Entering the race...

I wanted to wait until I had successfully completed my first week, but now I feel comfortable sharing with everyone that I'm training for my first 5k! I don't know when the idea to run hit me, but I'm a goal oriented person so I thought it would be nice to use my time in SC to accomplish a few things on my list.

Last year I went to Road Runner Sports and had my feet analyzed and they suggested an awesome pair of running shoes. The Saucony Guide 3 shoes I picked up happen to be perfect for those that average under 15 miles a week of running. I also bought insoles at the time which have been making my feet very happy, but I'm quickly learning that running is a real sport with real injuries.

In the week I've been training I've already had a pulled groin and gnarly foot cramp. I'm definitely a beginner so any pro runners out there with tips for how to stretch, warmup, etc...  are greatly appreciated.

For anyone interested, I found a great online resource that I'm using to train. It's a 9 week program to help take you from the couch to your first 5k! Though the training is 9 weeks long, I planned to run my first race in 5 weeks. I'll have to see where I'm at in a few weeks and make an executive decision at that time. If not, I'll have to find a later starting race. The weather is getting nice out here so I'm sure there will be a few going on.

Happy Feet

Since making the investment in a personal trainer, I felt the need to invest in a great pair of running shoes. I have flat feet and working out in my Adidas and Shox was starting to hurt. I needed something with support and I needed it quick.

I made a trip to Road Runner Sports and with the help of a sales associate named Rebecca (so helpful by the way), I was able to pick out these Saucony Guide 3 shoes. I was a little hesitant on the color (I barely like sneakers, but when I wear them I want pink/black/white) but after trying them on my feet fell in love. These shoes are great to workout in and provide a great deal of support.

If you're on the hunt for a new pair of sneakers I'd recommend heading into Road Runner Sports for their free foot analysis and custom insoles (price varies). It's about a 10 min process complete with food measuring, treadmill foot analysis and a stability test (all pretty cool to see on the computer by the way) and you're able to get a custom insole as well as having them pin point which shoe would best serve your needs.


Road Runner Sports
43 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

*Tempe Marketplace location

Race for the Cure

Ready to do your part in helping to raise money for breast cancer research? Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure will be hitting Chicago's Grant Park on Saturday, Sept. 26th. In addition to the usual 5k walk/run and 1 mile fun walk, they have introduced a new 10k run. For the running challenged, 1k = 0.62 miles making the 5k walk/run 3.1 miles and the 10k run 6.2 miles. I've personally always wanted to participate in a marathon and these 1k/5k/10k races are a great way to start. Registration is open to all and available online thru midnight, Sept. 20th. Unlike previous years the registration fee covers all fees associated to the race and any funds you raise outside of that are able to be donated. For more Race for the Cure information visit the website.