co-worker about my shins always feeling tight when I ran.  Chad was a fellow runner and immediately suggested I go to the Runner’s Edge (our local running store) to get fitted properly for my next pair of running shoes. 

“Won’t that be expensive?” I worried. He just looked at me and said, “Aren’t you worth it?”  And I had to agree. Yeah, he’s right. I am worth it, and since I do love to run, it’s important to have the right equipment.

Not too long after that, I ended up at the Runner’s Edge, where Anders, the owner was able to tell by watching me walk that I have a tendency to over-pronate.  He said I needed more support and put me into my first pair of Adidas Brevards.  Especially designed for women, these running shoes have served me very well. 

I saw immediate results with my new shoes!  No more tight shins!  And the best part…they looked great too!  The price was almost double what I had been paying before, but to be pain free and know I was wearing the right shoes for my running style was invaluable.

One other important lesson I learned was to buy new shoes more often.  I usually get a new pair twice a year now.  And since my work place rewards employees who use alternate means of transportation to get to work, twice a year I get a gift card good for the downtown stores.  My commuter rewards amount has been very close to the price of a new pair of running shoes each time.  Hey, can’t beat that!

In fact, just last week I bought a new pair…they’re the same color as my previous pair, only the white parts are whiter

See…

We also just set up an interactive spot where you can read about running shoes reviews or place your own reviews or comments about running shoes at www.running-shoes-reviews.pbwiki.com so check it out and add your insights and opinions…

How ’bout it?

-Vision Runner

Popularity: 4% [?]