Goodbye 305... Hello 610!

For those that have been following for a while, know that I've cherished my GPS wristwatch (Garmin Forerunner 305).  I bought the piece over two years ago (but unfortunately, it was out-dated even then).  Well, I was recently introduced to a Garmin 610 and was absolutely amazed at how much smaller and advanced the GPS wristwatches have become.  I had to get one...

The Garmin 610 is about the same size as an average everyday wristwatch (but with a touchscreen).  Uploads are a "snap" with the wireless USB antenna.  I don't want to go into excruciating detail now, but I'll provide a more detailed review once I get to play with it more.  My first impression was: "AWESOME!"

I am SO glad that I bought the 610.  I have a felling that it will give me some good miles.

Take care and stay safe.

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

Early Bird Gets Worm

I am not a morning person.  I typically won't run in the morning unless it is a race day or I'm forced to do so (IE: PT).  Well, I was up at 4:00 am and couldn't get back to sleep so I decided to go for a morning run ("yawn").

It was cold, the temp was around 50f degrees and the grass was damp.  I was a bit sore from yesterday evening's 1.5 mile run but stretched out to warm up the legs.  I set off for what I thought was only going to be 3-5 miles but I pushed on to 10K.  It took me 3 miles to warm up and I started to bonk after mile 6.  I noticed that I was on a 10K PR pace and kept pushing.

I tapped the stop button on my GPS and clocked in at a 48:48; a new 10K PR (besting my prior time of 50:20, set on June 27th, 2011).  I was amazed!  All credit goes to my new shoes (and that Red Bull I drank to jump start my heart).

One thing is for sure, the shoes do not hold up well to damp grass (they were quickly saturated when I crossed over the neighbor's lawn).  Scotch Guard will do the trick!  Otherwise, my initial thoughts of the new lightweight running shoes: "you can pry them from my cold, dead hands!"

I'll try to attempt a longer run later this week.

Take care and stay safe!

Happy running and God bless! 

"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7

New Shoe Trials

OK, I have been contemplating minimalist shoes for a long time now.  I just couldn't let go of what was working for me (my Brooks Trance 10's).  The downside to the Trances - they are heavy as bricks!  Well, I took the plunge today and bought a pair of Brooks Cadence lightweight running shoes.  I have to admit, I am not fond of the new colors but I can get over cosmetics...

Anyways, as for any pair of running shoes, be sure to get a foot analysis done prior to signing away your first-born (these newer shoes are expensive).  We shop at Dick's Sporting Goods (loyal customers, hint-hint: willingly open to sponsorship) and they offer a 90-day return on running shoes (just in case you develop running pains).  Plus, the wifey had some coupons and rewards points (which netted a savings of over $30).  Thanks babe!

I was giddy like a school boy on his first date, anxiously awaiting my return home to try them out!  I have to admit, I wish I would've tried these shoes out much sooner!  I am very impressed with the weight reduction and fit.  They felt weird at first, but they quickly adapted to my feet (and psyche) as I pushed off for a short 1.5 mile test trial.  I finished the run and glanced at my GPS; I was impressed!  It is still too soon to tell, but I think I am on to something bigger and better (like new PR's).  Well, my first run in the new shoes popped one of my quickest 1.5 mile run times since my 2nd knee surgery (10:50).  It would be nice to get back in the 9's again...  We'll see.

I'll provide a more detailed analysis of these shoes when I log more time and distance in them.  Also, I should receive my new GPS wristwatch (Garmin 610) tomorrow (thanks to advice from a new found friend)!  I can't wait to wrap her around my wrist (the GPS, "get your minds out of the gutter!").  Pics of the new shoes:

Take care and enjoy the Fall!

Happy running and God bless!
"Fight the good fight, finish the race, and always keep faith"
2 Timothy 4:7