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Tag Archives: fitness

Training Log: Getting Back to Speed

November 18, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Training Log: Getting Back to Speed

I’m not training for anything right now. The rest of 2019 is about regaining speed and enjoying myself while doing so. Last week was the first time I ran since New York. My legs didn’t feel sore early in the week, but they began to feel the mileage in the later part.

Monday: Easy 30 minutes + 4-mile hike
Tuesday: Easy 45 minutes
Wednesday: Easy 30 minutes
Thursday: Rest
Friday Easy 45 minutes
Saturday: Cpl. Marc T. Ryan Memorial 5k 21:38
Sunday: Long Run 10 miles at 8:02 pace

Thoughts:

I’m happy with my week and getting mileage in. My body doesn’t feel as sore as previous marathons, which is nice.

I’m looking forward to getting back into training and getting speed back.  Easy runs are just that, easy and uneventful to build mileage back up.

Cpl. Marc T. Ryan Memorial 5k (21:38):

It was windy with gusts of 40 MPH and mile 2, was almost exclusively into a headwind. On top of that, my legs didn’t feel good. I don’t know the last time I ran a 21+ minute road 5k, but it gives me a relative baseline to work from.  I’m happy I showed up and I’m looking forward to getting to more 5ks.

Sunday Long Run: 10 Miles 8:02 pace

I prefer the 10-mile distance above 15 or 20 miles. 8:02 pace isn’t an “easy pace,” and I felt as though I was working hard but not 100%.  Right now, my easy pace is more like 9-10 min miles, but I’m probably going to keep a faster long run each week for now.

Posts from the Week:

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Marathoning | Not for Me

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. This week has a big giveaway! 

Questions for you:

What are your goals for the rest of 2019?

Do you have any big winter plans? 

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Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

November 15, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

The Diadora Mythos Elite TRX is a newly updated shoe from Diadora. For many, Diadora is an unfamiliar brand. If you played soccer, you’d know Diadora is an Italian company that once specialized in both soccer and lifestyle shoes. A few years ago, Diadora moved into running shoes and done a great job. The plush cushioning in their models has been well received.  Plus, many of their models are “only” updated every 18 months to 2 years. Finally, the United States Headquarters is in Philadelphia, which I can appreciate.

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Quick Facts:

Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm

Weight: 10.2 oz

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Fit:

The brand, Diadora, is a wider last shoe altogether. If your feet are wider, it might be a good brand to look into. Many of their models are roomy enough to go down a half size. I don’t because it’s not enough space for me, but many people do. The  Diadora Mythos Elite TRX has a contoured footbed that cradles and guides the foot in a neutral path.

Typically in running shoes, I wear a size 10-11 wide. In the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, I find a size 10 to be most appropriate.

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Ride:

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX uses a new concept in running technology. It gives you support when you need it and not when you don’t need it. The Diadora Mythos Elite TRX simulates the presence of a traditional medial side dual-density system and achieves the same end result by the subtraction of the section on the lateral side.

For instance, say one of your feet pronates and the other does not, the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX will give support to the foot that needs it but will remain neutral for those who don’t. Similar to the once-beloved Nike Lunarglide. Come to think of it; if you were ever a Nike Lunarglide fan, the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX is a shoe to look into.

Blushield technology allows neutral runners to stay neutral, but those were needing stability to get that as well. Theoretically, anyone can run in the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX. Do I quite believe “anyone can run in the shoe,” no, but it will provide support if you need it and not if you don’t.

I’ve run in the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX for several different runs, including workouts, long runs, and easy runs. With the amount of cushion in the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, I prefer the shoe for easy runs.

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Shoe Review

Diadora Mythos Elite TRX Conclusion:

I like the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX and it’s a great trainer for easy runs or recovery runs. The extra cushion during training feels great during recovery runs. If you are looking for a new brand to try, Diadora is a great option. Plus, they sponsor a couple of local races, including the New Jersey Marathon and Philly 10k.  The Diadora Mythos Elite TRX is exclusively available in run specialty. If you are local, I know RunningCo. of Haddonfield, Philly Runner, North Wales Running Company, and Runners High all carry the Diadora Mythos Elite TRX.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Diadora Mythos Elite TRX, 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:

Hae you tried Diadora?

What is your favorite recovery day trainer?

 

Marathoning | Not for Me

November 13, 2019 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , , , , 13 Comments
Marathoning | Not for Me

I don’t love the marathon distance.

I wrote this post almost a week before running the New York City Marathon. About 2 weeks beforehand, I realized I just didn’t “love” marathoning. Before New York in 2018, I thought maybe I didn’t like marathons because I hadn’t run enough. Maybe I just needed practice. So in 2018, I decided to run another. I did well and ran a PR of 3:07.

The truth is, marathons never swept me off my feet. I never felt like I “needed” to run marathons to be a runner. New York has been 3 out of 4 of my marathons. I’ve enjoyed those steps crossing bridges, through Midtown, First Avenue, and all of it. I liked the race, but I don’t enjoy the training, the exhaustion, and 20 miles run.  I don’t “love the grind” of runs more than 15 miles.

I like to run. I don’t need anyone to motivate me to run, but I don’t like to run 20 miles. I don’t go to bed thinking about a long run the next morning. I go to bed, get up, run, and move on with my day. I like the rush of finishing a half marathon or 5k, knowing that I may or may not puke at the end. I don’t quite get that rush from marathons. I finish the marathon, half delusional from exhaustion, and think about what happened.

A few years ago, I decided after my second marathon (Pheonix); I was done with marathons for a while. It was before “Instagram running” was a big thing and not everyone was training for a sub-3-hour marathon or even 2:45.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for anyone going after those goals, but it’s not for me. Neither has ever been a bucket list or goal of mine.

After Phoenix, it took me about 3 years to want to run another marathon. Maybe it will take me three more years, maybe 5, maybe 20, I don’t know. I’m not into it and that’s okay.

Anyone who I’ve talked to in 2019 (about running), knows it has not been my year of running. I’m running 1:30+ half marathons when my PR is 1:22.  sub 20 minute 5ks are working hard, when my goal used to be breaking 18 mins.

It hasn’t been because I don’t work hard, but things haven’t clicked. I’ve had outside stress and I attempted to start marathon training when I should have stuck to shorter stuff and gained speed back.

My goal from Big Cottonwood Marathon was to start and finish the marathon healthy. That didn’t happen. When the opportunity presented itself to run New York City for the third time, I jumped on it. I was beyond grateful from New Balance.

My goal from Big Cottonwood transferred to New York: Start and Finish healthy. It was never to “secretly PR” or to run X time. I simply wanted to finish a training cycle healthy. I was able to do that. The 1:36 a few weeks ago at the Atlantic City half or the 3:27 at NYCM is slower than I’ve run in a long time, I was beyond happy to finish my slowest marathon yet.

After some rest and recovery, my goal is to regain speed something I’ve lost since early 2018. I want to run fast. Gone are the days that a sub 20 minute 5k seems “easy” to me and it’s something I need to work hard to get back too.

I’m ready to start training for shorter things and gain speed back. I am ready for the rush of “feeling fast” and the feeling of a 5k. There aren’t a lot of winter fast 5ks so I’m hoping to get quality mileage, a base, and speed workouts and find some shorter races this spring.

I’m looking forward to shorter distances and a challenge that excites me. Running another marathon to finish or even PR, doesn’t.

Questions for you:

What’s your favorite racing distance?

Are you currently training for anything? 

Training Log: Rest and Rest

November 11, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments
Training Log: Rest and Rest

As most people know, last week, I ran the New York City Marathon.  It went as well as it could for my training and for the day. I ran a 3:27.19. My only goal was to start and finish healthy and I did just that.

After the marathon, I took a week off. I strongly think everyone needs 1-2 full weeks off a year. It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional, elite, weekend warrior, or just getting into the sport. I took two weeks off in September as well as earlier in the year.

To me, and my body, New York City Marathon felt more like a very long run and effort. I raced as hard as I could for the day but it wasn’t my fastest day (in fact, it was my slowest LOL).

The week after the marathon, I was busy with life and work (Tuesday-Friday I spent 12ish hours out of the house), and I can’t say I made time to do all of the “recovery things” except sleep. I walked relatively normal 2 days after the marathon and a full week later, my legs feel stiff but not hurt.

On Saturday, I went and hiked at Hawk Mountain. It was the first physical activity I did all week. We’ve wanted to do this hike for a while but never gotten around to it. It was gorgeous and the views are incredible.

On Sunday, I did my first run back (4 miles) and felt stiff but good. My body felt like I ran a marathon but also hadn’t run in a few days. It felt good to just get moving again.

With minimal working out (just Saturday and Sunday), my running week was boring. I am looking forward to getting back into training for shorter races.  The next few weeks are just focused on building fitness and quality miles.

Posts from the Week:

Asics Nimbus 22

TCS New York City Marathon (3:27.19)

What Makes Maurten Energy Gel and Drink Mixes Different?

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;

How long do you take off after a major race?

Where is your favorite hike? 

Asics Nimbus 22

November 8, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Asics Nimbus 22

Asics Nimbus 22 Shoe Review:

Well…it’s been a long long time since I’ve run consistently in any Asics shoe. The Asics Nimbus 22 is the first shoe in several years that has worked for me from Asics. I used to run a lot of mileage in the Asics Nimbus but Asics got too narrow for my feet and they no longer felt comfortable.  The Asics Nimbus 21 made significant improvement over previous versions, but the Asics Gel Nimbus 22 is even better.

The Asics Nimbus 22 is a high cushion, neutral shoe. The Asics Nimbus been around 22 running shoe generations and is known for the gel and soft cushioning, shock absorption, and gel technology. It’s been a staple of neutral runners for years.

asics gel nimbus 22 shoe review

Asics Nimbus 22 Fit:

The updated Asics Nimbus 22 finally has a more roomy toebox. It’s not a wide shoe by any means, but it runs more true to size. For several years of the Asics Nimbus, the shoe fit almost a size and width short. So most people not only went up a half size-full size, they also went wider to get an appropriate fit.

The Asics Nimbus 22 update now uses a monofilament engineered mesh upper. The jacquard mesh provides excellent moisture management and a high level of breathability.

Plus it provides a more roomy toebox and breathability of the shoe.  The mesh upper is more durable and just fits better.  The heel counter fits better for the Asics Gel Nimbus 22 as well.

asics gel nimbus 22 shoe review

Asics Nimbus 22 Ride:

The Asics Nimbus 22 has always been well known for the premium cushion. It has plenty of cushion to protect the body. The updated version of the Asics Nimbus 22 uses a thicker version of Asics softest and most resilient midsole foam. Plus now, the Asics Nimbus 22 has wrap around gel cushioning in the heel and better-shaped gel inserts in the forefront.

The new wrap-around gel allows your Asics Nimbus 22 to protect your feet no matter how the foot strikes. Whether you are a forefront runner or heel striker, you are going to get the cushion you need. The transition from heel to toe is a lot more seamless as well and it feels less clunky.

How does the Asics Nimbus 22 feel less clunky? The Asics Nimbus 22 now uses Flytefoam Lyte Propel foam.  What is Flytefoam Propel Technology? While it’s also a mouthful, Flytefoam Propel foam is lighter, with a soft and energetic return. The Asics Nimbus 22 now has 2 mm more of this foam.

With the updated Asics Nimbus 22, it’s less rigid. The gel in the Asics Nimbus, made the shoe firmer and less flexible. The deep flex grooves allow the Asics Nimbus to be more flexible and move with your foot.

asics gel nimbus 22 shoe review

Asics Nimbus 22 Conclusion: 
I’ve run just over 100 miles in the updated Asics Nimbus 22 and for me, it fits nicely into an easy run or recovery run day. I like the Asics Nimbus 22, and this is the best update they’ve had in several years.

me asics gel nimbus 22 shoe review

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:

Have you run in the Asics Nimbus 22?

What is a staple running shoe you use?

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