Training update!

Well, with less than 2 months before I find myself at the start of the Chicago marathon I must admit I'm a little nervous. I feel like I'm running soooo slow! The heat is suffocating and makes my legs like lead! In case you haven't heard, the weather in Texas is hitting RECORD highs. For instance this week we've had a few days of 110 degrees and we've had 33 strait days of 100 degree temps -- about to break the record of 40 days set in 1980.

So, it's making endurance training a bit difficult! But, I'm still about on target for my training schedule. I'm up to 14 mile long runs and nailing my tempo and speed work during the week. I only do the treadmill when absolutely necessary and I really do feel my body is acclimating to the heat with each workout outside. My heart rate isn't shooting up as high or as fast and I don't fatigue as quickly. Hopefully, this heat training is working to my advantage and when I get to the cool crisp Chicago weather I feel like I am breaking free and bust out a PR!

I'm also trying new shoes. I've always worn NIKE Frees around the gym to train clients, etc. But I've been wearing them on my shorter runs and have felt REALLY good in them. Even though they are a minimalist shoe with little support I felt lighter, smoother and faster in them -- and without any knee/ankle pain. So, I've transitioned wearing NIKE Frees to my longer runs and am LOVING it. Later Asics... this is a bold move for me since I've worn Asics FOREVER but I think it's really going to workout for me. I'm on my second pair right now -- now, my husband says they're tacky but I say they're racing shoes baby!

Don't worry -- I'm not going to become one of those people running marathons in those "toe shoes" -- aka Vibram 5 Fingers. But I do think there is something to wearing a minimalist shoe and letting your feet, ankles, calves get stronger that truly DOES improve your stride and run. Ever read that book "Born to Run"?