OMG, it seems like everyone is into this endorphin idea! January can do that to a person! The gym
this morning was jam-packed. EndorphinGirl™ just about had to tackle someone to get her desired workout machine. Okay well maybe it was
only almost tackle and more like a little wrestle! Of the 50+ pieces of equipment / machines at the gym at least three-quarters of them were already pumping with people by 6.35
a.m. Good, good, good.
While the idea of course is to get into an endorphin-like-state at the gym, if you stop for a minute and look around it is quite rib-tickling to watch people moving on the machines. Placing no judgment of course especially because EndrophinGirl™ has had her funny gym moments too; it is just fun to gym-people-watch. There are fast-moving-people, slow-moving-people and barely-moving-people. But still they are moving and not slouching or couching! Awesome!
One particular instance of gym-people-watching stood out this morning. EndorphinGirl™ was watching this young runner on the treadmill. She ran so peacefully and effortlessly just like a gazelle. And for a moment EndorphinGirl™ launched into an endorphin-daydream and could envision running the Long Branch half marathon too like a gazelle gliding on the boardwalk. A cool May breeze blowing and halfway through the run perhaps even performing a giselle! Okay, okay, snap out of it - enough of that!
Seriously, there are only 109 days before the half marathon.
And unfortunately EndrophinGirl™ has NOT been running for the past week plus. The training has been slightly delayed but just from the ‘running’ side of things. After a great new year ‘running’
start, a bit of tendonitis decided to settle in the right knee, primarily due to improper running shoes coupled with a-knowing-it’s-not-good-but-doing-it-anyway-run on First Avenue hilly
concrete pavement. The remedies, which have been working, are fourfold i) TLC for the knee, ii) research on proper running shoes, iii) no running, but iv)
cross-training.
The knee TLC remedy consists of the heat-before-activity,
knee-brace-wearing-while-exercising, and ice-on-knee-after-activity line of attack! And when possible, an Epson salt bath. Thanks for this remedy 16th Street Women’s Workout
Club
trainer dude!)
There are two suggested running shoe products to consider to help with a comfortable run - ALTRA and @asics. One big consideration to take into account before venturing out to buy this important pair of running shoes is EndorphinGirl™’s talipes cavus. In case you were not ‘required’ to take HS Latin, talipes cavus is a ‘high arch’. (Yes, EndorphinGirl™ has a sense of humor with a facility for languages!). This high arch as some know has been a blessing because it makes a foot actually look quite nice, you know like in delicate nice, ( J ) but it has also been a hiccup at times. The latter because there are certain boots that either just won’t go on over the talipes cavus or only go on after a sweat-wrenching struggle. In the case of EndrophinGirl™, it is mostly her right foot talepus cavus that gives her trouble! It is what it is!
Okay back to the suggested running shoes. ALTRA suggest
they are a true gender-specific shoe. The running shoes are a bit funnier looking in that the front of the shoe is wider, more like a foot-shape design to ensure ‘happy feet’. This shape is
also supposed to provide more comfort, balance and running efficiency. It is a full-cushion shoe without the added heal cushioning which is typically more common in running shoes. The idea with the
full-cushioning is to allow for a more natural foot-to-ground-strike when running. The mechanics of ALTRA running shoes also claim to support a high-arch runner. A big consideration for
EndrophinGirl™. ALTRA doesn’t have too many style selections, which is kind of nice because you can more easily make a decision! A link to their website is below in case bloggee’s curiosity has been
piqued!
@asics
on the other hand appears to have hundreds of shoe options. For instance for just running, there are structured cushioning, cushioning, maximum support, engineered,
trail, speed-training, speed-minimalist/racing shoe options. Got that?
According
to @asics a high-arched foot is also known as an under-pronated foot. Hmm, don’t you think talipes cavus sounds better? What this really means is that a high-arch runner is more likely to experience
shock transmission through the lower legs so needs more cushioning in the shoe. @asics
recommends a shoe in their ‘cushioning’ category to help the talipes cavus runner! A high-arch runner may tend to also have a rigid forefoot, so will need a shoe that has a lot of flexibility, which
the ‘cushioning’ shoe suggests it has.
While
EndorphinGirl™ is not yet decided on which running shoe, one will be chosen in the days ahead; so far the
frontrunner for each brand:
- @asics - GEL Kinsei4 http://www.asicsamerica.com
- ALTRA – Torin http://www.altrazerodrop.com/
Finally, aside from NOT running, the fourth ‘remedy’ for a healing knee is
the cross-training. Some serious
cross-training this past week has involved increased time at the gym getting to know more machines, with a particular familiarity now with the Cyber Arc Trainer 750A and the Precor EFX which has a
good program that is particularly good for hamstrings, calves, glutes and quads – all at once. EndropinGirl™ has also found a particular liking to the rowing machine. And on occasion has been back on
the stationary bike doing some intensive cycling. Frankly though the stationary bike is a bit boring. But because of it a few things happened today. EndrophinGirl™ is reminded to do some spinning
again, but that’s at another gym!; and while cycling, EndrophinGirl had a chance to read a Fitness magazine and came across some really cool workout gear. In particular by Brooks Mach, a pair of
leopard skin workout pants. Nice! These may be a purchase with the new running shoes. TBD!
By the way, if you are interested in understanding more about your foot type, before buying your next pair of running shoes, check out this site . . . http://www.asicsamerica.com/shoe-fit-guide/
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In the spirit of cross training this week’s EndrophinGirl™ is weight-lifting in her 'snap'. This is something to add to the cross-training mix. The drawing is courtesy of EndorphinGirl™’s ‘artist’ son!
Until Friday, keep on endorphing.
EndorphinGirl™
[Countdown: 109 days]
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