Shoulder Problems

Just got back from seeing Dr. Bright at Max Sports about my shoulder. He fixed me up with a shot of meds and limited mobility, hopefully I should feel better in 72 hours. I am really hoping for no PT, keep your fingers crossed!

A Nice Relaxing Sunday

After my long run Saturday I was pretty beat I spent Sunday "relaxing" with Jenny Ditty and Claire, lunch with Shaun Ditty for his birthday (we got him a Flavor Flav clock), and helped Mike Jobson pour concrete for his new hot tub (really that is just so I can use it). What was it I said about relaxing? God bless Saucony AMPPRO compression gear! Back at today with a run, bike, and lift all BEFORE work.

What a Run Today!

Today I had one of the best training runs I have had in a long time. Averaged 6:24 pace for 21 miles, I hit a high and never came down. It was harder than I intended to go so I'm certain I will be paying for it tomorrow, but totally worth it! I swear there is magic in the sole of the Saucony Kinvaras!

Back On Track

After some lighter training while on vacation I am back in the swing of things. I have already had a couple good runs, rides, and lifting sessions this week with more to come. I have a new pair of Saucony Kinvaras I am going to tray and beat into submission!

It's Good To Be Home

San Francisco was lots of fun but it is good to be home. I managed to get runs in every day including a hill workout, which in S.F. was very challenging. We did lots of the tourist things but also wandered off the beaten path. If I would have been closer to Golden Gate Park I would have run there every day, the trail system there was amazing.

West Coast Running

Heading out to San Francisco for my 1st anniversary "honeymoon". We have plenty of things planned and packed plenty of Saucony gear to sneak in runs every day.

Who is up for hill repeats?

Staying In Balance

As we all know life is a balancing act. For me it is juggling exercise, family life, and one of my many jobs which can be difficult. For example I was in Chicago all weekend, up at 3:30am to work at the Rock & Roll Chicago 1/2 Marathon and got home at 8pm. Somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed at 5:20 so I could get a run in before Jenny leaves for work. After my run I hit the bike trainer and weights for upper body strength all before 7:30 which is when I had to wake up Claire so I could make breakfast and drop her off to grandma before work.

What is the point of the long story? You have to find that balance even if it means losing a little sleep and no making excuses.

Surreal Running With An Olympian

Had one of those surreal running experiences this morning. I got to run 8+ miles with 2 time Olympic marathoner Alan Culpepper along the Chicago lakefront. We held a solid sub 6 minute pace which was challenging but also very fun. For those of you that don't follow running you can read more about Alan and his incredible accomplishments here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A​lan_Culpepper. I assure you he is far from done adding to that list. Thanks to Saucony for building some magic in those Kinvara 2's that helped me keep up!

First Run In New Saucony Cortana

I love getting home from work and there is new running shoes waiting for me. Yesterday marked the arrival of the Saucony Cortana. I have been in love with my Kinvaras since they launched so in my mind they would be hard to rival.

These look really sharp if you have not seen them and they were extremely comfortable the first time I put them on. The first thing I noticed was they were was more cushion with the Cortana.

Now we hit the trail and the ride was great! The foot strike was very natural. After 12 miles they still felt great. While I still love my Kinvaras  this will be a nice supplement for some longer runs.


Here is some the technical info from the website:
The latest concept car in the line features Saucony's new and innovative PowerGrid technology that provides superior cushioning and an incredibly responsive ride for the everyday runner. Weight: 10.7 oz.

UPPER
Sauc-Fit
A unique fit system in the upper that not only locks the midfoot onto the platform but also keep the heel secure and comfortable

Engineered Airmesh

Hydrator Collar Lining
Saucony's performance apparel fabric that provides next-to-skin comfort and maximizes wicking

Comfortride Sockliner
Saucony's exclusive open cell foam sockliner, is antimicrobial and breathable while providing superior cushioning and ride

HRC Strobel Board
Increases cushioning and comfort

MIDSOLE
PowerGrid with PowerFoam
Combining our new and innovative PowerFoam with our industry acclaimed Grid technology we created PowerGrid to provide the runner with superior cushioning and responsiveness on every run

Impact Interface
Cushions and isolates heel impact

SRC(Super Rebound Cushioning) Impact Zone
Provides shock attenuation and sets the foot up for a smooth transition

OUTSOLE
IBR
Our new blown rubber compound that is lighter, more responsive and has enhanced cushioning and durability properties

XT-900™
A carbon rubber outsole material that offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability

Work Is Overrated

Outside it is mid-70's and partly cloudy, a beautiful day to run. My office is nothing but windows and I am stuck inside until 5:30. I have watched runners and cyclists go back and forth, it's enough to drive me crazy!

I can hear my @saucony Kinvara 2 shoes calling. Who is up for leaving work and going for a run?

Case of the Mondays

Up to run before the sun this morning so naturally I had to rock @Saucony ViZi PRO gear. Run, bike, upper body lift (all before 8am), breakfast with Claire Bear and off to work. It's going to be a long day!

 Definitely a case of the Mondays

20 Miles In the Book

I set out for a 20 miler this morning and my feet were sluggish, seriously felt like I had cement shoes. I had to double check to make sure I had my Kinvaras on! There was no way I was going to stop so I pushed on. 3 miles in I hit a stride that was comfortable, we were in business now! The sun stayed behind the clouds for a change. 2:13:25 later I was done, time for a nap!

I Love Days Off!

Took the day off yesterday, my @Saucony shoes needed a break! I was definitely sore after racing over the weekend and after a couple easier training days I just needed a rest.

I came back strong today with (10) 1 mile repeats at 5:40 pace, love it!

Christmas Came Early!

Got home today it was like Christmas a little early, got a box full of ViZi-PRO training gear from #Saucony!

Everyone can use more "traffic cone" orange colored clothes in their closet! Seriously this color is great anytime but especially if you train in lower light like early mornings or evenings.

Here is a little info on ViZi-Pro:

LEXINGTON, MA (October 29, 2009) – As runners are faced with autumn’s shorter daylight hours, Saucony, Inc., a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, is setting the standard for visibility with the launch of its highly reflective ViZiPRO Collection, a new line of performance apparel and accessories. Saucony’s ViZiPRO Collection, now available at select running specialty retailers, is inspired by the dedicated runners who want to extend their ability to run confidently in fall and winter’s reduced daylight by enhancing their visibility to increasingly distracted drivers.

“With digital PDAs like cell phones, GPSs and MP3 players, as well as on-the-go meals and back-seat kids, drivers today have more distractions than ever before,” said Todd Dalhausser, general manager of Saucony apparel. “Add to that the reduced daylight of fall and winter, and a runner’s visibility while on the roads can be severely compromised.
Our mission is to inspire people to run. ViZiPRO does that by removing the limitations, delivering both uncompromised performance and enhanced visibility for runners in any season, in any light, at any time,” added Dalhausser.

The ViZiPRO Collection includes jackets, vests, sport tops, headgear and hand gear for both men and women that feature its trademark fluorescent orange color that maintains an incredibly luminescent, reflective surface for heightened visibility of the wearer.  The new performance apparel products utilize a combination of lightweight, water-resistant fabrics engineered for maximum comfort and mobility.  Select items from the collection also feature a road-side (right side) sleeve holster which holds an accompanying blinking LED light for enhanced visibility.

Recent statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report that nearly 6,000 people were killed and 500,000 injured due to driver distraction in 2008. Of on-road pedestrian fatalities, 10% were related to pedestrians not being visible to drivers. The report also states that 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., the time when runners are most likely to be out on the roads, is also the most dangerous time of the day for pedestrians.

The ViZiPRO Collection passed rigorous tests to ensure runners training in these low-light conditions can be better seen, giving them a visual advantage when out on the roads.  According to industry-standard chromaticity testing results, Saucony’s ViZiPRO fluorescent orange fabric rated highest in visibility among its competitors.
A chromaticity test measures the relative visibility of reflective and fluorescent materials and determines which provide the greatest visibility─a critical feature when running the roads.