My grandfather had a stroke several months ago, and has been largely confined to a bed since.  Any time I don’t want to roll out of bed at 4:30, any time my legs are tired, any time it is hot and I am sweating and uncomfortable, all I have to do is think of him and I run with joy.  He would give anything right now to run and feel that kind of ache in his legs, and I refuse to take it for granted.  With week two under my belt, I am still riding the high of “I am actually doing this.”  However, after that wears off, I will continue to run with nothing but joy for him.

Total runs: 6

Total miles: 29.3

Good thoughts: Our long run this week was 9 miles, and at the end I felt like I could keep going forever.  While I know not every long run will feel this way, it is unbelievably encouraging to go any distance and finish strong.

Not-so-good-thoughts:  Chafing.  Sweet Lord, chafing.  I never had it until this week, and good grief…I might have to bathe in Body Glide before each run after this.

Featured running gear:  Second Sole.  My biggest priority this week was to find a solution for my foot problems.  Morning foot massages and stretching have helped tremendously, but I could tell I needed something to protect my feet while running.  My first stop was at a sporting goods store to find some arch-supporting insoles.  They seemed fine at the store, and I certainly didn’t skimp on the price, but wearing them for a short three-mile run was nothing short of excruciating.  My heel pain was gone, but my toes felt like they were going to break (and worse, my toenails felt like they were going to break…I will post more on my paralyzing fear of losing a toenail in another post).  So I took the insoles back and visited my local running store to try and find a lightweight “close-to-the-road” shoe that would give me a little more protection on these longer training days.  I walked away with a pair of shoes (these Saucony Cortanas) that feel great and have kept me pain-free.  Yet as much as I love them (aren’t they cute?!?), they are not my featured gear for the week.  Rather, I am featuring the running store itself.  No matter what kind of recommendations or reviews a shoe gets, nothing beats an expert analyzing your foot and stride, and talking to you about what you need.  Find a smaller, local operation in your area and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.  If you are in the Central Ohio area, I can’t say enough good things about Second Sole.

Vegan thoughts: I have really been pushing myself to eat only the best food I can get my hands on…lots of green smoothies, leafy green salads, fresh fruit, and a crazy amount of WATER.  I can put in as many miles in as I like, but I know that if I am not fueling my body to be its most efficient (with food and rest), then I won’t be able to train at my best.  I have been adding a scoop of Vega Energizing Smoothie powder to my post-workout shake to give it a little more “oomph,” but otherwise I am keeping only whole plant foods in my refrigerator.  So far, this is working for me, and I feel great.