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. 

Guest Post: Jackie's Race Report from the Urban Escape Half Marathon

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Get the tissue out, this one will pull at your heartstrings, in a good way. Below is an inspirational guest post from my runner/mom friend Jackie. She's made many appearances in past blog posts and race reports. Jackie is a huge fan/supporter of my journey - and I of hers - thank you Jackie. I'll turn it over to her now.
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I woke up early to participate in the Inaugural Urban Escape Half Marathon in Novato. My running clothes and gear were laid out the night before, so I quietly got myself together and made my way to the kitchen. I sat down for my typical pre-run meal; two packets of instant oatmeal and a couple cups of coffee. I probably should have loaded up on water as well but was more concerned about pit-stops than dehydration. Then I successfully made my way out of the house without waking the kids.

I was ill-prepared for this event. I was physically and emotionally drained from some intense family issues that had taken place weeks prior. It was an extremely difficult time and I was exhausted. Not to mention I did not have the opportunity to get any long runs in. I had only run 6 miles the weekend before and 2 miles the week before that. But, rain or shine, I needed this run.

I had this event on my calendar for months. It was a personal goal. And if there is one thing I am good at, it is following through on what I set out to do. In my world of chaos, achieving goals I have set for myself makes me feel like I am in control. It makes me feel strong. I am able to focus on something positive and not get caught up on life’s little stresses. And, believe me; I have my share of stresses. 

Next week marks my baby’s first birthday. So, you can imagine the kind of year I have had…..sleepless nights, breastfeeding, diapers, laundry, etc. Simultaneously, my 3 year old is potty training, learning about boundaries and acclimating to life with a sibling. I knew going in, child number two would bring its own set of challenges. So, I set my wellness plan and goals before he was born. I wanted to make sure that I did not lose control over “me” during this crazy time. For starters, I signed up for the online Weight Watchers program and a 4 Mile running event four months out. One important thing I have learned about myself is that if I pay for something, I am adamant about seeing it through. 

As soon as I recovered from my C-Section and received clearance from my doctor, I hit the streets. First long walks, then short runs. After I returned to full time at work, I was only able to run on Saturday mornings. I dubbed myself a “weekend warrior,” running a 5-mile route each week. And, I also continued to sign up for running events each month. This kept me going. And so I find myself here, this morning, with my third Half Marathon of the year.

Deb, me, Laura, Laurie (L to R)

I was joined by my fabulously fit girlfriends who were as excited as I was to be participating in our big hometown event. The race began and we started out as a group, engaging in conversation and laughs and then, one-by-one, each set our own pace. When I run, I relish the quiet in my brain. I stopped carrying an ipod years ago. I look forward to the random things that come to mind or the issues I am able to resolve. Sometimes I laugh and other times I cry. I love having this time to myself. During this particular run, both stress and relief from the pressures of the preceding days brought me to tears. But once released, I felt strength; strong enough to finish. 

official race picture

But, when I came across the 10 mile marker, my left knee gave out. I needed to stop running and briefly walk it out. This has happened before and is a result of insufficient training or not enough stretching. I am certainly not a model runner. Fortunately, I was able to continue, but had to take frequent walk breaks. As I approached the final stretch down San Marin Drive, I started to get choked up. It was more difficult getting through this event than I had originally anticipated. Then, I spotted my husband and 3 yr. old on the sideline cheering me on. The site brought me to tears...

... but gave me the kick I needed to push through the victory lap. 

My family joined me at the Finish and at that moment, nothing meant more.

After each event I am able to celebrate the success of having reached another goal. I need to feel accomplishment and forward movement. I need to momentarily forget about the ever growing pile of clothes in the corner of my room, the button that I have not yet sewn back on to my husband’s shirt or the reason for my son’s last time out. I’ve got a list of mundane tasks and stresses that will never cease. 

So for me, setting these personal goals is keeping me well. During the last year I also completed one 10K, two 12Ks, one 15K and two other Half Marathon events. WOW! Looking at that list now makes me so proud.

This last year I have only run to finish. My race time today was 2:36.54 with an 11:55 pace. But, it’s time to start setting personal record goals. For starters, I’d like to see myself post a 10 minute mile. I’ll get there soon. I’ve already scheduled my next event!  

me, Deb, Laura, Laurie at the finish!