Disney Marathon Training Update + I Found “The One”

Hi guys! I know it has been a few weeks since I’ve updated on my training. I’m now on Week 7! It has been busy the past few weeks, but I have gotten my miles in. In the same day, I had homecoming festivities plus the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K. It was so inspiring seeing so many out there supporting a cause that touches so many lives. The UAB Homecoming game (Yes, we won!) was right after the 5K — Go Blazers! I’m glad I was able to connect with my old classmates, friends, and sorority sisters!

UAB Homecoming Parade! Hey, Blaze!

I got to see my peeps, Chevy and Tiffany!

 My Runna Stunnas/Sorors, Rayna and Tammy!

Training Update!

After returning from the Women’s Running Nashville Half Marathon (recap here), I decided it was time to “stop talking about it and be about it”. I had to find “The One”. I’ve tried so many shoes over the past few years and I still had not found “The One”. Well, after reading about Hoka One One in magazines and seeing posts about them, I decided I wanted to try them out. Just like fashion trends — running accessories, apparel, shoes, etc. have their own trend. The most recent was “Minimalist” shoes. Not saying they are a trend, but I kept hearing about Hoka. I would also see them from time to time at different races and I have even heard people say they look like “clown shoes” or feel heavy. I literally knew NO ONE who wore them, so I was really taking a chance. I went to Trak Shak, tried some on, and found what my heart and sole(s) had been searching for! They are, by far, THE BEST running shoes I’ve ever owned. Generally, I don’t really know until I’ve reaaallly worn them on a few runs; but since I have, I’m convinced. I’m here to tell ya…they are the best thing since “Slutty Brownies” (don’t judge me, I didn’t name them). Being that I’ve always ran in a stability shoe (bulkier), the size and weight of the shoes wasn’t an issue for me. Don’t sleep on em’.

This was my first long run (9-miler) in my Hokas! I got a little excited and ended up going too far. Glad I turned around when I did or I may have been running a marathon! I had a very strong run and my legs didn’t hurt or feel tired after I was done. Hello, Hoka and fall running! I do believe it’s the engineered mid-sole with 2.5x volume and great shock absorption. They also have a meta-rocker mid-sole which helps encourage gait speed roll from heel-strike to toe-off. Enough of the runner talk… (so not my style lol)

As you can see I loved them so much, I needed to get a back-up/alternate pair. I have always found it beneficial to rotate out my shoes between longer and shorter runs. I went with the Stinson ATR. I love this shoe because it transitions nicely into trail…as you can see. Also, on this 10-miler, I tried out the “Gingersnap” flavor Honey Stinger waffle and it was yumtastic! If you need fuel/energy on your run (walk, bike ride, etc.), Honey Stinger has a great line of products that are awesome. Oh heyyy, Batman! Thank you for sharing your Bat Wings! I needed the push.

I’m now on Week 7, with my long run on tomorrow. I had to switch days because it’s Magic City Classic weekend! No hay excusas.

I didn’t mention it earlier, but I made it official! I’m so excited that I have found my marathon shoe! WE are sole mates!

That’s pretty much it for now. I’ll keep the updates coming. Oh, I did attend a Ladies Night Out with my local running store (FUN!) and I’ll be attending another one this week. I’ll share more about those in a later post!

Has your activity decreased since summer is over and fall is here?