NEW BROOKS, RUNNING, AND ROADSIDE CORN

 photo credit@vickilsullivan, 2016

What commonalities exist with, new Brooks, running, and roadside corn?  Well,  other than my experience out this morning while jogging along Post Rd, not much.  I mean, really, there is corn growing alongside the road and even one stalk is now sprouting corn.  Once upon a time, when running with my Little Rock, AR marathon master runner sister, we happened upon roadside trees laden with ripe bounty and did stop to gather all we could carry.  Since the trees were not on private property but along the city curb, we figured we were helping keep the mess to a minimum.  Well, that was the reasoning at the time anyway. 

Personally, I would really love to see communities show their appreciation for those hardy souls who set good examples through running/jogging/and or walking by installing roadside fresh water fountains!  We outside exercise enthusiasts who take to the streets are first line folks helping to build and maintain safe communities for everyone! We're up early and out there in the early morning, all day, and even late into the night getting in those few or many miles which provide for us a clear mind, healthy body, and calm, disciplined, stable life outlook.  I can just see them now with nice little welcoming plaques saying, "Thank you for helping keep our city safe and healthy." 

Ok, now about my new Brooks Glycerin 14's. Have a look!  

My first impression was the design construction seems more contoured than the Glycerin 13.  And, the tred  application is a whole new approach from past models.  

Glycerin 13

My style is to hit first on my heel and then roll forward. The 14's design, though a full 1/4 inch more narrow, to me, seems to ride with better support.  Now, the Glycerin shoe is a neutral support shoe. Still though the construction gives great support with little to no wobble when the heel strikes ground.

Again, I find I have to laud Brooks Running for a great new shoe upgrade AND apologize for going to a competing brand for a season.  I thought the extra padding of the competitors shoe might add to the comfort.  But, instead, I caused a tendon pull in my knee and was out of it for 6 months. 

I'm pleased to be back in Brooks shoes and out on the road Running Happy! 

OLYMPIC FEVER HOLDING A STEADY PACE

photo credit@vickisullivan, 2016

To be sure, most runners are not olympic bound. Still, though, the same rules of endurance, steady pacing, discipline, and love of the sport, regardless of our natural gifting, bind us all through empathy and understanding of how many runs are just like running uphill all the way. That pretty much describes my jog this morning. 

Temperature, humidity, weather, emotional status, physical condition, and mental toughness are, I think, the components most affecting each run.  I was really up for the jog after taking off all jogs for 2 weeks.  But, as the week progressed and the temperatures reached into the 90's, my enthusiasm for getting up before dawn waned considerably.  Now, as drudgery and 90 degree temps, have once more demanded discipline and commitment, I find myself considering and weighing the costs and benefits of just "getting out there."  

Given that I've been a runner since high school, I don't think I'm yet about giving up on what I've always found relaxing and invigorating. And, though my fast paced runner family members debate on whether I am walking or jogging, holding a steady pace has proved exceptionally foundational in every area of life. Hello - I plan on continuing.

Certainly, like so many, I have watched with interest as this year's Summer Olympics choose which athletes are the best at whatever sport. And, I've appreciated how they each and everyone "hold a steady pace." 

Keep your eyes on the next mile market and Go Team USA!