As I started off my journey to the Marathon, I visited several specialty shoe stores to find out about the runner’s most essential piece of equipment: SHOES.  I had been running in some New Balance I picked up for $39.99 in Virginia a few years ago.  The model wasn’t high-end, but more of  a casual runner. 

I then visited the Nike Outlet and found a pair of Air Max Moto 5+.  I snagged a pair for $79.99.  There were several more recent models of the Moto, but I figured the extra price wasn’t worth it for some “added features.” 

After several weeks of running, they are truly the most comfortable running shoe I’ve worn.    If you’re looking for a pair of cushioned shoes I recommend these:

Tips for Buying Running Shoes:

• Go to specialist running stores. I have personally found that the level of advice and the quality of the shoe is much greater in comparison to a high street sports shops.
• Wear the same socks that you intend to run in for a proper fitting.
• Buy your running shoes later on in the day when your foot is at its widest. The human foot tends to expand by a few millimeters and in some people it can expand up to 2cm at the end of the day.
• Get your feet measured every time you buy running shoes.
• Change your running shoes after 350-400 miles as the mid sole and the heel begins to degenerate. The shoes can still be worn for causal wear but are not suitable enough for the pressure of running.
• Make sure you have a finger width of span at your great toe in the box of the shoe. This simple technique will insure that you do not damage your toes while running.
• Do not buy shoes that are too loose or constrictive in width or length.
• Insure you have strong laces for your running shoes. Do not tighten your laces too tightly or too loosely as this can result in a loss of stability and over pronation (foot imbalance).
• IMPORTANT!!! – Do not wear new running shoes for a race; always ensure that you run at least 100 miles in them before you run a race or a long run.

So I was in Running Room the other day looking at getting one of those funny looking running hats.  I asked if there were any charity races around Christmas Time and the girl told me about the Santa Shuffle in support of The Salvation Army.  Erin & I usually try to give money to the “bell-ringers” outside of the malls whenever we have cash on us, so I thought this would be a good cause to run for.  Besides, we love the work the Salvation Army does and have some family who attend one of their churches east of Toronto.

The race will be held on December 5, at 10 am in Oakville.  Thankfully 5k and not anything more.  I have a month to accept donations on behalf of friends and family and the Running Room set up a cool site where people can donate on-line.  Donations over $10 get a charitable receipt.   You can click on the following link to donate, or show up with Erin and Avery on Race Day for some coffee downtown Oakville.  I would also encourage any of you to sign-up and run yourself.  If you’re too tired or lazy, I’d be happy to run for you!!!!

Click the link below to Donate:

Donate to Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign.

So I decided to pursue the Disney Marathon about 2 km in this race. At that point a little 11 year old runner whipped by me and left me in her dust. Now there’s something humbling about a 11-year old girl (or boy) destroying you on a trail in the middle of Central Virginia. I hadn’t trained for the race (at all!!!), but at that point determined that I was going to do my best to keep from this happening again.

Now, the running bug is hardcore for those who’ve experienced it. The Runners high (see here) is exciting and powerful. Runners, who don’t get their morning run in, can turn into monsters until they get their activity for the day. 10 days into my adventure, I’m already starting to feel it. Running days are more productive and energetic than my rest days.

I’ve always thought about running the Disney Marathon, as we frequent the theme park twice a year. What a way to start out a new adventure. I’d much prefer to run through Main Street in the Magic Kingdom than the Lakeshore in the Scotiabank Marathon. I’ll keep this blog updated as I train and race in anticipation of Disney’s 2011 Marathon.

Til’ then I’m running!

 

The best feeling after this 5k trail – run was the high-five Avery gave me.  It’s as if she knew that I was exhausted and she kept saying “Yay Daddy!” 

I told Erin that Avery has to come to all the races because the feeling I had in the above picture could get me through any amount of pain.  I’m running an 8k road race on Saturday in Stoney Creek, Ontario.  Don’t know how the distance will suit me as I’ve only been running 3 weeks, but we’ll see.  No expectations!