I hope you’ve been doing well! We’re in the midst of fall and in Philly, we’re finally getting that chiller weather that is perfect for running! I’ve been hard at work this racing season, but I still have a few runfessions I’d like to share if you don’t mind!
I’m joining Marcia for Runfessions and Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday!
Runfessions for October
I haven’t written a recap yet for the Philadelphia Trail Half Marathon
I can’t believe it’s been almost 2 weeks since running my first real trail half marathon and I haven’t started writing a recap yet! If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know how much I live for writing detailed race recaps! I still want to capture the experience, especially because it was very different than I expected, but has the moment passed? Would anyone be interested in reading about it at this point?
I bought 2 pairs of running shoes for the first time
My Puma running shoes were approaching retirement leading up to the trail half, so I went to Philadelphia Runner a week before my race and scoped out some new options. Initially, I planned to get shoes with an 8 mm drop, since that’s what I’ve been working with for some time, but I ended up purchasing the Brooks Ghost 14’s (12 mm) and the New Balance 880 (10 mm), mainly because I couldn’t make a decision! And I bought Superfeet insoles for the first time in a long time. I’ve also had this weird thing where I keep going between size 10 and 10.5. I had always worn size 10.5 but since having E, running stores keep telling me to buy a size 10, so I did. However, with both shoes, they’ve felt very off on my outdoor runs, so I’m wondering if I should have sized up! And the shoes that seemed to trigger my knee issues over the summer were size 10.5 NB 880s…d’oh!
Long story short, I bought 2 pairs of shoes that I’ve been rotating and I’m not sure if I like either of them since buying them! It’s super frustrating! With all of these variables, how do I pinpoint what shoes work best?
I’m looking forward to a break from training
I’ll be running the Philadelphia Half Marathon on November 20. But I have to runfess, I am looking forward to NOT being in training mode! It has been a pretty busy year of running for me with my “postpartum comeback”, and there have been some peaks and valleys along the way. When this race is done, I’m going to significantly cut my mileage and focus on overall strength training and fully recovering from Runner’s knee.
What runfessions do you have to share?
Baby E is the cutest! I runfess I have those same Puma shoes but I haven’t worn them lately because I’ve been running 100% on trails and I save them for roads. My bad! Have fun with your half!
Thanks, Marcia!
The 2 shoe situation is a challenge – perhaps try running in just one model for a bit and then switch so you can get a clear sense of how each one feels. I’ve been eyeing the Ghost 14s so I’ll be curious to know how you make out.
Love the photo of you and Baby E 🙂
Do NOT listen to the stores! They always tell me I’m like a size smaller than I really am. I tell them NO. Because I don’t care what they measured there’s no way that would ever be comfortable. I hope that you can find something that you do like — that’s important.
I haven’t raced or run long or much mileage at all this year. I’m still running. And right now that’s good enough for me.
As a former shoe sales gal, I’d tell you to not obsess over the shoe size. All brands vary some, and even the same model can vary from season to season. Another reason to get your shoes from a store rather than online LOL I hope you find some that work out for you! BTW, I’m usually a 10-1/2 or 11 for running shoes, and recently I’ve been sizing down…I think they’re making the shoes either wider or bigger in general, at least for the brands/models I wear.
Yes! Post your race recap. I don’t mind if it’s two weeks late- I love race recaps and I’ll read it!
I’m also having shoe issues. Shoes that I wore and loved no longer feel comfortable (coincidentally, the NB 880s) and shoes that I almost donated because I didn’t like them suddenly are my favorites (Hoka Clifton.) It’s really weird and frustrating- I remember in the past wearing the same shoes for years and years (not literally- I mean the same model) but now I can’t seem to settle into anything. IN your case… could it be the superfeet insoles that are making the shoes not feel right? You’ve probably already thought of this, but try it without them? Good luck!
Thanks, Jenny! I think you’re right – I will write that recap, when I get the right time to work on it! Ugh to the shoe issues…it’s so frustrating when something that works forever suddenly stops – that was me with the Mizuno Wave Rider. I tested out my shoes in the Superfeet and they seemed fine in the store, but I think the insoles plus the size 10 is just a little too snug, especially in the 880!
I haven’t done much training at all since I broke my ankle and foot, but you know what, I don’t miss it that much. I miss running, but I’m enjoying my cross-training. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing next year. It feels good to just do whatever I want!
I hear ya! It is nice to not be driven by a training plan…I’m really looking forward to the freedom!
I would be up for reading your recap at any time. I think they’re also always helpful to people considering the race down the road.
I went from NB 1080s to Ghosts, and I’ve never looked back. I had either the 880s or 860s as well, but they didn’t work as well for me on long runs as the 1080s did before NB changed them
I definitely seem to like the Ghost more than the 880s…after my run over the weekend I’m pretty sure that I’m going to return or exchange them!
I think it’s definitely still worth writing a recap — if you can still remember the details. 😉 E is such a cutie!!!
Thanks so much, Coco!
Two pair of shoes at once sounds amazing! I love that!
Sorry you’re not loving your training. You’re almost there!