New Inov-8 Running Shoes and Instagram Inspiration

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I know I've been quiet on the blog-front lately. I've been busy but no more than usual. Mostly I think it's because I can't exercise. Well, that's not true. I can exercise, I just haven't been. I wrote about my first gym visit and the joy I felt on the elliptical, but that didn't translate into anything regular. I guess I'm on a bit of a hiatus.

This weekend is too jam-packed with activities to commit to anything so my new goal is to return to a routine on Monday. I think I'll set the bar low for my first week and commit to three gym visits next week - three times, for at least 20 minutes of cardio. I can do that. I want to do that. There, it's done.

In other fitness related news, I bought some new running shoes. My Brooks are literally falling apart, which is no surprise given that they are two years old! I'm sure I've run way more miles than is advised. But I haven't had any issues so I figured why buy new shoes? Then again, I have been having that hip pain. Anyway, I wasn't thrilled with the new designs of the Brooks so I tried on some other options that were still in the minimalist genre of running shoes.

I went to the Marin Running Company and made sure that the owner, Charles, would be there. He's never steered me wrong in the shoe-buying department. 

Hi Charles!

I tried on several pairs of shoes (and "ran" - very slowly because I'm still healing - up the block in each of them to test them out). In the end it came down to the Pearl Izumi Project Emotion trail N1...

A good looking shoe, very comfortable, and with an interesting midsole design that left me feeling I was getting an extra push with each step. Not sure why I didn't go with these. Maybe it was because the name of the second pair sounded like a rocket ship.

Meet the Inov-8 F-lite 215.

Performance fit with 6mm differential ideal for weightlifting and running on hard pack terrain. Reinforced medial and lateral sections increases protection for climbing ropes. A large contact area sole design enables good grip and stability when running or exercising. Female specific fit.

Behold the Inov-8 F-lite 215

Also a good looking shoe, and when I had them on, my feet felt light and very in touch with the ground. It's hard to describe, but I liked them. The only problem is the size 8.5s were too small but the 9s seemed too long in the toe area (though the rest of the shoe felt fine). So I went with the 9s knowing that my feet will swell as I'm running. I hope that was a good decision. I'll be sure to write about how it goes.

Charles was talking with me about the benefits of rotating several pair of running shoes so I might go back for those Pearls too. Not sure I can justify the expense though. But wait...Mother's Day is just a couple days away...!! We'll see.

Ok, a quick mention of my eating. It was bad there for a while. I mean McDonalds, Taco Bell bad. Funny thing, I have NEVER been much of a McDonald's person and am even embarrassed to admit I eat there. But lately their hamburger and a vanilla cone has been calling to me like a choir boy to the priesthood. Unfortunately for a while there, I was listening. But I put a stop to all that and you know what's helped? Instagram.

I signed up again for Instagram so I could post as many pictures of food, exercise and selfies as I want without worrying I'm flooding your timeline on my FB page. My name is losermaintainer and I started posting pics of my meals. That'll get you to thinking about your choices. I'm not posting every bite I put in my mouth but just thinking about sending my food choices out to the interwebs gives me pause.

At lunchtime today I pulled into a strip mall thinking I'd get McDonalds. But when I saw the Trader Joe's next door...I knew I'd feel better if I made a better choice and the thought of posting healthier food choices to Instagram helped inspire me too.

I had the Cubano wrap, the snap peas and the orange for lunch. I saved the banana and yogurt for a snack. Win! I could go on and on about turning this food-ship around but suffice to say, I'm getting it together here. And the healing is going well. Still have moments of discomfort now and then but only when I try to pick up 40+ pound children or stretch to get a sippy cup off the floor of the backseat of my car. The glamor in my life is astounding.

One last thing, I'm stepping up my Twitter energy too. I'm @losermaintainer on there as well. Join me there or on Instagram to keep the party going after hours! Or simply to keep better tabs on how it is I maintain this fabulous figure (oh yes, I just said that) all the while being human and fallible.