Yesterday, while my boys went fishing, I went into the local running store and asked if they thought I had high arches (it kinda looks to me like I have them).
The gal there asked me to stand and bend at the knees with my feet shoulder-width apart. Upon her watching, she informed me, "Yes, and you're a neutral".
Whoa. Back up there, missy. "Are you sure?"
She rechecked. "Yes."
That's kinda funny, since I have been analyzed before as an over-pronator (most women are). "I have been running in stability shoes for two (almost 3) years, and you're telling me I am a neutral?"
She nodded her head.
"Really?" She nodded her head again.
I was in total doubt. I am a skeptic anyway...but this was pretty hard for me to believe.
"Sorry to push this, but I got analyzed before and I was wondering....Would you mind doing the treadmill video tape thing?"
"Sure."
She was confident. She cued up that puppy and let me run in my jeans for a bit longer than I did the last time 2+ years ago.
Then she played it back for me.
Sure enough. As she pointed out, I strike on the outsides of my feet and roll in, but only to the center (maybe a smidge more on the left foot, but not enough to warrant stability shoes.)
We talked some more..about what might happen if you are a neutral wearing stability shoes. Two things might crop up: ITBS and/or ankle issues. And it might explain the odd wear pattern on my shoes..to the outside on the right foot).
I purchased the sports bra I found on clearance and a few gels. I needed some time to take it all in. I left with my mom (who had the baby-- THANKS MOM!!!) and we talked. Then I doubled back and went for a pair of shoes (and ran into my friend Tami on the way back!...thanks for the fashion input!).
She was busy this time and I got a different clerk. We'll call him Specs. Specs was the guy who analyzed me in 2008. He didn't believe I was a neutral, so he made me do the standing test.
I mentioned to him I got injured about 5 weeks ago and had a marathon coming up. "I wouldn't do it," He said. I smiled.
"I am going to do it." (thinking..."If I can"...) "Airfare is paid for. I registered in October. And I have seen a doctor (kinda defensively)."
"You only live once." He said with a shrug.
He got me the shoes, I tried them on and ran in them. He recommended I take my time to get used to them (working them into my other shoes). I bought them.
While at the counter he asked, "What race is it?" I told him it was Boston.
"Oooooooooohhhhh. I haven't done that one."
"Why not?" I asked...curious to get into the brain of another runner.
"I really want to be in my best shape when I do," He replied.
I smiled again.
I took the shoes and left.
***
Being a neutral is like winning the lottery...Here I was running around in stability shoes, when I could have been wearing some nice Asics Piranhas the whole time!! The world of racing flats and discount deals is just beyond the door.
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Training stuff:
I think I am still recovering from the 20 miler...or my calf was still sore from weights Saturday (quite possible), when I headed out in the rain today. I haven't done any speed work since the disastrous tempo that took me out for three weeks with a mysterious ankle injury.
Another blogger, Danny, (thank you) suggested that I do a few 1600's (but not too many) between now and the race.
I'll be honest here. I have not felt like my legs were ready for that yet. But I know my time left is very short. I decided to keep it near 6:18 each (if it could be possible to go that pace)I also decided to stop at two, just to make sure I could LIVE to run another day (if injury issues cropped up).
I wore the new Brooks and after 5 miles of warm up, I hit the first 1600. Really- I wasn't sure if I could even go under 7 minutes- but I misjudged where the mile marker was (it's been 6+ weeks!) and when I saw it, I had to hold on. I finished in 6:07. The about 1600 recovery, but I was still tired. This one was an easier effort and a slower 6:25. It's very hard to judge my fitness from just these two....But I feel better for trying.
I definitely want to get to my race in one piece, so I am not going to go crazy with this stuff at 20 days out. Just trying to regain fitness I lost. And tomorrow I may be able to run (at an easy pace). Each run is a GIFT.
Hope you all have a great week!!!
***
Fishing pics:
Thanks to my dad and Jon for taking the boys on a fun excursion (in Eugene)!
They had a good time- even though the fish were very tricky =D Monday.