“Slow and Steady Wins the Race”

That’s how my run went today; it was surprisingly smooth—despite my muscles being so stiff during the warm up. After the warm up I got into a great meditative rhythm, I could observe my body—to see if it needed to go faster or slower.

I also focused more on my breathing, the goal was to be consistent, and not be winded at the end of the run. I accomplished this goal and I felt great. This page from Runner’s World has good tips about breathing and keeping a good pace.

Goodbye New Balance 991’s, hello Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8’s. I stopped by Slope Sports to browse today, but ended up walking out with new kicks. The gentleman at the store helped out with my purchase a lot, and was very respectful while I tried out a number of shoes.

I went out for my test run and it felt great. Compared to my old shoes, these are like running with feathers on my feet, instead of bricks. The sole feels great and my run was very enjoyable.

I hesitated with the purchase, but now realize that this is a great investment.

On another note, I found out the exact distance of my run around the park. It’s 3.37 miles according to gmap-pedometer.com. I’ll update my previous posts to reflect this new data.

I enjoyed today’s run except for the part where another runner ran into me!

After my warm up at Grand Army Plaza, I was getting my iPod ready, a runner was coming towards me, who had a lot of space and visibility to notice I was standing on the side of the trail, but still he ended up hitting me with his shoulder. He didn’t acknowledge the event and rudely continued going. I guess I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but it was kind of rude, the road was wide open, I wasn’t in the middle of anything and he had a lot of time to move a few steps to the right or left.

Other than that, my energy was higher today, and I ran a straight shot from Grand Army Plaza. The snow bothered me in the beginning but after my body warmed up it didn’t really matter. The videos I mentioned in yesterday’s post have been really helpful, as well as the new dry tech shirt and pants I bought the other day, it makes a huge difference from regular cotton.

I am hoping to run more during the day, my energy is higher then, and it’s a bit safer.

That’s nine days of running so far, and here comes 2009! Happy New Year!

Yesterday I rested, today I started again.

I did more “spider man” stretches today, and focused on the warm up, but I didn’t drink enough water throughout the day so I felt dehydrated mid-way through the run. That means I didn’t run a straight shot from Grand Army Plaza, and ended up walking in certain parts.

Overall I am still satisfied that I went around the park, rather than cut it short and turn around.

Yesterday I mentioned that I would focus more on my warm up. Today, that’s what I did. My run started with a series of forward bends followed by very relaxed, slow jogging and walking—up the hill to Grand Army Plaza. I took my pictures during the warm up—which worked out very well—since it made me slowdown and not dive into the run.

Patience comes in handy during warm up. By giving my mind and body time to prepare for the run, I can end up with a better overall result.

After my warm up I ran a straight shot from Grand Army Plaza to Lincoln Rd. This is the longest I’ve run without walking. I have to admit that a bit of my motivation was another runner next to me with a similar pace, but this is a great accomplishment. I kept my posture upright, and it helped a lot with my endurance.

Today’s run was the best I’ve had this week, I’m looking forward to the upcoming running days!