Tag Archives: shoes

Random Thoughts about Skipping a Beat, 10 Burpees, Some Shoes and a Few 5Ks

Posted on by Run DMT
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I’ve spent the past two days recovering from Spring Break which has been mostly spent sweeping and tidying away the fallout from Easter and Spring Break.  It’s amazing how dirty and unkempt my house looks even though we spent so little time in it over the past week.

I’ve been so busy trying to play catch-up to my housework that I didn’t even blog yesterday for Music Monday.  Gasp!  I had a post in my head complete with photographs showing all our fun in the sun which I was going to link up at Kristi’s Leap into Spring! Photo Challenge at Live and Love Out Loud.  However, time just escaped me while one Little Lion Man wouldn’t leave me side, so I couldn’t swing it.  Maybe I’ll work on it for Wordless Wednesday, minus sunny day song.

We’re on day 10 for the 30 Day Burpee Challenge, which means we’ve moved hit double digits.  Truth be told, ten burpees about did me in today.  I am so out of shape, which why I need to do burpees.  It’s a vicious cycle.

Have I ever mentioned that I assist with my kids’ running club after school?  Every Tuesday, I run about 3 miles with my stroller and close to 50 kids.  Besides spending quality running time with my girls, it’s all part of my evening training plan to help me train for upcoming evening races in warmer weather.  And you thought I was trying to be a good mom!  Nope.  I’m just trying to be a better mother summer runner.

I officially registered for my first summer race: Oldsmar 5K (formerly the Oldsmar Taphouse Run) in June.  Even though it’s hotter than hell, this is one of my favorite races.  I love the flat course and its beautiful view of the bay.  It’s not chipped, but the first 50 finishers get “Das Boot” and since that will never be me holding Das Boot, I’m just going to have fun with it and get my drink on after the race.  I get to do my thing, taking photos running happy and snappy as usual and I’ll have a beer or two or three when it’s all finished.  Did I mention that there is free beer for all runners at the finish?

My new Brooks Trance 10 running shoes arrived last Thursday afternoon and I unfortunately didn’t have the chance to break them in before the race.  In other words, I wore brand-spanking new shoes for a race, which incidentally was 5K trail run.  I had no idea it was a trail run!  So not only was a panicking about not running for over a week due to plantar fasciitis, I began panicking because I hadn’t trained for a trail.  And on top of it all, I worried that I would dirty my pretty new white shoes.  Such a girl!  I’ll tell you more about the race in another post.

Speaking of shoes, our new pup chewed through my pink Spenco flip-flops.  Son of…!  They were about a year old anyway and I was long overdue for a new pair as they had lost some of the support in them, but still.  UGH!  Thank goodness it wasn’t my new Abeo shoes but I’ve been hiding those out of the dog’s reach.  Oh well.  Now, I have an excuse to buy a new pair.  Maybe I’ll go for the pink (honeysuckle) cork shoes?

Before I forget, WordPress is hosting a Automattic Worldwide WP 5k.  The WWWP5k is set for Sunday, April 29, but you can do your run/walk anytime from April 23rd-29th, which means you’ve got a week to fit it in.  If you’ve never done a 5K, the WWWP5K is the perfect no-pressure 5K, because like the Automattic gang put it so eloquently, “you can run, walk, or skip the 3.1 miles. It’s up to you. There’s no time limit and there’s just one requirement: that you participate! You can do it inside or outside, on a treadmill or on a track, or even do a swim or a bike ride instead of running/walking – just get moving!”

So, will you join the WWWP5K on April 29?  Of course, I’m down with WWWP5K. Yeah you know me. It should be a lot easier than 10 burpees.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Enjoying a Red Sunrise from The Walking Company

Posted on by Run DMT
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Upon a recent visit to The Walking Company I fell in love with the numerous styles and colors of comfortable shoes.  Sure, there were the traditional walking brands, like Clarks, Birkenstock and New Balance, but I was blown away by the variety of stylish sandals.  For once a girl can be cute and comfortable at the same time!

With the help of the sales assistance, I had my feet scanned for a proper fit and within seconds, a high tech analysis had measured me as a size 39, also known as an 8 US.

I tried on a few pairs and it was love at first step.  I even tweeted about them.

The prices of shoes at The Walking Company compare to your average running shoes, therefore, I experienced no sticker shock.  However, I needed new running shoes before fancy, fun sandals and I had to overrule any purchases based upon need vs. want.  Like a good consumer, I left the store empty handed, but with very sad feet.

A few hours later, I received an email from The Walking Company stating they would like to send me a pair of ABEO Biomechanical Footwear shoes.  I only needed to visit the site and make a selection.

You’re joking?  No need to tell me twice.  I was on it like a fashionista famished for new shoes.

When I visited the site, I discovered the most amazing thing. The Walking Company sells shoes specific to plantar faciistis.  I had died and gone to shoe heaven, because my feet would be walking on clouds this summer.

Much like my experience in the store, there were so many fun styles online.  After clicking through the site, I decided upon a fun color for summer: the ABEO Sunrise Red Reptile.

shoe

Now, I could share with you all the high-tech terminology and features of the shoes, but that’s all listed on the website.  You only need to know one thing: I love them.

My Red Reptile ABEO Sunrise shoes are so comfortable.  I don’t have any heel pain when I wear them.  I can walk in them for hours and never feel a twinge of pain from plantar fasciitis.  It’s like wearing running shoes, only much more stylish.  I can dress them up or down by coordinating the shoes with a sundress or shorts.  I can wear them to church, the mall, the park, the beach, an amusement park or restaurant.

Anything goes with a Sunrise (even a glass of red wine and purple toenail polish), but it’s the trendy comfort that makes this so fitting for my active mother runner lifestyle.

*I received these shoes as a gift from The Walking Company and I received no compensation for my review.  This review was offered in return for The Walking Company’s generosity.*  

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about a Break or Two, Burpees and My New Shoes

Posted on by Run DMT
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My plantar faciitis began bothering me again which I believe to be a result of old shoes.  I’ve put a lot a miles on my shoes since November when I bought them.  Since my left heal has been giving me trouble, I haven’t ran since last Wednesday and I ordered myself some new lavender Trace 10 running shoes from Brooks.com.  They should arrive tomorrow, so hopefully I can get at least one 3 mile run in and break them in before my 5K on Saturday.

The Hare Racing Experience this Saturday is the only race I have one this month.   Although I never ran it before, I’ve heard great things about it so I’m excited about it.  This race will be even more fun since I’ll be joined by family members running/walking their first race.  We’re all participating in this race to benefit epilepsy in honor of my niece, Meghan.

I’ve had some amazing opportunities fall into my lap lately and I’m feeling so blessed for each of them.  I’m a grateful for every opportunity and the doors they have opened for me.  Thank you.

And speaking of opportunities, did you hear that I was featured on Another Runner Mother?  Go read my interview and leave some comment love.

On the subject of things I love…last week I received some new sandals from The Walking Company which my PF feet totally love. My ABEO sandals are so supportive that I don’t feel any heel pain at all.  I’m going to do a full review of the shoes, but here’s a sneak peek.  I really love them. 

shoe

 My girls are on spring break this week and we have lots of fun planned, however, my husband thought I was planning too much fun and the girls would need a break from their break.  So, today we’re having a quiet lie in and we’ll go to our community pool around lunch time.  I’m really looking forward to swimming since I haven’t run in almost a week and I have all this energy pent-up inside.  I’m going to have to tread water to expend some of it.
Speaking of expending energy, I’m almost finished with my push-up challenge.  I finished Week 6/Day 3/Level 1 yesterday, but I still have to complete another exhaustion test tomorrow.  I’m really nervous about it, which is so silly because it’s not like I could “fail” the test, but I’m afraid I won’t be anywhere near 100 push-ups.  At my last exhaustion test, I did only 50.  I’d like to be somewhere between 60-70 push-ups and beyond the half-way point, but we’ll see.

I’m excited about my next challenge for April! This month, we’re ”Springing into April with a 30 Day Burpee challenge“!  Yay.  *sound of crickets chirping*

 Although I received a lot of resistance to this challenge at first, the response has been quite the opposite which is really motivating.  Follow #30burpees on Twitter if you need some motivation.  People hate burpees but their strong detest for burpees pushed them to be part of the challenge.  It’s pretty funny.

Basically, we started with one burpee on Day 1 and we’ll add one burpee each day after that, ending with 30 burpees on Day 30.  Simple, right?  hee hee  Find out more information here and join the linky party while you’re there.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about Some Challenges, My Heeling Process and a Footnote

Posted on by Run DMT
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For the month of October, I committed to the Unprocessed Challenge and by doing so, I swore off processed foods.  Basically, participants had to refrain from eating foods they couldn’t reproduce, bake or cook themselves, such as foods that can only be produced in a factory.   Thankfully, store-bought beer and wine were acceptable.

Seriously?  In October?  What was I thinking?  I freaking love candy corn and other Halloween candy.  I think I ate even more of it because I knew I couldn’t on account of the challenge.  It was tough and I think I lasted (at most) two weeks.  And then I devoured some Tyson hot wings.

For November, I’m participating in the 30 Day Giving Challenge for the third year.  I love this challenge, but I’m not going to lie.  It’s hard, even when I plan out all my gifts for the month, because schedules change, kids gets sick and sometimes things just don’t always go according to plan.  I’ve done well though and I’ve given 15 gifts and then some in 15 days so far.

Speaking of gifts, my t-shirt giveaway didn’t attract as many people as other giveaways have in the past.  I tweeted, Facebooked, linked up at giveaway blog hops but still only 4 people entered the contest, including my SIL, Kirsten and my friend, Chrissy, who won as a result to all her entries.  Obviously, she had the best chance, which is what you hope for when hosting a giveaway.

Has anyone else noticed a drop in giveaway participants?

I had this whole 12 Days of Christmas giveaway plan in the works, but after this giveaway, I’m rethinking the idea.  It’s a lot of work and if it doesn’t generate a response, I’ll be disappointed.  Oh well.  But I’ve got other fun bloggie Christmas plans in the works, like a blogger ornament exchange and a virtual cookie recipe swap!  Stay tuned for more details!

This Sunday, as part of my giving challenge, I’m volunteering at the Women’s Half Marathon water stations with Suncoast Running.  I’m so excited to give back to a sport that has given me so much.  I’m looking forward to cheering and encouraging all the runners while handing them a cup of cold water with a smile.  It will mean the world to each participant, whether it’s their first half marathon or the fiftieth.

Do you remember that almost 21 miler I did a couple of weeks ago with little to no pain?  I even survived walking around Universal Studios the next day (minus a hamstring pull from 25 pound toddler squats all day).  Then, I didn’t run for two days to rest.  I ran about 3 miles on Tuesday and then on Wednesday, I ran almost 10 miles.  And that’s when it all went downhill.

I had some serious heel pain, like my heel was being stabbed with a knife.  I’ve never had this pain before, but I knew it wasn’t good.  I researched about heel pain and learned that I have heel spurs possibly as a result from increasing miles too quickly or running in old shoes (shoes without support). I’m inclined to believe it’s the latter because I’ve been pretty careful to not push myself too far too quickly.

As for healing my heel, everything I’ve read recommends taking a week off from running.  But, my marathon is in 12 days.  12 DAYS!  And I can’t run or even taper!

So now, I need new shoes.  But new shoes need to be broken in before I attempt to run 26.2 miles in them.  Plus, I don’t have any extra cash at the moment and I was really hoping Santa would bring me some new running shoes.  My friends over at Suncoast Running told me that they will have some great Black Friday specials. But I’m still nervous about running a marathon in new shoes.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be a week since I last ran and it still hurts to walk or put any pressure on my right heel.  I tried some light hiking when we went camping over the holiday weekend and the pain would gradually increase.  I’ve read that I can do alternate work-outs like cycling or very low impact aerobics, but I don’t think my heel could handle any impact.  Plus, I’m still scared to get back on my bike.  So resting and yoga is the plan for a few more days until I get some new shoes.  It seems my running plans have become a footnote and I’m not liking it all.

Oh and there’s this other nagging other issue I keep forgetting to do.  I haven’t booked a hotel room for the race yet.  I know. I know.  What am I waiting for?  I was waiting until I registered, which was delayed until I knew I could come close to a marathon distance again post-baby number 3.  Well, I’m officially registered (as of October 22) for the Space Coast Marathon and now I can’t find an available room.  But it doesn’t matter really because it appears that I will have to buy shoes instead of a securing a hotel room.  Looks like I’ll be sleeping in my car the night before the marathon. Yay.

As you can see, lots of challenges lie ahead this month.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Random Thoughts About My Running

Posted on by Run DMT
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A new running store opened in my neighborhood, Suncoast Running, and they host two weekly runs: Tuesdays mornings at 6:00 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m.  Tracey, the owner, and several of my other running friends like Jackie and Sarah, have been trying to get me to join them for weeks.  With an infant still waking up to feed in the middle of the night, it’s really difficult to get motivated to run at 6:00 a.m.

 

But when I heard they meet for drinks at the Beef O’Brady’s next door after their run, I found my motivation to join them last Thursday for their (what I am cleverly calling) Beer Thirty Running Club. Tracey, Michelle (a new running friend) and I ran 3 miles, but I decided to go a tenth of a mile more to learn what my 5K time is these days.

 

Thursday, Oct. 14

3.1 miles

Calories 299

Ave Pace 12:30

Max Pace 9:49

Time 38:43

 

How probable do you think it is to shave 5 minutes off my time by November 21?

 

My running partner, Tiffany, is so excited that I am out running again and we plan our Saturday runs with such zest even though my pace doesn’t reflect it.

 

Saturday, Oct. 16

4 miles

Calories 373

Ave Pace 14:00

Max Pace 9:28

Time 55:57

 

For the past week, my knees have been really bothering me which can mean a few things:  1) I need to stretch my calves more.  2) I need to do more strength training.   3) I need to replace my shoes.

 

I think the latter is the most likely reason.  I replaced my shoes a year ago.  With my pregnancy, I thought they didn’t get much mileage this past year, but I guess they did.  Between two half-marathons, a 5K, walking around Busch Gardens and weekly wogs until I was 7 months pregnant, the miles must have added up.

 

Despite old shoes and my knees still bothering me, I really wanted to try for three miles again this morning.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 19

3.1 miles

Calories 286

Ave Pace 13:26

Max Pace 9:40

Time 41:40

 

How probable do you think it is to shave 10 minutes off my time by November 21?

 

I won’t be running with a stroller at the Women’s 5K, so that may improve my finish time.  However, it was either Tracey and Michelle or the prospect of a drinking beer at Beef’s that helped improve my pace on Thursday evening.   Which made me wonder…Is there beer at the finish at the Women’s Half Marathon?

 

Since Running Betty lives in St. Pete, I think I’ll ask her to bring me a beer.  She can dangle it over the finish line with a fishing rod near the volunteers handing out the medals.

 

Tomorrow, I am not running except to the running store to buy some new shoes.  Hopefully, new shoes will motivate me to move a bit quicker.

 

***Proudly submitted at The Un Mom’s Random Thoughts Tuesday, because when I blog about my runs, it’s usually pretty random.***

 

randomtuesday

Giveaway: A Small Feat for Small Feet

Posted on by Run DMT

For the past 30 days, my girls and I have been giving many gifts, but our 30 Gifts in 30 Days challenge draws to an end just as the season of giving begins.  Therefore, I thought I would offer one more gift to celebrate the end of our successful challenge and the start of the gift giving season.

 

The Fuchsia Beach Crocs I received as part of my Women’s Half Marathon goodie bag are too small.  When I registered for the race, I ordered the wrong size (small W6-7/M4-5), but my mistake is another’s gain or what I prefer to call “My Small Feat for Small Feet Giveaway”.

 

 

So, if you would like to win these pretty in hot pink Crocs, then simply leave a comment below.  These size W6-7/M4-5 Beach Crocs would be a great treat for a petite feet friend.  One lucky winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

 

For additional entries:

  • Follow @denisermt and @Crocs on Twitter.
  • Tweet about this giveaway.  Add a new comment for each time you tweet: @denisermt Run DMT’s #crocs #giveaway- Win a hot pink pair http://tinyurl.com/yht6xgn
  • Become a fan of Crocs on Facebook.
  • Visit Crocs.com. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide and all the great new styles for winter.
  • Visit the Crocs Blog and a comment to one of the posts.

Crocs Winner!

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With the help of random.org, a winner has been selected!

  

Fall Crocs Winner

 

 

Congratulations to FiddleDeeDee!  As the winner, she can choose a new pair of Crocs up to $50 in value!  And after her recent spill in her heeled Crocs, she might be looking for a more flat, sneaker-like pair, such as the Torrey.

 

Thanks for everyone who participated in this giveaway!  Stay tuned for giveaways this fall! :-)

Officially Boycotting The Children’s Place

Posted on by Run DMT
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no-tcpI really think I need to shop on-line more with all these unfortunate situations I seem to keep stumbling into when shopping at retail stores.

 

Maybe it’s just me, because these things only seem to happen to me…BUT, I wanted to go the The Children’s Place to buy my girls some flip-flops, which are staple footwear in Florida. Currently, they’re two for $5 (which is such an awesome deal) and I refuse to pay $8 and up for cheap, floppy footwear. I don’t care how many sequins they glue on them. Those bad boys will be buried in the sand and Emmalynn (my youngest) will be down to only one shoe before the end of May.

 

Anyway, I arrive at the Citrus Park Town Center well before mall hours on Sunday, because I forgot it opens later on Sunday.  Not to worry, the girls and I hang out at the padded play area before the stores open. The girls were having a good time and I was so happy they were minding the rules and Emmalynn stayed in the play area. It’s a great feeling to be past the days of barricading the entrance with my legs or trying to keep her from scaling over the wall as she attempts to escape.

 

Finally, the mall opens and we dart over to TCP. There’s an awesome sale going and everything is 50% off. But like a recovering retail junkie shopaholic, I avoided the red clearance signs and stuck to my flip-flop plan. It’s all about needs vs. wants right? I did some deep breathing and focused on the great wall of flip-flops. 

 

Of course, Allana chooses a pair at the very top, so I need the help of a sales assistance with her big hook tool to reach the precious. 

 

As I find someone to help me, Emmalynn climbs through the rounders while Allana spins other rounders. So much fun!  I ask them to stop and warn them that there will be no tea at Teavana if they don’t stop. (Yes, I bribe my children with free tea at Teavana. So what? Whatever works, man!) They stop, but move onto the spinning mirrors. 

 

Finally, an unwilling sales associate helps me, but Emmalynn is still spinning the rounders. Then, another sales associate scolds Emma to stop. At this point, I am so embarrassed. I ask the girls, “Do you think Mommy makes these rules up?”

 

After trying a variety of flip-flops and still able to fight off the fabulously marked down spring clothes, we’re ready to check-out. 

 

“I can help the next person”, shouts out the associate, who happens to be the same lady who helped me with the flip-flops. 

 

“Great! Thanks!” And I jump to it.

 
“Um yeah…the line is over there. You’re not next.”

 

“HUH? Where’s the line?”

 

“Over there.” And she points to a sign hidden in between the rounders to the left of the register. 

 

“Well, that’s so obvious.” I sarcastically remark. Might I remind you I had TWO pairs of flip-flops.

 

The next person in line is a gentleman who has a pile of clothes. So, I wait in the camouflaged line while children continue to destroy the store. As I wait, I realize I am not the only customer confused by the camouflaged line.

 

Now, I am fuming. Annoyed at my children for being monsters unruly. Pissed off that I had to beg for sales associates to help. Trust me. If I could use the flipping flip-flop fetcher tool hook myself, I would have. And so angry that I and other customers are repeatedly being treated rudely by sales associates. 

 

In this economy, they should be THRILLED to see customers shopping. They should be kissing my ass and thanking me for shopping in their store. They should be elated that their store is still open while others are closing due to the recession.

 

Yep, looks like I need to shop on-line more.  But first, I will send an e-mail to TCP regional and corporate offices about my not-so-pleasant shopping experience.

I Heart My New Running Shoes!

Posted on by Run DMT
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After resting for 2 days, my knees felt as good as new when I woke up this morning.  With that, I eagerly bolted out the door for a short run to test out my new shoes and to see if my knees had really recovered from Sunday’s torture training.  To spare my knees, I chose to only run in the streets and managed to finish 4.5 miles without any pain or discomfort.  Although, my iPod died in the middle of my walking warm-up, my knees and my Kinsei shoes made beautiful music together.

 

It is amazing what the right shoes can do for you!  I felt nothing today, other than my usual side cramps caused by the Florida heat and humidity.  On Sunday, I could barely walk, but today there was not even the slightest bit of pain or any evidence of injury.  Thank goodness!  I’m back, baby! :)

 

As you may have already guessed, I am in love with my new shoes and I am looking forward to my next run with my new love shoes on Friday.