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NYCM Training Week 3: Race Tuneup and Miles

October 21, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
NYCM Training Week 3: Race Tuneup and Miles

It’s hard to believe in 2 weeks I’ll have (hopefully) run my next marathon. Training is going as best as it can in a short period. This 5-week buildup has been different than any other marathon because it’s short and I’m feeling undertrained. My goal is to get to both the start and finish line healthy. I don’t have a goal to run X time, but I solely want to run healthy and enjoy myself.  I am contemplating running the marathon more like a long run than race as a hard race. I would appreciate it more as well as recover faster.  I haven’t fully decided though yet.

Monday Easy 50 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 50 minutes
Wednesday: 10 miles averaging 8:19 with a fast finish
Thursday: Easy 4 miles with Jen M.
Friday: Swim 3000 meters
Saturday: Easy 60 minutes
Sunday: AC Half Marathon+ 7 miles for 20 total miles

 

Thoughts:

The goal on Sunday was to test my hamstring with 20 miles. It felt 100% fine for the entire race and miles afterward. It was the best-case scenario. It feels good that I’m able to push runs I couldn’t a few weeks ago. Fast and track style workouts are what aggravate it the most. Long runs and marathon paced work doesn’t seem to bother it anymore.

The Progression of my Hamstring (High Hamstring Tendinitis stemming from the glute medius). 

5 weeks ago, I couldn’t run.

3 weeks ago, I could only run very slow.

2 weeks ago, it was noticeable to run fast.

1 week ago, it was somewhat noticeable to run fast.

This week it fine to paces up to 6:55. (I just haven’t done anything faster than that)

So there is progress when I type it out like that.

From here, I’ll run a fairly similar run next week (not 20 miles though) and do a short taper. I’m also realistic that my training cycle has been nothing close to ideal. That’s okay, that’s been the theme of the entire 2019.

I am trying to find the best words to say: I just don’t like marathons. I don’t like the training and I feel like it’s not the right fit for me. After NYCM, I doubt I’m going to train for another for a while (I am talking years). I would need a good reason to want too. Truthfully, if NYCM wasn’t such a prestigious race and big deal, I probably wouldn’t run, but I like New York.  I like the race, the environment, and everything else.  I just don’t like marathons or marathon training.  As you can see, I need to find better ways to convey those thoughts.

In all, it was a good week and it was the best case scenario at Atlantic City.

Posts from the Week:

Gritty 5k (20:45)

Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

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 dealt with hamstring pain?

Do you like marathons?

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New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

October 18, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

So far, New Balance has created a few shoes in their “Fuelcell line.” The New Balance Fuelcell Rebel (I most likely will run New York City Marathon in), the New Balance 5280 (the carbon plated 1m-5k shoe), The Balance Fuelcell Propel (which I have yet to try) and the New Balance Fuelcell Echo.

I initially thought the New Balance Fuelcell Echo would be my marathon shoe, but I think (for me), the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel will be a bit better.In general, the New Balance Fuelcell collection and technology is designed to be fast.

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Quick Facts:

Weight: 8.3 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Fit:

The New Balance Fuelcell Echo fits almost exactly like a sock. I haven’t had a shoe fit so well and be comfortable from putting it on in a while.

The New Balance Fuelcell Echo uses an engineered knit upper, which provides structure but breathes well. I’ve run a couple of times in hot and humid conditions and the New Balance Fuelcell Echo breathed throughout the run.

The heel of the New Balance Fuelcell Echo has a TPU heel counter, which makes or a secure fit. Many brands, including the Brooks Levitate 2, have tried (and failed) to use a higher heel counter. The New Balance Fuelcell Echo doesn’t irritate the heel of the shoe and fits well.

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and the 10.5 fits well. 

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Ride:

All of the New Balance Fuelcell shoes are designed with speed and performance in mind. They are all designed to be faster shoes. Where does the New Balance Fuelcell Echo fit? The New Balance Fuelcell Echo is a good road and an everyday trainer. While you can race or run faster, it’s more designed for the bulk of your mileage.

New Balance’s vision with the New Balance Fuelcell Echo is the shoe you can run in as well as casually wear around. I tend to agree that it’s one of the few trainers I like for both running and casually living life.

Like the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel, the Fuelcell Echo has a full-length fuel cell midsole. That means it has a high energy return.

Finally, one thing I appreciate in the New Balance Fuelcell Echo is the traction and grip. The entire outside is crafted with “Ndurance,” which is a rubber that is both light but also durable. The New Balance Fuelcell Echo isn’t a shoe I would take on trails, but it is great for inclement weather.

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Conclusion:

The New Balance Fuelcell Echo surprised me. I appreciate the cushion of the Fuelcell Echo but also that it can be worn more as a lifestyle shoe.

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 a shoe you wear casually? 

What is your favorite racing shoe? 

 

Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

October 16, 2019 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

The Heroes to Hero 5k is well put together, the money raised goes to a good cause, and you get a cotton long-sleeve T-shirt. I always see a lot of friends and coworkers so I enjoy it. Even though it was my slowest Heroes to Hero 5k yet, I had an enjoyable time with friends.

Anyway, as I get back into my running my body feels like it’s taken 12 steps back. In the last couple of weeks, I can’t seem to get into a groove or fitness back. I haven’t run anything fast in over a month, and my body felt that. I was hoping I would be faster than 20:30, but that’s all my body had for the day.

With the Heroes to Hero 5k, you must take a bus over from Glouster to the start in Audubon.  The bus ride was easy and we made it to the start with about 20 minutes to spare. The race went off a few minutes late and before I knew it, we were of.  I got to chat with a lot of friends in the beginning which is always fun.

The Heroes to Hero 5k started fast. I felt like I was flying. I crossed the first mile in 6:20 and thought it would be awesome to break 20 minutes. My body quickly reminded me I hadn’t done any speed in a few months and my calves were stiff. I began to feel the tightness of my hamstring, but it was a different tight than it’s been.

Around mile 2, I passed a few men. I could see the first place female (a 13-year-old) way out in front and I knew I wasn’t in shape to catch her. I just progressed on. My body hurt after mile 1 and it felt like a death march for miles 2 and 3. I could have finished the race at mile 1 and been perfectly content.

I hit mile 2 of the Heroes to Hero 5k in 6:35 and I thought I was going slower than that. My legs were stiff and I was tired. My body just wanted to be done.

We ran under the giant firetruck and flag and I was counting down the final mile. .9 to go,  then .89. I had taken out the race entirely too fast for where I’m at with life now and it bit me in the butt. I crossed the Heroes to Hero 5k finish line in 20:30.

 

Heroes to Hero 5k Thoughts:

I’m not thrilled with a 20:30 time but for now that is the shape I’m in. After my marathon, I’m looking forward to getting back into speed and working on that.

Questions for you:

Do you have a favorite local 5k?

Do you prefer loop courses or point to point? 

NYCM Training: Increasing Mileage and Racing

October 14, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
NYCM Training: Increasing Mileage and Racing

As New York City Marathon looms closer and closer, I feel less and less prepared. My only goal is to start and finish healthy, something I couldn’t do for Big Cottonwood. I’m at peace with that decision, although I do wish my hamstring felt better than it does. Running doesn’t make it worse, actually walking and sitting is the worst. It doesn’t hurt or alter my stride, but it’s noticeable when I run faster than about 6:40 pace. Anyway, running is going as well as it could right now.

Monday Easy 50 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 50 minutes
Wednesday: 10 miles averaging 8:06 fast finish
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Easy 60 minutes
Saturday: Heros to Hero 5k 20:30
Sunday: Gritty 5k 20:45 (total mileage 15)

Thoughts:

As you can see, it was a busy week. I got in miles. While traditionally, this should be “peak week” for NYCM, it won’t be for me. I’m hoping to sneak in one more week of bigger training for the New York City Marathon. I want to do a 20 miler beforehand because I want to know how my hamstring will respond to that.  It’s getting better but I do find I’m on the edge of pushing it, but not pushing it too far too set me back. I don’t want any surprises running 26.2 miles.

I don’t think I’m going to do any “traditional” speed work before NYCM because I’m already increasing mileage and with races, I think that’s enough.

I didn’t have the time to swim last week (because I chose to sleep).

Heroes to Hero 5k: 20:30

This is one of my favorite 5ks in the area. It’s flat, fast, and fun. The weather was ideal, but my legs just didn’t feel good. It wasn’t my hamstring but general soreness of upping my mileage. I could have stopped at mile 1 and not felt guilty about it, but it was a point to point course. I’ve come to terms with where I’m at fitness-wise right now.

Gritty 5k: 20:45

If it were most other 5ks, I wouldn’t have run two in a single week. The Gritty 5k was billed as a “fun run” with all proceeds going to charity. They didn’t do awards for winning, just best dressed. If you are any sort of Gritty fan, I highly recommend it. Even if you’re not, I highly recommend it. Which is fine. It was a lot of fun and my legs didn’t feel as bad the second race (weird right)? I felt like I could have run another few miles.

Posts from the Week:

New Balance 1500v5 Shoe Review

Cow Run 10 Miler 1:15.00

Hiking Franklin Parker Preserve

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 was your week of training?

Is anyone else doing NYCM? 

New Balance 1500v5 Shoe Review

October 11, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

New Balance 1500v5 Shoe Review

New Balance 1500v5 Quick Facts:
Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

While I have not run in previous versions of the New Balance 1500, I can tell you the upper has been redesigned while the sole remains the same. Unlike many neutral flats, the New Balance 1500v5 is a rare shoe with support but also lightweight. It could be used for a 5k as well as the marathon. In fact, I originally decided to try the New Balance 1500v5 in hopes I might like it for the New York City Marathon. I do like it, but I haven’t determined if it will be my marathon shoe.  I think I need more shoe.

New Balance 1500v5 Fit:

The New Balance 1500v5 fit is simple and sleek. Unlike the New Balance Fuelcell 5280, the New Balance 1500v5 uses a thin synthetic mesh upper called “Fantom Fit.”Since the New Balance 1500v5  is meant to be a “fast” racing shoe, it does fit more snug. I would find somewhere to try them on before blinding getting a pair. With the minimal seams, I haven’t had any issues with blisters or rubbing.

It fits well to my foot. In running shoes, I wear anywhere between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I find a women’s size 10.5 to fit well in the New Balance 1500v5.

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

New Balance 1500v5 Ride:

The New Balance 1500v5  uses a midsole with REVlite foam.

Anyway, what is “REVlite foam”?

REVlite foam is a different foam than New Balance fresh foam and Fuelcell. Since New Balance is such a large brand, they can get away with having multiple different foams.  The Revlite midsole makes the New Balance 1500v5 light but firm. It’s a fast ride and reliable support throughout the entire run.

The New Balance 1500 series is known for the support too. Unlike the New Balance 1400, the New Balance 1500v5 has denser foam towards the medial side to give support. If you pronate but are still looking for a lighter and more supportive marathon shoe, it’s going to be a good choice.

The traction on the New Balance 1500v5 is one of the better flats I’ve seen. If it’s rainy or inclement weather, your feet are going to grab the ground and not feel like you’re sliding around, which is essential because the Boston Marathon isn’t always wonderful weather.

When running, the New Balance 1500v5 feels firm. Since the New Balance 1500, has a 6 mm drop, you’ll feel the ground. Personally, I like the ability to feel the ground, but know I still have cushion. I’ve run several workouts as well as a few races and like the ability to feel the ground when running.

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

New Balance 1500 v5 Conclusion:

The New Balance 1500v5 is a great racing flat and shoe. New Balance does claim the 1500 can be used up to the marathon. If I were in my running prime, I might try them out, but right now, I’m undecided. I have done track work, long runs, and races but I’m not 100% sure if my body would “love” running a marathon in them. For me, I think they are best suited as a workout and up to a half marathon distance.

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 tried the New Balance 1500v5?

What is your favorite racing shoe? 

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