I got new sneakers today! If you recall, I had debated what to do with my birthday money and chose to spread the love between yoga and new sneakers. Today was sneaker time. Saturday will be yoga time.

I’ve always wanted to go to a real running store and get advice on what sneakers to buy and today I did. I went to the local Road Runner Sports and did a couple of tests at the Shoe Dog before choosing my new shoes.

First, I stepped on a sensor pad (to the right of the treadmill) with each foot to get foot prints of my arch and stride pressure points that I looked at on the computer. I am between a regular and high arch and tend to put pressure on my the ball of my foot, specifically, my big and second toe. More arch information found here.

High Arch

Next, I ran on the treadmill in just my socks while being recorded. The nice employee went over the video with me and it was painfully clear that my ankles appear as though they are going to collapse inward when I  run. Ouch!!!! I use the inside of my feet much more than the outside and almost kick my feet out at the end of my short, stifled stride. Translation, I am an ugly runner who seriously overpronates. This article from Runner’s World has descriptions and videos that explain pronation so you can try to figure out which you are.

Next, he measured my feet, just like when I was a kid! Then I tried on several pairs of stability shoes including Brooks, Asics, and Nike. In the end I chose Kayano Asics, which provide stability and hopefully, will prevent me from rolling my ankles inward and relying on the inside of my feet too much.

I highly recommend doing this! It was free and very helpful. I’d suspected I overpronated, but the previous Asics I chose were neutral, not stability. I got them because they were super comfortable, but they weren’t doing me any favors.

In the car on the way home I had half an Apricot Cahsew Boomi Bar from Kristina at Nikes and Ponytails. Mark had half last night, hence the man hand picture.

Do you see the boxes? They hold Summit Swag Bag items!!!

When I finally got home I made Quinoa Curry Salad.

The other day on the elliptical I saw a recipe for this, but I could not for the life of me remember where I found the recipe or all the ingredients, so I just cooked quinoa in veggie brother + curry powder and added a bunch of raw veggies: peppers, corn, carrots and spinach. It was good, but it needed something. I think something sweet, like raisins. There are leftovers, so I will try tomorrow.

I also had two more absolutely delicious modified by me  Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

And Day 2 Gymless hit a rough patch. We got Mark’s bike from his house and I took it out tonight, but it had busted breaks. Mark did not warn me about this, and therefore, I think Mark is trying to kill me! Instead, I wrote this post, got excited about my new sneaks and now will do some YOGA!

Oh and guess what? In SMALL WORLD NEWS, Rhodey Girl met my mom today at the Gap! How funny is that?

Good Morning Everyone! I will announce the MojaMix contest winner later today. Until then, don’t forget to use HANGRYPANTS at checkout to get 10% off your order!

My gym membership expired Tuesday and it’s about that time to get training for my second half marathon in September, so I took to the street (err sidewalk) yesterday for a 5 mile run. Easy, right? Yeah, not so much. It was a small torture. Running is hard. I was slow and struggling the whole time, barely managing 10 minute miles. I guess there is work to be done! I can’t believe I ran 13 miles less than two months ago! Actually, I am not that surprised at how tough it was. I’ve run only a handful of times in the last month and I haven’t exactly been killing myself at the gym. I was taking it a little easy knowing this training time was coming again.  I didn’t want to get burnt out on running. Also, I’ve been enjoying myself a little too much at all the summer parties. Move less + eat more = pants that are too tight and a sluggish runner. Like I said, there is work to be done!

I tried to stretch my legs as much as possible when I got home, knowing I would be sore this morning. I a happy to report I am not that sore. My calves are a wee bit tight. I was pretty hungry when I got home from the run so I had a quick dinner pretty early last night. I threw together a quick salad with a side of Trader Joe’s Pilaf.

Table of Salad Contents:

• Baby Spinach
• Raw Corn off the Cob
• Tomatoes
• Red Pepper
• Cucumber
• Dr. Prager’s
• Dijon + Apple Cider Vinegar

I followed this with a little dessert. Yes, this cereal is a dessert in my opinion.

Mark and I then took a walk to Cruise Night. What is Cruise Night? It is an evening of old men, with old cars standing around talking about their old cars. It was actually fun though. There was one old baby blue Beetle convertible that was v. adorable. Plus they were playing old music so Mark and I were able to pretend I was wearing a poodle skirt and he was a rebel with cigarettes rolled into his white T.

Walking made me want another snack when I got home, so I had my last PROBAR Fruition samples bar. I took a picture of it next to my phone for scale purposes.

See, snack size! This was Raspberry Orange. Usually I find cranberry paired with orange in bars, so this was a little different. I can’t say I tasted much orange though. I really enjoyed sampling these bars and don’t think I could choose a favorite. I liked Peach because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Peach flavored bar, but I also really liked the Blueberry because it was so fresh tasting. They will be in stores in August!

Well, at first I was a little nervous about my running experience, but I’ve decided to just look forward to the challenge of training instead. I know if I do the work, I will be fine.  I mean obviously I can’t run as much or work as hard as I was when I was training all the timeThat would be both unrealistic and  unhealthy. Now, however, I can get back on track by sticking to my schedule and not indulging quite so much in summer treats. I’ve been having lots of sweets in treats in the name of “I will not deprive myself.” Ya know what I’m saying?

It might seem unrelated, but I don’t think it is. When running a lot I need to eat more, but that doesn’t mean having a cupcake, lots of chips or ice cream at every party I go to, especially when those parties are weekly.  I feel better and run better when I am fueled with good things.  A belly full of quality bread + peanut butter is far different than a belly full of cupcakes in terms of running. And anyway, where is the balance in indulging at every special event?  I think there is a fine line between deprivation, satisfaction and balance. I read Kath’s Squiggly Line Effect post and nodded along the whole time. Where is the balance if you enjoy cookies, chips or ice cream at every party or event you go to? I don’t think there is any.  The balance that I strive to achieve that makes me the happiest means eating as well as possible most of the time and enjoying small treats along the way. I think lately my treats have been bigger and more frequent and for me that translates into tighter pants and harder running. 

What does balance mean to you? What do you do when you’ve gotten a little off track?

I think starting my training schedule officially this weekend will really help a lot. I know I need good, quality fuel to help me run my best so it will probably help me balance out my healthy and treat choices a little better.  And today I am going to that local running store to get fitted for sneakers, so that will definitely be motivating and exciting!!!!

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