When I saw this year’s Gasparilla Distance Classic Marathon shirt, it made me sad all over again to have missed the boat on Tampa’s very last marathon.
Missed the Boat
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Tag Archives: running gear
Obsessed With Omni
When I crashed my bike a few weeks back, I managed to tear a hole in my running shoes. Somehow, the crash ripped a small hole in the mesh on the inside of my right shoe, but it didn’t hinder my ability to run in them. Well, if you saw my pace, you would think differently, but it really had nothing to do with the shoe. I swear.
Then, last Friday I felt that familiar knee pain that usually occurs when a shoe has seen its last mile. It’s been nearly 6 months since I bought my last pair, therefore, the timing seemed about right and honestly, I was pleased with the coincidence.
As much as I loved my Brooks Infiniti, I believe my weird toe pain may have been caused by a narrow toe box. Therefore, Lee at The Running Center fitted me for a new shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9. I loved the width of the shoe and when I tested them on the treadmill, the shoes seemed fine despite having less cushion than the Infiniti.
Saturday morning, I couldn’t wait to test out my new shoes. I went for a short 3 mile run, but as I drew closer to 3 mile mark, I felt a sharp pain in my heel. I immediately stopped running and walked home. Obviously the wrong shoes for me, I boxed up the bad boys and took them back to store.
Once I returned to The Running Center, I explained to staff that I loved the width of the Brooks Adrenaline, but I needed something with more cushion. Then, entered a new option: Saucony Pro Grid Omni 8. This shoe has lovely cushion for the pushin’, but I especially loved the stretchy mesh side panel. However, my big toe hit the front of the shoe, which meant I had to go up a half size. With the next size up, I felt the shoe slipping on my heel, so my new BFF at The Running Center taught me this nifty lacing trick, which incidentally also happens to be the way my running partner, Tiffany, laces her shoes.
So, in my short running career (almost three years now), I have grown a half size bigger and I’ve tested and tried 7 different styles of shoes: Asics 2130, Asics Nimbus, Asics Kensei, Asics Kanyano, Brooks Infiniti, Brooks Adrenaline and Saucony Omni. My DH believes I’m evolving as a runner and my needs are changing. Um…yeah…sure, we’ll go with that.
This morning, I ran with my new shoes. No weird toe pain. No knee pain. I only felt my happy heel hitting a nice, comfy cushion. Too bad my BFF Sharon Mann tortured me the day before with a kickboxing and several reps of squats. My feet and knees felt great but my quads were killing me!
3 Miles
Time 31:17
Gracie’s Gear Winner!
Congratulations to Brooke on the Run! I hope you love your Gracie’s Gear Tank as much as I do! Wear it proudly and stuff the pocket full of snacks and other fun stuff! 
Thank you to all the ladies who entered this giveaway!
Running Chics Winner!
Congrautlations to Candice of I Have Run! As the winner of this giveaway, she can choose the Running Chics top of her choice! I just recieved my Berry Fitted Running Chics Tee and running skirt and I love them! I hope you enjoy yours, too!
Thanks to all the “running chics” who entered this giveaway!
One More Mile Winner!
Congratulations to Marathon Mom! She has won the One More Mile t-shirt of her choice!
A big THANK YOU to everyone who entered the giveaway!
Gracie’s Gear Giveaway
Part of preparing for a race includes selecting the right outfit. This might sound silly, but you have to wear what’s comfortable. Plus, it needs to be something you’ve trained in and you know works for you.
For Saturday’s triathlon, I’ve selected a pair of padded bike shorts for sure, but I’ve also decided my Gracie’s Gear Long Tank is the perfect pick for Saturday’s triathlon because I know it works for me. I plan to stash a Cliff Shot in the flexible Power Pouch so I can suck down a shot running into transition to gear up for the biking leg. (Did I mention it’s a reverse tri?)
I wore my Gracie’s Gear Long Tank during the Gasparilla Marathon and proclaimed my love for it. Now, once again I can share my love for this product with another Gracie’s Gear Giveaway! To win a Gracie’s Gear Long Tank, visit graciesgearandtraining.com and view The Long Tanks. Then, post a comment stating which size/color long tank you would like to win.
For additional entries to win a Gracie’s Gear Long Tank:
- Write a post about this giveaway on your blog.
- Follow @denisermt on Twitter.
- Tweet about this giveaway. Add a new comment for each time you tweet: @denisermt Run DMT’s #blogoversary #giveaway- Win a Gracie’s Gear Long Tank- http://tinyurl.com/n3c79n
- Visit graciesgearandtraining.com and read her Training Tips. Add a comment here to let us know which tips you read and if you tried them. Each time you read an article and post another comment is an additional entry.
- Gracie’s Gear is a supporter of EMWomen, so visit emwomen.com and let us know what interesting things you found there.
Running Chics Giveaway
It’s great to be a girl chic, especially a girl chic who runs. There are so many cute, trendy clothing choices for us and the styles at Running Chics are no exception.
Running Chics has graciously offered a free top to one lucky Run DMT reader. To win the product of your choice, visit Running Chics to check out their “Featured Products”. Then, add a comment here stating which top you would like to win. Please include the style, color and size. One lucky winner will be randomly selected on Friday, August 7.
In addition to this great giveaway, Running Chics is also offering all Run DMT readers a 10% discount off any purchases. Simply click on the Contact Page and type Run DMT in the contact form. This exclusive deal expires August 7.
For additional entries to win a Running Chics shirt:
- Become a fan of Running Chics on Facebook.
- Follow @runningchics and @denisermt on Twitter.
- Tweet about this giveaway. Add a new comment for each time you tweet: @denisermt Run DMT’s #blogoversary #giveaway- Win a shirt from Running Chics http://tinyurl.com/nknoz9
One More Mile Giveaway
I often find myself chanting those very words. One more mile…Just one more mile.
I also find myself chuckling at some of the printed slogan’s of the One More Mile t-shirts.
I know I run like a girl. Try to keep up.
Toenails are for sissies.
Does this shirt make my butt look fast?
I think the last slogan is my favorite. Look how cute it looks on the Short Sleeve Vintage t-shirt with the slogan printed along the bottom of the shirt drawing attention to your big ol’ badunkadunk.
Well, now you can pick your favorite slogan for your very own One More Mile shirt! Visit One More Mile and then add a comment here to share your favorite t-shirt (style/color/size) and slogan. One lucky winner will win a shirt of his/her choice. This giveaway ends Wednesday, August 5.
In addition to this great giveaway, One More Mile is also offering all Run DMT readers a 15% discount off any purchases. Simply add the coupon code RUC1326 at the check-out, but don’t delay. This exclusive deal expires August 5.
For additional entries to win a One More Mile shirt:
- Visit One More Mile and enter their slogan contest.
- Become a fan of One More Mile on Facebook.
- Follow @denisermt on Twitter.
- Tweet about this giveaway. Add a new comment for each time you tweet: @denisermt Run DMT’s #blogoversary #giveaway- Win your fav slogan shirt from One More Mile http://tinyurl.com/nohtf9
Sunday Running Log #19
I set a goal for myself to run 12 miles in under two hours. I also decided to run in the outfit I would wear for the half-marathon, which included my running skirt and my Gracie’s Gear top with a Cliff Shot stored in my trusty Power Pouch.
As much as I wanted to run the Starkey Trail to prepare for the Rally to Remember, my running partners and I simply couldn’t coordinate a time that worked for everyone in our little running group. So, we ran around the neighborhood like we always do for our Sunday runs.
My goal is to improve my time, which means stopping for fewer water breaks and reprogramming myself to run 6 miles without stopping. For my long runs, I typically stop for my first water break at 3 miles, but I am trying to build up my endurance. Running with Jackie has definitely helped with that because she never stops.
Before my run, I downed a vanilla bean GU to test it out before next week’s race. I wanted to see how my bowels would handle this new gel.
For most of the run, Jackie and I kept the pace at 8:00-8:30 mm, but there were times were I had to slow down to a 10:00 mm or even walk for a few seconds. The first 6 miles were tough because Jackie just dragged me along.
At about 6.7 miles, I stopped for a short water break and Cliff Shot.
Since Jackie only planned to run 6 miles, we parted our ways and I ran the next 6 miles alone at a 9:00-9:30 mm pace. Then, my legs started to chafe and I made a detour to Lori’s house for some first aid care Vaseline. I realized if I wear my cute little running skirt for the race, I need to pack some Vaseline in my power pouch, too.
Just as I had planned, I finished the 12 miles under two hours: 1:55:13.
Based on my training time, I am feeling confident about my performance at next week’s race. I will place for my division, damn it!
Gracie’s Gear Girl Revealed!
Time to reveal the official winner of Run DMT’s Gracie’s Gear Giveaway! So, here is the lucky lady with the help of random.org.
Yay for “The Other Denise”! Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your new Gracie’s Gear tank as much as I do! Thanks again to all the wonderful women who entered the giveaway!
