happy thanksgiving

There's so much to be thankful for today and everyday. Here's the short list:

the tryptophan warriors (minus John and Karla)

• faithfulness of God
• family
• friends
• coffee
• sunshine
• my iphone
• clean water
• mexican food
• cheesecake
• flannel sheets
• and of course, the ability to run.

Today, a few friends and I met up in Andover for the annual Feaster Five Road Race. Three of us ran the 5 miler and ten others ran the 5K. Everyone finished and had fun, despite the cooooooold, windy weather. I'm thankful for each and every person pictured and so many more that are not.  I'm now off to celebrate my thankfulness by eating too much food and enjoying some wine and football. 

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and all of yours!

dear asics

Dear Asics,

I love your shoes. I truly do. Every pair of shoe I've run in since I was fitted properly at a local running store have been Asics. Since then I've gone through at least 20 pairs. Some have been Kayanos, some have been 2100 series, a trail running pair, a Gel-Lyte pair, and most recently a couple pairs of 2000's.

When a pair has done it's job of getting me through training for and running a marathon, they are demoted to "everyday" shoes. A new pair comes out of the box and takes it's first spin. (After I smell it first. Please don't judge, there is something wonderful about the smell of a brand new pair of runners!)

I am always satisfied with your products. I am able to wear the shoes right out of the box and they fit perfectly and comfortably. While training for Boston, I pulled a brand new pair out and headed off on an 18mi training run. No blisters, no hotspots, just a perfect fit.

notice the front of the left shoe

If someone asks for a shoe recommendation, I tell them Asics. I love the narrower fit along with a roomy toe box. I love the bright colors. I don't always love the price. And that's where this letter and my dilemma comes into play. I go through two pairs of shoes a year - that's not a lot...but it is $240+ each year. So, I typically will get one pair a year at a local running store and one pair at a box store (Dicks, Sports Authority, etc) or Amazon.com. Which is where I purchased my latest pair that after two runs - just TWO! - began coming unstitched. Unfortunately, I had purchased them in anticipation of my previous shoes being demoted and had passed the 30 day return window.

holey shoes!

I am disappointed that my current shoes are literally falling apart, but I know that it's a combination of my fault for purchasing them through Amazon.com and the manufacturers fault for poor construction. I will continue to wear Asics and recommend them to anyone who will listen. But I will no longer be a sucker for a "deal" price from an online outlet.

reinforcement and defectiveness

Additionally, I appreciate the reinforcement on the inside of the shoe just after the toe box. My former pairs all developed holes in that spot and I noticed on my current (defective) pair that will hopefully not be a problem.


Thanks for making supportive, solid shoes.
Angela 

does a body good

Nope, not milk. Although, yes milk, as well. But I'm talking about a run in the cold, crisp, sunshine. Today a friend and I took off for a run at lunchtime. (Have I mentioned that I'm so glad to work at a place that I can do that?!) It was somewhere in the twenties, but the sun was shining, clear and bright, and there was not a cloud in the sky.

I haven't been running regularly since - well, for a long time. At least a couple of months. And I really  need to get back into it. I'm planning to register for this marathon in the next few days. Not to mention I need some semblance of sanity and order to return to my life. I feel far too off balance without a regular exercise/running routine.

As we headed out today, I just keep thinking one thing: AHHHHHH. This feels so good. So. Good. And despite the red cheeks, runny nose, and frozen fingers that come with winter running, there is also a intangible magical thing about it, too. There is something about the clearness and the crispness in the air. That doesn't happen in the summer when it's a billion percent humidity. When I pull on my tights, mittens, hat, and running jacket and head out the door into the cold air, something happens to my spirit. I immediately feel better.

Yes, there are days when it's grey and so windy that even the shortest run is miserable...but then there are the days, like today, when it is just good. And it does my body, and my mind!, so much good. May you experience the good of getting out for physical activity during these cold winter months that lay ahead.

odds and ends

A few things have come across my radar that I thought I'd share with you; odds and ends that are running (sometimes loosely) related. Enjoy!

First, a video that accurately depicts the stages of marathon running:

Second, the tumblr that I found this video on: http://whatshouldrunnerscallme.tumblr.com/

Third, about a week ago an editorial post came out in the Wall Street Journal. Some rant from a dude who really, really, really hates those pesky 13.1 and 26.2 stickers.

Then there was the rebuttal from Mark Remy of Runner's World., who we all know as snarky, sarcastic, and - in most cases - spot on! At least one of Mark's articles have made an appearance on A Marathon Journey before.