Saturday, February 14, 2009

Good Run and Some New Stuff...

As a new runner, I am constantly learning new things,  discovering new things, buying new things, etc related to running.   However, today I had the opportunity to try out 3 new things in one day.  Woo-hoo.

Running Update

First let me say that I have only ran about 4 miles in the last two weeks because I am still recovering from my foot injury, which by the way I decided was a Stone Bruise (which I guess is the same thing as a deep bone contusion, as diagnosed by the doctor).   I believe I know exactly where it happened and I am not going to run that path anymore.

Anyway, my foot is still healing and today was my first run of any distance so I took it slow, 4 1/2 miles at about a 10 min pace.   This run counted as my Freakishly Flexible 5K run.  It felt good to be back out running, and my foot only bothered me slightly the last half of the run.

The New Stuff.



My wife surprised me by getting me this water bottle/fuel belt for Valentine's Day.  I wore it during my run today and it worked perfect.  Thanks sweetie! (I know you read my blog).   I really think she got me this so she wouldn't be embarrassed by me wearing my fanny pack anymore.


The second new thing I tried was these shoes.  This past week I got some New Balance shoes in the mail to try out as part of the New Balance Wear Test program.  Today was my first chance to try them out.   I was instructed to specifically pay attention to the sole of the shoe, which works out great because with my foot injury that is exactly what I am paying attention to.   They felt really good today and I look forward to running in them more over the next couple of months.



Finally, thanks to my friend Adam, I finally broke down and bought some stretchy running pants.  These are Starter brand from Wal Mart, only like $15-20, and they kept me nice and warm today.  Okay, it's Wal Mart, but I'm glad I didn't have to spend $60-70 and they work fine.

With my foot injury I also tried out some Molefoam padding on the ball of my foot, and it works okay, although I didn't wear any on my run today.  If you have calluses on your feet, I would recommend the  Molefoam.    

But there is another new thing I have a question about, if anyone has advice...

Insoles?

I've been considering getting insoles for my running shoes, to give extra shock absorption and padding for the bottom of my feet.  Does anyone use insoles?   Do they really work?  Any recommended brands?



12 comments:

Mel-2nd Chances said...

glad to read that the foot is healing, and the shoes felt good! I got some of those gel heal cups when I was having pain under my heel last year, seemed to help absorb some of the impact, but I now also have orthotics, so not too sure about insoles. Keep healing! :)

Unknown said...

I use some generic insoles that I bought at Walmart (vs. some expensive brand). I put them in for extra arch support, but I can say that I LOVE them. They also give some extra cushioning.

Diana said...

I have custom made orthotics due to left leg being shorter than right and I can totally notice the difference now that they are in there!

joyRuN said...

I use Sof Sole Athlete insoles & love them. I'm a convert from Superfeet.

http://www.sofsole.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=1&g=w&n=1&DetailID=71

That was a sweet present from your wife!

Missy said...

New gear is always good, no matter the price! I'm a neutral runner so I don't have anything special in my shoes, lucky I suppose.

Lisa said...

I am glad you are feeling a bit better. My foot was hurting on the ball of my foot and I wonder if it was the same thing.

As far as insoles, I use Superfeet. I bought them at Roadrunner and have really liked them. In fact, I just switched to some new shoes and didn't put the Superfeet in and I noticed a difference during today's run. They take some breaking in (you shouldn't do a long run in them right away), but are totally worth the $30 or so bucks.

RunToTheFinish said...

WOWOOWOWOOW I built the entire platform that runs the new balance wear test program! I am so stinking excited!!! Who is your test admin? Luiz, Matt or Pedro? Oh man that makes me excited.

ok anyhow, glad you are running again!

Jocelyn said...

ohhh love all the gifts you got!!

Rookie on the Run said...

I bet the spouses of new runners are happy to be able to get us gifts they know we need and will love! :D I've been wondering about insoles, too, so I'm glad you put the question out there. I'll be checking out some of the suggestions given here. Good job on your run! Keep getting better!

ShirleyPerly said...

Glad your foot is feeling better. For a while when I had some ball of the foot pain, I used some gel pads that went under that area of my foot. Never have tried full insoles though I've heard from some other runners that they work well. It's probably one of those things that you have to try for yourself, I'm thinking.

I Run for Fun said...

Glad your foot is healing. Cool stuff1 I love reading about new running stuff!!!

SuperDave said...

Hey Oz! Thanks for stopping by.
Looks like everyone was running the FFFK the other day.
It's always great to get new gear.
NB Wear Test!!! Thanks for the link.
Funny about Walmart - all my gear is from there. Hey its all about the savings, right?
I've tried insoles, but they made my shoes too bulky.