I received a lovely package of amazing ASICS gear as a LA Marathon blogger this week. I was super excited to see that I was sent two new shoes to try out and run in. It has been a while since I have run in ASICS and I am excited to check them out again. The two shoes I will be running in are the Nimbus15 and the Cumulus15.
I can already tell these shoes offer more stability, support and cushion than my current endurance running shoe. I am hopeful that this added protection and support will help my aching feet… that the constant pounding will be less achy.
Wednesday morning, I wanted to take advantage of the fun new shoes, sunshine and nice temperature, and having only one child. I decided to take my new shoes out for my training run… while pushing the youngest in the jogger.
After dropping the big boys off at their school (where they attend two days a week), the T man and I headed home to explore the neighborhood trails near our house.
To train for the LA Marathon I am working with Running Hutch (again) and Andrew Kastor (the lead coach for ASICS). My plan for the day had me doing a 10 minute warm up, 6 miles at GMRP (goal marathon race pace… for me is a 10:00 min/mile), and a cool down.
I wasn’t sure how the run would go or the pace because I was pushing the jogger. But I was going to give it a go. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy… but neither is running a marathon.
The first two miles were easy. The middle two miles were the most challenging. I am not sure if it is because I hit the part of the trail where it was rolling hills, windy, and oftentimes bumpy. Or if that was the time when T decided he wanted to have a very important discussion about life at a very low volume that I had trouble hearing and understanding him. Who knows. I just remember those miles being a challenge. The last two miles were strong again. I listed my splits here if you are interested.
While at our turn around spot, where I gave T his snack, I found a picnic bench. I set up my phone with the burstmode app. I turned it on and ran past it getting the above shot. Technology is amazing, right? Love it.
This run was hard, but when it was done I felt great. I am glad that I busted out this run outdoors… even with the jogger… versus running on the treadmill. Sometimes we need to do hard things. I am hopeful I will be able to think back to THIS training run on race day and remember that I am strong. I am capable. I can do it.
Also, my new shoes held up great. They were springy and very comfortable. I am excited to continue training in them. Yay for new running shoes!
Janice says
Great job! I couldn’t run that pace while pushing a jogger! The burst mode app is really cool! I’ll have to try that out – I don’t have any running pictures of me at the angle that I want so that I can use it as a header etc on my blog.
Rachel says
Yes. That is what I was trying to do… get a photo of me running with a jogger to use as a new header. But oh boy is it challenging 😉
Ashley @ Broc Blog says
I definitely prefer an outdoor run and am a brooks lover. I just switched to them and my runs have been great.
Also, good luck at the LA marathon! I’ll be there handing out bananas when you zoom across the finish line!
Ganeeban says
I’m addicted to Saucony Kinvara, but I’ve been looking to diversify my collection. I’ve been toying with the idea of Asics (again) or New Balance (again). I’m so in love w/ my Kinvara’s, I’m not sure how any other relationship will work 😉 I’m jealous you have a true running coach. I have a calendar that tells me how fast and far to run, it’s not as luxurious…but it works!
Amanda @runtothefinish says
I totally am a mix of both indoor and outdoor love AND I switch between Asics and Saucony! I”m crazy :0) maybe split personality!
Julie M says
Great shot. I’ve been hitting the treadmill more because it is dark after work. Wish I could run outside more. The weather is perfect but I don’t have a running buddy.
Suzie says
I PREFER outdoors, but due to weather and because my BRF has lost her early morning mojo, I am having to do most weekday runs inside. UGH.
Shoes – I have flip-flopped around a bit, Cumulus, Brooks Ghost, Cumulus, Brooks Ghost, Saucony Pro Ride (UGH – not for me) with a couple of brands in there that ended up being donated. The current rotation is the Nimbus (LOVE LOVE LOVE it) and the Saucony Triumph. These two are my happy shoes. I am trying to change my footstrike in hopes of preventing future injuries.