I took my first run in the New Balance 790, a discontinued, minimal trail shoe that is popular with ChiRunning people. I decided to just go out for 3 miles and try something a little different: I ran with a 60bpm click track and ran at a cadence of 90 (that's what you get if you run in "waltz time" at 60bpm). Some thoughts:
- The shoes are not uncomfortable; the lack of cushioning is immediately noticable. I ran 3 miles and noticed more fatigue--not pain--in my upper feet and lower legs than I usually experience. It's been about 6 hours since the run, and my R plantar fascia is a little warm and inflamed (it didn't hurt during the run, and it's not really painful now).
- You can really "feel" the road in these shoes. I tried to focus on this because I don't plan to log lots of miles in these guys; I plan to use them on "form focus" runs where I want to feel the road. I had an interesting sensation during the run: it felt as though I was using my mid-foot to strike, but my toes and heel were also giving me information about the terrain. It almost felt like my toes and heels were acting like ski poles--they were not supporting my weight, but they were giving me information about the lay of the land.
- On this run, I also ran with the click track. This was odd at first. One thing I learned is that there is no way that I keep a steady cadence while running. I had to work to stay at 90 pretty consciously. Reflecting on the run, I can tell that I must increase/decrease cadence depending on my perceived exertion. This was a cool run because--for the first time--I could objectively notice my increase and decrease in speed. Running with the click track will be very interesting at Genesys. I had a moderate perception of increasing lean and stride length to increase pace, but I did not have a good sense of it. I mostly noticed these changes after they were happening. At Genesys, I will be able to monitor these at 426 yard intervals.
- The shoe seems fine for short runs, and will probably be ideal for work on the indoor track, especially when I want to feel more of how my feet land on the ground. I'll use these shoes to focus on my form.
- I always find myself doubting that I actually strike at the mid-foot. Part of me thinks (and I sometimes have the perception) that I am striking with my heel; however, I must be avoiding the heel enough to stop the intense pain I was getting in my lower legs.
In thinking about perceived exertion, check out the Perceived Exertion Scale. Here's a modified and simpler version:
So, I love being analytical about this thing. The "Borg Scale" might be a great way to work on different effort levels. From my reading of running magazines, etc. I have noticed that many runners have a 5K and 10K pace. I assume there is a corollary half-marathon and marathon pace. Off the top of my head, paces I would be happy with in the next 12 months are:
- 5K = 7:45/M (24:00)
- 10K = 8:17/M (51:30)
- 13.1 = 8:35/M (1:52)
- 26.2 = 8:50/M (3:51)
I only have about 80 days before the half marathon. So I think that I will be "training" for the first time come January 2010. The Genesys track should help with that. I've also stabilized at 190 pounds. I think it's a reasonable goal to lose 10 pounds before the race. That is under one pound per week. Here are some diet ideas:
- No soda (Diet Coke at work)
- No fast food (McDonalds, Burger King, Halo Burger, Taco Bell, etc.)
- No candy (that means you Peanut M&Ms)
One thing is for certain: the race will be easier if you weigh less.
New Balance 800
I am contemplating a purchase of these:
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