mind body and heart

Wow...it's been a while. I kept telling myself I would sit down and write something, but I never felt like I had much to say. I'm not sure that has really changed, but here I am anyways. This spring was a challenge for me. Even though my mind and my body was saying go, my heart was saying no. I thought I was heading in a good direction when I PR'd the 10 miler in April. That was fun. But when it came time to run the half marathon I had put in months of training for, I just couldn't find the fire.

May 24th I ran Boston's Run to Remember Half Marathon. It's one of my favorite races and was my goal race this spring. I had some ups and downs in the months leading up to the race, but I felt like I was on an upswing just at the right time to go for a PR. However, the morning of the race I woke up feeling very differently. I felt anxious and sad. Getting ready that morning was a struggle. I cried. More then once. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to run. I continued to get ready, got in my car with Ryan and sat there deciding what to do. Ultimately, I made the decision sitting in the parking lot of our apartment to go and run....with no pressure. I let go of the goal to PR, and instead focused on just having fun.

By the time we made our way through the lines of traffic, they had closed the road where the race started. I had to jump out of the car and quickly grab anything I could think of that I may need. I took my phone with me so I could hopefully find Ryan, but realized seconds too late that I had forgot to grab my chews. Oh well. There wasn't anything I could do about it so I made my way down to the starting area. I worked my way to the back of the crowd to find the porta-potties. Announcements and the American Anthem had started so I knew there was no way I would be able to make my way back through the crowd to start with others running my pace. So I stood and waited.

so many people in front of me

I got a message from Ryan saying he grabbed my chews (he's the best) and let me know where he was standing so I could get them. I was so far back in the crowd that when it was finally time for us to start running, all I could do was walk. Even if I wanted to weave my way around people, it just wasn't possible. I found Ryan, made a plan of where to meet after, grabbed my chews, and was on my way. Finally I was able to start running.

beautiful view to start the race

When my watch beeped after the first mile I looked down and saw a number close to 10:00. I had to laugh. Honestly, I just didn't care. I made it through another half mile or so and then decided to shut my watch off completely. The time didn't matter. It was a beautiful day and I was running around my favorite city. That was good enough for me.

Since I started so far back, I spent the entire race swerving around other runners. It was hot and I don't do well running in the heat. Since I wasn't running for time, I made sure to make my way to the side at all the water stops. Every few stops I was forced to come to a complete stop waiting for the volunteers to fill up the cups. Again, I just didn't care. While I was running, I actually felt great. I probably had more fun running a race that day then I ever have. I'm so thankful I decided to start that morning without the pressure of trying to run a PR, and for the sheer joy of running.

high on endorphins

After that race I took a week off to let my mind and my heart have the break it was clearly telling me I needed. Then I started easing back in with some lower mileage. The fire was being reignited and I was excited for a summer filled with shorter races and faster paces. However, I'm learning that the mind and body don't always cooperate. A week ago my hamstring started acting up. It tightened up after a hilly run on Wednesday and hasn't wanted to loosen back up. I tried to run a few times since when it started feeling better, only to make it worse again. Today is a better day, but I didn't run. I'm waving the white flag and taking the rest of the week off and I'll officially DNS my first race this weekend. It stings, but I know it's necessary. I made an appointment this weekend to see a sports massage therapist to hopefully get this straightened out. Unfortunately injuries come with the territory and there's not a whole lot else I can do beside rest, ice, stretch, and recover.

I'm very much looking forward to the day when my heart, mind, and body are once again in sync.

Hoka One One Love

I've been asked many questions recently about my Hokas and what I think, so I thought I would write a post about why I run in them and why I love them so much. I made the switch to Hoka a little over a year ago and I must say it was love at first run. I took the leap of faith after reading about them on various blogs, and website reviews. I grew increasingly curious after reading about many positive experiences. Prior to trying Hoka, I had been a pretty loyal Mizuno fan. I liked my Mizunos, but I felt like I was going through them rather quickly. I also had some knee pain and problems in the past. So, I was intrigued by Hoka and what I was reading about runners experiencing fewer injuries and pain while running in them.

After reading the descriptions of each of their shoes on the market at the time, I decided to go with the Bondi for my first pair. The Bondi promised high performance cushioning for road runners. I was excited to give them a try! When they arrived on my doorstep I eagerly ripped them out of the box. They looked like no other shoe I had tried before. The clown shoe of running you may say. But just as you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, I knew I shouldn't judge the Hoka on it's appearance. I laced them up and went out for my first run. Based on their appearance, I couldn't believe how light they felt. They didn't feel oversized at all on my feet. I remember distinctly feeling like I was flying down the road with springs under my feet. I was immediately a huge fan. 

taking my first pair of Hokas to the trails

I still wear the Bondis for all of my longer runs and races. I have worn them through 2 marathons, a number of half marathons, and even a 5k (not the same pair). 

Marathon #1

#2

Half Marathon

they even made the trip with me to South Korea

While I love the Bondis for longer runs, I wanted something a little smaller for shorter runs and speed work. I started using the Kailua Tarmacs, which have lightweight cushioning with a faster ride according the the Hoka website. The Tarmacs are not as softly cushioned as the Bodis, which make them great for shorter, faster runs. I used them on the track, as well as for races shorter than a half marathon, and easy runs. I loved having more than one shoe to switch between that compliment each other very nicely.

Kailua Tarmacs for Ragnar

also great on the trail

as well as the track

One of the newest additions to the Hoka family is the Clifton. After first seeing them at the Hoka booth at the Vermont City Marathon, I couldn't wait for them to be available. They are extremely lightweight, but offer the same amazing cushioning that I've come to know and love about Hoka. The Hoka website says "if you want to take the feeling of running on grass with you to the concrete jungle, look no further than the Clifton." I have to agree with them. I was amazed by how light they are (6.6oz...the Tarmacs are 9oz and the Bondis are 8.8oz). Again, I was in love after the first run.

Falmouth Road Race in Cliftons

Currently, I rotate between the Bondi 3, Kailua Tarmacs, and the Cliftons. Before switching to Hoka, I never used to wear more than one pair of shoes at a time. While I don't believe it's necessary, I do think it has really helped me stay injury free. Every shoe has a purpose. I am now on my third marathon training cycle wearing Hokas and I have never once looked back. I haven't experienced any major injuries since making the switch (knock on wood) and I feel as though I am able to recover from the long runs more quickly than when I was running in Mizuno. While I'm sure Hoka may not be for everyone, I am big fan and think they are worth giving a try if you're at all curious like I was. 

Current Hoka line up from L to R: Bondi 3, Clifton, Kailua Tarmac

I was sent these beautiful new Bondi 3s
from the very generous people at Hoka for no charge.
However, every other pair of Hokas I have owned,
I purchased on my own.
All of my opinions are real and genuine.

Tell me, have you tried Hokas? Which model and what did you think? Any questions for me?