me running
Sep 30 2019
Training and Recovery Log Sept. 30th

I’m not training (at least technically not yet) for anything, but last week marked a huge jump in recovery for me. My previous training log was a bunch of rambling that was barely coherent. When I wrote it, I was waiting to hear if I had some sort of pelvic stress fracture. Like anyone, I was nervous and had played back why it “definitely was” and why “it couldn’t possibly be”.

With my history of bone injury and no relief in 2 weeks, I knew it was time to get an MRI. Would I have a femoral head, pelvis, or sacrum stress fracture? I even went so far as to think a herniated disk could be a possibility (which my dad likes to remind me happened when he was also 29).

Anyway, it was none of those things, which is surprising. My MRI came back and said I had no suspicious bone injuries and no stress reactions or stress fractures. Truthfully, I would be more bummed to have a bone injury than to miss a race. I had A LOT of bone injuries in my early twenties.  I’ve worked hard the last few years to listen to my body and take extra rest when I need it.  Due to my form, I stress my metatarsals so I’ve become very mindful of that.

Plus bone injuries in your pelvis and above the knee are usually a sign of something more serious.

Moving forward, my MRI showed it is not bone-related. With a lot of Active Release Therapy with Dr. Craig from Dr.Kemenosh, I’ve recovered pretty well. It felt like the first 2 weeks; I made no recovery and this week the stars are aligning and I feel almost completely better.

So Where Does This Take Me?

I do believe there is time to “salvage” my running season but I’m not going to stress about it.  I am signed up for another fall marathon and I’ll do a mini buildup. I will disclose that race sometime today or tomorrow. Like my previous goal with Big Cottonwood, my goal will be to start and finish healthy. The older I get, the more that becomes my goal. Do I want to PR? Of course, but I’m realistic that I’m not in the same shape I was in 2018.

Anyway the training of the training log-

Monday: 3000-meter swim
Tuesday: 3000-meter swim
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 30-minute run
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 30-minute run
Sunday: 6 Mile Hike in the Pinelands

My hamstring and butt feel better. I would say I’m about 95% back to feeling better. My running last week was more like plodding. While I only took about 2.5 weeks off, I feel like I took months. I’m just plodding along, happy I can run.

I also know not to be a dummy and jump back into the same mileage I was doing (even when I was starting to taper), then I will end up with a stress fracture.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B29JS3Jltzc/

I’ve been hiking a lot more recently. Even when I couldn’t run a step, hiking has never felt painful. It feels good to continue to do that.  Between that and swimming, the cross-training has kept some fitness.

This training log was a bit more enjoyable to write than last week.

Posts from the week:

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

Aftershokz Aeropex Headphone Review

Hiking Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you ever dealt with hamstring tendinitis? 

Are you training for anything? 

 

Hollie 0 Comments
Florham Park Diner milkshake
Sep 28 2019
Florham Park Diner

Florham Park Diner

Recently I went to the Florham Park Diner. I’ve wanted to go to the Florham Park Diner for a while, but the timing never works out.

Atmosphere: B
The Florham Park Diner is located in a small strip mall. It’s not a standalone building, and it might be challenging to find if you aren’t paying attention.

Florham Park Diner

The inside of the Florham Park Diner is clean and modern. You walk in next to a dessert case, and there are plenty of booths, tables, and a full-length bar.

Coffee: A
The Florham Park Diner serves South Jersey local, Lacas Coffee! It’s incredible to see Lacas coffee 90 minutes north. The coffee was brewed hot and fresh, and the waiter refilled it often.

Florham Park Diner coffee

Food: B
The Florham Park Diner has everything a regular diner would have. There is all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even though it was dinner time when I was there, I decided to order the breakfast burger with waffle fries.

Florham Park Diner breakfast burger

The breakfast burger was massive and heavy. I felt like I was getting a workout just lifting the burger up! It was good and topped with an egg and pork roll. It could have used a sauce or something. I added waffle fries, which was tasty.

Florham Park Diner breakfast burger

Dessert: C
I decided to order a vanilla milkshake, and it was boring. It felt like a cup of vanilla ice cream. There was no whipped cream or cherry, and it was bland. It was edible but nothing unusual.

Florham Park Diner milkshake

Florham Park Diner Service: A
The waiter at the Florham Park Diner was good, and the food came out fast.

Cost: $
For my burger, coffee, and milkshake, it was $20.

Overall Thoughts/Would I come back to Florham Park Diner?
The Florham Park Diner was a decent stop, and I was happy with my meal. It wasn’t the greatest meal ever, and if I go back, I will probably order something else.

Atmosphere: B
Coffee: A
Food: B
Dessert: C
Service: A
Cost: $8-20
Overall: B

You can see all diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
What is your favorite type of milkshake?

Hollie 1 Comments
New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review
Sep 27 2019
New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review:

Quick Facts:
Weight: 5.2 oz

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

Many brands are coming out with the full carbon length shoe. The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is the short distance answer from New Balance. It’s not meant for 10ks, half-marathons, and marathons. It’s intended for a short race. At the 5th Avenue Mile, was when people took note of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280. Most, if not all, New Balance sponsored athletes were wearing the New Balance Fuelcell 5820. Jenny Simpson won wearing the shoe.

So why 5280? There are 5280 feet in a road mile.

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

The New Balance Fuellcell 5280 Upper:

Many New Balance models are now using a brand new mesh upper, similar to the Nike Flyknit material. It’s a close knit, breathable material. It fits tight and the laces are short.

One thing I don’t love about the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is how difficult it is to put the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 on. Any racing flat is challenging to put on, but with one seem, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is challenging. While trying it on for the first time, I was worried I would rip the shoe. That being said, once they are on, they fit well. I typically wear between a size 10-11 wide. The men’s size 9 (women’s 10.5) of the New Balance 5280 fits well.

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Ride:

The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is best for short races. I haven’t run any road miles, but I have raced a few 5ks and felt fast every time. With the carbon fiber plate, the 5280 propels forward. It feels like a true racing flat or even track spike with a carbon plate. Now if only it was durable enough for longer than a 5k.

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

There are a few things with the New Balance Fuelcell 5280:

With the design of the underfoot, you land more on your toes. It feels more like a spike, designed to put you on your toes. If this isn’t how you run, you will be sore.  You will heavily stress your metatarsals so it’s important to work into the shoe. The traction and bottom of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is distinct. It has rubber, raised triangles like a spike.

With the carbon plate, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 also uses the fuelcell technology (like the Fuel Cell rebel).

Now on to the actual ride of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280. What makes it great? The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is pure minimalist. The Fuelcell propels With the Hoka Carbon Rocket is designed for ultras, the Nike Vaporfly designed for marathons, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is a fast, minimalist shoe.

Run for the toilets onancock breaking tape

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review Conclusion:

The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 has become my favorite short-distance running shoes. I’m hoping more brands will make a fast carbon fiber plate shoe designed for shorter races like the 5k or even half marathon.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro, 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

What is your favorite racing shoe?

What is your current favorite shoe? 

Hollie 0 Comments
Aftershokz Aeropex Review
Sep 25 2019
Aftershokz Aeropex Headphone Review

As many people know, I use Aftershokz Air headphones will running. I appreciate that they go over the ear, and you can hear your surroundings as well as listen to music or podcasts. They are completely wireless, and after using Aftershokz Air for about two years, I haven’t had an issue.

Recently Aftershokz has made a few new changes to their headphones. This includes removing the “Trekz” from the name Aftershokz “trekz.” Instead of being called the “trekz air” or “trekz titanium,” they are called Aftershokz Air, Aeropex, and Titanium. This might not mean a lot, but it keeps people from confusing brands and thinking “trekz” and “aftershokz” are different…which we’ve had multiple times in running specialty.

Aftershokz Aeropex Review

Anyway, I was excited when Aftershokz contacted me to try one of their newest headphones: The Aftershokz Aeropex. The Aeropex is lighter with longer battery life than previous models.

I haven’t quite reviewed them in order, but close. To preface, I’ve never had an issue with “regular headphones.” You know, the ones with janky wires, but when I began using Aftershokz a couple of years ago, I discovered what I was missing. Bluetooth? No wires? Comfortable fit? Plus Aftershokz uses bone conduction technology which allows you to hear things around you.

Aftershokz Aeropex Review

What is Bone Conduction Technology?

Aftershokz uses open ear bone conduction technology, which delivers music through your cheekbones. All Aftershokz Headphones sit over the ear, which makes them safer. You can hear your surroundings and also your music.

So How Does Bone Conduction Technology Work?

They are designed to allow you to hear your surroundings. Bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones. This means while using Aftershokz Aeropex, your ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds.

Aftershokz models aren’t noise-canceling headphones, but that is the point. There isn’t any sound leakage from the Aftershokz Aeropex, so your neighbors or running buddies won’t hear what you’re listening too.

Aftershokz Aeropex uses 30-degree angled transducers that reduce vibration and enhance sound quality. This means the quality of sound is better than previous models, but you will still hear your surroundings.  Plus you can get a higher volume while still hearing your surroundings.

What makes Aftershokz Aeropex Different?

The open-air design of the Aftershokz Aeropex makes them a great choice for running outside. Even at high volume, you’re able to hear traffic and your surroundings. Even when the Aftershokz Aeropex is at the highest setting, you can hear surroundings.

Do Aftershokz Aeropex Move Around?

No, I’ve never had an issue with the Aftershokz Aeropex falling off or moving while on a run. I’ve never had an issue with any Aftershokz model moving around and I’ve logged no less than 500 hours in all models total.

Aftershokz Aeropex Features:

  • IP67 Waterproof Rating: This means the Aftershokz Aeropex has water resistance to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. You can’t go swim laps in them (like the Xtrainerz), but you should be fine in inclement weather.
  • The Aftershokz Aeropex has battery life for up to 8 hours. Plus the charging cable allows them to charge quickly (fully charged in 2 hours). Plus the Aftershokz Aeropex will alert you when there is moisture on the wires.
  • Bluetooth and easily connected to your phone.
  • Open Air Bone Conduction: Ability to hear your surroundings
  • The OpenFit™ design of Aftershokz Aeropex is comfortable during long-term wear.
  • The Aftershokz Aeropex are the lightest bone conduction headphone on the market, weighing less than 1 ounce (26g). The Aftershokz Aeropex is 30% lighter than previous models.
  • Bluetooth v5.0 stays connected for up to 33 ft.

The Cons of Aftershokz Aeropex:

  • Not noise canceling: If you are looking for noise-canceling, Aftershokz Aeropex won’t do that. That’s not the point.

Is Aftershokz Aeropex Right for You?

If you are running, especially outdoors, I recommend getting a headphone that you can hear your surroundings. You never know what’s around you. Many races only allow Aftershokz so you can hear your surroundings and instructions from race course volunteers.

Aftershokz was kind of enough to send me a 15% off link for readers. Just use this link.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. 

In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried Aftershokz Aeropex? Have you tried any Aftershokz models? 

What is your favorite headphone? 

Hollie 3 Comments
Sep 24 2019
Hiking Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail

Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail (Philadelphia, PA)

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I wanted to check out the Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail near Philadelphia. The Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that features multiple trails for runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. The orange trail and white trail and slightly more technical than Forbidden Drive. The Friends of the Wissahickon do a great job maintaining the trails for the city of Philadelphia.

We’ve run at Wissahickon dozens of times but never taken the back trails and hiked. The Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail is a 9.2 mile trafficked loop trail.  It has a waterfall and isn’t too technical that with the right shoes, most people are able to hike.

If you’ve never been The Wissahickon Valley Park, there are more than 50 miles of trails. You can run, hike, or bike and forget you’re still in Philadelphia.

The main trail, Forbidden Drive, runs five miles along Wissahickon Creek. Forbidden Drive is a wide, flat, gravel, road that I’ve run on many times.

While HikingWissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail You’ll see a little bit of everything Philadelphia has to offer:

  • Wissahickon Gorge
  • Valley Green Inn
  • Covered Bridge
  • Fingerspan Bridge
  • Runners, hikers, and mountain bikers
  • Possibly horseback riders too (We didn’t that day, but we do many times we are running)
Hiking Wissahickon Greek Gorge Loop Trail
No fast runners allowed
Hiking Wissahickon Greek Gorge Loop Trail
At the top of Chestnut Hill while hiking Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail

Hiking Wissahickon Greek Gorge Loop Trail

The Wissahickon Gorge

Hiking Wissahickon Greek Gorge Loop Trail
The main attraction of hiking Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail.

Hiking Wissahickon Greek Gorge Loop Trail

 

hiking Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail

hiking Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail
hiking over the Fingerspan Bridge bridge at Wissahickon Creek Gorge Loop Trail

You can see all hikes here.

In all, it was a great afternoon. Let me know, have you been hiking in Philadelphia? What’s your favorite part?

Hollie 0 Comments
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