Friday, May 9, 2008

Nervous / New running shoes

Tomorrow is weigh-in day, and I'm predicting a gain. I've been hovering around 160-161 for several weeks, but lately I've been getting complacent. Little indulgences here are there are starting to add up. After each slip-up, I've recovered by repeating my mantra: "I can't gain it all back overnight." Well, that may be true, but I still could gain it back over time. Every once in a while, I have to have a heart-to-heart with myself and recommit to the whole lifestyle. Seems like it's time to do that again.

I'm toying with the idea of stepping on the scale more frequently. Back when I was weighing in daily, I was more vigilant with my diet. It's something to think about.

In other news...

You might remember from yesterday's post that I picked up a new pair of running shoes yesterday. I'm reading all these books about preparing for a marathon, and the first thing they all say is that you MUST go to a specialty store and get fitted for a proper pair of GOOD shoes. I've been pretty bad about that in the past. I'd go into the discount store, try on a couple pairs, and walk out with the first one that fit me. I have big feet, so it's always difficult to find shoes that are comfortable.

So anyway, I went to Garry Gribble's Running Sports and was promptly approached by a running shoe expert. He had me walk around a bit so he could get a feel for my gait. He got close to the floor and looked at my feet very seriously, like he was trying to solve the conflict in the Middle East. After a few strolls around, he informed me my gait was very normal, which I was happy to hear.

With apprehension and embarrassment, I told him my shoe size, expecting him to say "Sorry, we don't carry clown shoes here. Go to the big lady shoe store." To my happy surprise, they carry shoes for those of us girls who are well-endowed in the foot department. He went to the back and came out with a bunch of different kinds. I felt a tad bit silly running around the mall to test them out, but I wasn't going to drop $100 for less than perfection. After a few tries, I found my perfect pair and I was sold.

I walked out of the store with my purchase, excited to get home to try them on the treadmill. Let me repeat that. I was excited to get home to the treadmill. I laced up my new white-and-pink running shoes and hopped on. Seriously, people, it was like running on a cloud. Like butter. Why didn't I do this sooner?

Tune in tomorrow for a report on the Run for the Dogs 5K!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just did the same thing, and thought the same thing. I can't believe the difference in someone from a certified "running" store recommending a shoe than the young chippy at Foot Locker! It really is a more pleasant run, even though, running is still not that pleasant to me! I bare with it and like the challenge. Anyhoo, about the scale, read this:

http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/scale.htm

it may change your mind.

abby suzanne said...

Congrats on the new running shoes. What kind did you end up getting?
I am working up my miles right now (PR of 6 miles as of 2 days ago and I would like to be at 10 by 4th of July). I think I need to head the the running store soon.
ps i wear a women's size 11 :)

Morgan said...

You wear an 11 too?! I've found my "sole" sister. ha!

I wound up getting Mizunos. I hadn't even heard of that brand before, but they feel amazing!

Melanie said...

So how did you START running? I'm almost the same size you where when you first started losing weight and I walk (some), but mostly I ride my recumbent bike and I just got a new mountain bike for my birthday that I'm anxious to get started on soon. I really want to run though. At this weight/size I doubt I could run to the end of my street, but I know I have to start somewhere. So what did you do? Were you just walking one day and said to yourself "hey, I'm going to run" and pick up your pace? :) Your weight loss is an inspiration to me and I've really enjoyed reading some of your blog lately. Thank you!

Morgan said...

Hi Melanie,
First, congrats to you for deciding to make a change. Also, thanks for reading. Um, let's see...how did I start running? When I started losing weight, I couldn't run for more than 10 seconds without getting out of breath. So, I walked. After a few months of losing weight, walking no longer burned as many calories as it once did. So, I'd try running for one minute, then walking for five. I'd set "mini goals" for myself, like running for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 1 mile, etc. Basically, I started out doing combinations of walking and running, until eventually I was running more than walking.

You may have heard of it already, but there's a program online called "Couch to 5K" that's really popular. It's at www.coolrunning.com. It's an awesome place to start from.

I'll never forget the first time I ran a mile straight. I felt like a total rock star, and so will you! Sounds like you enjoy biking too, which is awesome and not stressful on your joints. Keep me posted on your progress!

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