The Runs of August

[yellow]

I always carry some Immodium in the event I happen upon the runs of August, or any other month.

And people who run a lot know that this can be an issue!

I am feeling very bad for all the folks who are dealing with the intense heat. I just know how I react to heat mentally and physically...and I really do feel for y'all. We are having an amazingly mild summer for us...highs in the 90s. A little more humid that normal, but much cooler. The consensus is that we like it! I prefer even cooler, but given the alternative, I'll take it!

Do what you can. Fall (and winter) will be here before you know it.

On a side note, I went to the outdoor retailer's show over the weekend and there are some really awesome running shoes coming out next year. Look for good stuff from Altra, Saucony, GoLite, and Inov8. Saucony is changing the drop on ALL of their "traditional" shoes from the industry historic 12mm heel-to-toe drop to 8 mm. Same cushioning (for those who like/want it), shorter drop. They are also coming out with a zero drop trail runner with a substantial bottom so you don't destroy your feet on sharp rocks (I am currently in love with the Peregrine, which has a 4 mm drop and plan to try these new ones when they come out...can't remember the name). What I got out of looking at everything is that the manufacturers seem to be gravitating to not so much minimalist shoes but shoes with protection and less drop. I think there will always be shoes in the 8-12 mm range, which is what many people like, but we will definitely see more shoes in the 3-6 mm range. Nice to have some other choices.

[jessmarimba]

I'm coming back to running after a couple months off, and upped my long run on Saturday to 9 miles (from 6) in hopes of possibly still making a fall marathon.

I don't feel very sore but stairs are iffy right now! Not sure if my calves will support me. The narrow, steep Victorian staircase in my house is a little scary now

[skhill]

Those narrow, steep Victorian staircases are always scary!

I was sick over the weeked, and for the first time missed a race I had pre-registered for. Oh well. About an hour before the start time, I thought I might give it a go, but then thought better of it-- walking from the living room to the kitchen made me feel like I needed to sit down and rest. Monday I did about 2 miles of run/walk. Today finally I'm feeling pretty much OK, and so I got out for a slow but steady 5 miles.

My route took me past my favorite LBS, and in the window was a Giant Avail 1, marked down from about $1400 to $800. It looked like it might be my size, too. I don't need another bike, but....

[GLC1968]

I'm finally back to running again. I have my first half-marathon in October, so this week I start my 10 week training plan.

Yesterday was the first run. 3 miles - easy pace. I wore my newest shoe experiment - Merrell's Trail Gloves in the kids version. The women's were too narrow and the men's too long - the kids seem to be just right and they are much cheaper too! First run went well in them, so I'm hopeful.

[skhill]

I went to the LBS to check out the bike in the window-- it would have been perfect if I were about 2 inches taller!

The heat has broken here, at last. It felt so great to run in 60F temperatures again! Did 6 miles, going faster and easier in the cool morning.

[katluvr]

I've not been posting. I've been in a longish semi-taper for my Pike Peak Ascent. Weather and work has made me be "inventive" in my training (as well as no access to mountains or altitude). I leave in 1 week from tomorrow, I am 9 days (or 8 days and so many hours) from the race. Past few workouts included step ups and high incline (6+miles) in treadmill. Saturday is my last real run of about 8 miles (plan to do the bridge for "hill repeats) but an "easy run". It is too late to push too hard. I feel under trained, pre-pared but not. VERY nervous. I know this will really be a "mind game" to keep pushing (but not go out too hard). I keep visulizing the finish, visulizing having "fun" (ha!) and that I can and DO finish it! Keeping the doubts out of my head.

Excited to be going, it is vacation, you know! I'll have a couple of days of fun after, and the Pro Cycling event is on Monday at Garden of the Gods--I'll be right there in Manitou Springs--now that is something to look forward to!

K

[skhill]

Had an interesting run this morning... I ran through part of the University campus this morning, forgetting that students could start moving in today. At 7 am, there were already kids lining up! And then, I got passed by a male collegiate soccer player half my age-- the competitive juices got flowing, and I found myself speeding up, trying to pass him back. But I came to my senses before long...

A few miles later, though, there was the most ridiculous sight-- a porta-potty parked in a bike lane!! I've contacted city government, but I'm not all that hopeful that anything will be done about it.