Tried using a lightweight neutral racing flat today (Saucony Grid Type A2). I have never worn a shoe this light before for running. It tips the scales at a mere 6 ounces and almost feels like it's not there at all except for the fact that it provides a very good cushioning. It's also a very "loud" shoe in the sense that you cannot miss these ruby red slippers on my feet. Luckily I run early in the morning when it's dark and don't have to flaunt these babies out in public. I was contemplating wearing these for the 5K this weekend, and still may, but I feel a bit timid wearing them in public and not having the speed to live up to the shoes potential and show. I'm glad I decided to run in them at least once before racing because I discovered I will need to make sure I tie them very securely with double knots (even though I had them in loose double knots for this run) or they will come loose part way through the run.
Today's run was supposed to be a recovery 5 mile run but since I wasn't really recovering from any brutal runs I decided to go out and give these shoes a fair trial run. I decided to do a progression run where I increased my pace from 8:00/mile to 7:30, 7:00, 7:30, and back 8:00. The 7:30 paces felt good, like something I felt like could hold for many miles. The 7:00 pace felt a little labored this morning for some reason and was glad to get back to the 7:30 pace and finally ease off with the final 8:00. Everything felt really good this morning on the injury front. The arch is doing better now that it's got the corisone working full force and the left hip, knee and calf, seem to be feeling better each day. My right leg is a work horse right now, boy it would be nice if both of my legs felt like my right leg. Hopefully I'll get there before Ogden.
Time: 7:34/mile
Grid Type A2 (5) | 