New Shoes: Brooks Pure Project- "PureFlow"

Yesterday was the first day I wore my new Brooks Pure Project "PureFlow" shoes.  They are part of the new Pure Project light weight line.  I choose this model to give me slight support with cushioning.
I ran with my buddy Eugene on one of the coldest and windy days of the new year.  Temps were in the teens and with a wind chill of 10 degrees.
I started out running in front of my house and just cruised, not to pushing to hard in my new shoes.  With a nice 8:30-9 minute pace the Pure Flows felt great through out the entire training run.
For me the shoes felt like one of the most lightest shoes I've ever worn.  I'm normally use to Brooks Adrenaline       These are a support shoe and I highly recommend them to anyone that doesn't have a perfect: foot, heal strike, flat feet, run on multiple surfaces, pronate, breathable, fit orthodics, and are long lasting.

The PureFlow as you can see here are black and neon yellow.  And as you can see the Brooks Logo is reflective.  Another item I like is the tread on the bottom, which includes a slight split toe tread by the 1st and 2nd toes.
Here are some of the Specs:
Category: Guidance
Weight: 8.7 oz
Platform: Anatomical Last
 Technologies
• BioMoGo DNA Midsole
• IDEAL Heel
• Toe Flex
• Nav Band
• Anatomical Last



New Brooks Pure Project Video

New Year New Post New Person for 2012!!!

Well 2011 was a great running/training/teaching/coaching year for me.  I now 2012 and the fun and stress to start off with at a fresh new slate.
I finally purchased some new Brooks Running Shoes, glove/mitten combo, and Garmin 410 GPS watch.
Now I actually have to go out and train.  Let the fun begin.
So the past 3 weeks now I've been running the Wissihickon trails with FRC and having a blast.
Now with the weather changing, who knows how I can still go out with one day it's freezing and the next warm. 

So now it's time to play with the Garmin and try to use some of it's functions.
Stay well and have a great 2012!!

I will be having fun in the months to come.  Will keep everyone posted.

JJ's longest Run

Today 11/27/11 was one of the most beautiful November days and we probably won't see one of these this year.  Weather was a mild 55 sunny day to start the run at 8:45 this morning.
Meet up with Eugene G. and John C. and my new running partner JJ (cocker spaniel puppy)  In Philadelphia as it is better none as the drives, East (Kelly) and West (MLK) we run the Loop - it is a 8.45 mile in distance.

Running the Loop today was a first for me in a long time during a training run.  So I thought I'm not going to run too fast lets bring JJ.  The only issue though JJ had was he's longest run has only been 5 miles.  I wouldn't know for sure what the little boy could handle.  So let's go and do it!
We started on the usually Kelly Drive 1st and then West River Drive 2nd.
Everything was going really well and JJ loves to run in the pack.  Even when Eugene likes to run on his own JJ wanted to catch up to him.  When we reached Falls Bridge (half way point) there was no problem.  JJ did look like he needed to drink a gallon of water.  Philadelphia has a bunch of water fountains on the path, but water was turned off for the winter months.  So there is a small waterfall on the side of the road and little JJ climbed up the side so he can get a quick drink.
As we finished the run JJ was clearly exhausted.  I thought this was going to be the greatest quiet day in the house now.
The only problem now is that JJ's lower body was so dirty and I had to throw him in the tub for a bath.

JJ wasn't allowed in the house because his paws were so dirty.

Check out all the mud on the those pads and hair.

JJ was so good in the tub and he loved the warm water and the rub down he got from Jess and I. After that he was let out of the bathroom, sat down and then went over to the window to let the sun beat down on his coat.

 

 But after he went to dry off he got tired and passed out. 

This is what it really feels like to run almost 9 miles.

Let's see how well JJ will feel on Monday.  Time will tell!!!!

Good the Bad the Ugly!

I had a great run in Wilkes Barre for Thanksgiving.  I ran some killer hills.  The inclines were about 12-15% grade and was an extreme heart pounding experience. 
Ran close to hour and half. I felt beat up after that run since I really haven't done a hill workout this difficult in a long time.  Some spots on the climbs it felt like I was running in place.  My quads and my calves could barely propel my body up the hills. 
But I love the hills and I always say that after running hills, the flat training is so much easier. 
Once I made it back to the house, Jessica said, you stick and need to take a shower now!  I was taking off my shirt and I felt a bump on the left side of my abdomen. I looked down to find the most disgusting thing, a Tick was head first dug into my body.  Everyone wanted to find out why I was screaming, and when I told them I had a tick stuck in my body. 
I grabbed anyone who would pull this damn creature out of my side.

Then Jess's cousin got some tweezers and I fell down to the floor and tried to have the little rascal yanked out of my body.  The little tick must have used it's barbed teeth and locked on my body after it dug in.  It was difficult for him to pull the entire tick out.

Once the tick was pulled out of my side we saved the disgusting critter and placed it in a bag and put some alcohol on the infected area and a medicated bandage.  I have never seen a tick bite on a human being and it is mess.  Now I have to just watch the area and I'm going to call a doctor for an appointment.  
More to come!!!!!!!