Jan. 23rd: Clearwater Halfathon Race Report
Got up nice and early this morning to go run the Clearwater Halfathon. This half-marathon is one of the more challenging races in Florida with four bridge ascents over two bridges. Except for the wind, was a perfect morning to run. Temperature started out in the 50's and stayed cool the whole race with clouds hanging around so it didn't get hot. I finished with a time of 1:33:50 and placed 38th overall. My main goal for this race was to run the distance in the planed time and pace. I had planned to pace myself at 7 minute miles and was pretty much on until miles 12 and 13 where the wind was solid and the final bridge ascent. Mile 12 was run at 7:20 and mile 13 at 7:35. So, I am pretty happy that I ran as planned . Average pace was 7:10. Didn't get lucky enough to place in age group. I am should be running 5Ks the next three weeks and then the Gasparilla Marathon Feb. 28.
Jan 9th: Chilly out running
Went out for a 16 mile run at the warmest part of the day today. I think it was 38 degrees at the start. I was staying pretty warm until somewhere around an hour 45 minutes when sweat started to collect and get cold. I was wearing two long sleeve shirts hoping that would be enough to stay a bit warm yet not sweat too much. Guess I will go back down to just one shirt. I started using my Illuminite tights this week which have worked out really well. They are comfortable, warm, and I don't get soaked up with sweat.
Kudos go out to everyone running the Disney World hald and full marathon this weekend. Temps this morning were in the 30s with some rain and maybe even snow. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the 20s for the marathon. A couple guys I see at races are doing the Goofy Challenge.
Chuck Roose is doing both races to do The Goofy Challenge and put up a good first day time of 1:38.??!!!!
Pedro, where were you?? Too cold
Jan 9th: Sticking with Shoe Goo
Well, the results of my unscientific test to find a way to make the Newton Running shoe lugs last longer is complete. I am sticking with the Shoe Goo!
The thin strip of harder rubber started to break apart a little at the front of the lugs after about 40 miles of running.
I tried strips of rubber that was a little thicker and had the consistency like a rubber band. All the strips fell off somewhere during the first run with them. Plus, I could notice the extra thickness.
So, Shoe Goo seems like the best solution to extending the life of the lugs. For me, I can get through 6-7 straight days or 50-70 miles before I need to reapply which takes about 10 minutes or less to do. At $4-5 per bottle with enough for 4-5 applications, the cost effectiveness can't be beat.
Jan. 5th: Newton Lug Protection Test
Yesterday, I received the first roll of rubber and put on the lugs of my Newton Distance Racers.
I first traced all the lugs onto a sheet of paper to make a guide to cut the strips to fit the lugs. The strips are transparetn, so it was easy to trace and then cut the strips. The strips have and adhesive backing, so I just stuck them on the lugs. Application time including making the guide was about 30 minutes. And that was with a couple goofs.
I ran for an hour and a half covering 11 miles. All strips stayed on the lugs except for 4 that came up a bit at the front of the lugs. This could have been because I really didn't clean the lugs well before applying the strips and the strips weren't an exact fit. To remedy the problem, I applied a thin layer of Shoe Goo to the lugs and re-applied the strips.
Tonight, I ran for an hour covering 8 miles with no problem of the stips coming off.
So far, there appears to be no wear whatsoever on the rubber strips.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Jan 3rd. 2010: Newton Running Shoes Review and Test
Over the last year and a half, I have had three pairs of Newton Distance Racers that I have used off and on. Since March, I have also been using Mizuno's Wave Universe II racing flats. I am a fore/midfoot runner and have been tring to decide which will work better for my running. For about a month, I had been doing a semi-scientific test pitting the Mizuno vs. the Newton and trying to reach a result based on heart rate, running speed, and perceived exertion. I had to try to match up weather conditions because my runs come and go as the weather does. After a month, there really was not much if any difference between heart rates and running speeds. I used my Newtons exclusively up until and during the Daytona Half in November. After not being pleased with my performance (completely unrelated to the shoes), I went back to training and racing in my Mizunos with good results.
Usually, at the end of long runs over an hour and a half, the balls of my feet would start to feel every little bump on the road. So two weeks ago on a whim, I brought out my Newtons for a hour and a half training run. Not sure if my running form had changed some, but the Newtons felt so much more springy and I easlily ran much faster at close to the same heart rate. I kept wearing the Newtons with easy times averaging around 7:45/mile with heart rate around 145 (which is my aerobic rate).
I decided to run the MADD Dash 5K yesterday in my Newtons to see what would happen. It was the first time I have raced a 5K in them since the Kumquat 5K last January. The MADD Dash was a perfect place for comparison as I ran that course in my Mizunos Thanksgiving and ran 19:02. In my Newtons, I ran 18:41 (a huge 21 second improvement). Now, I take this with a bit of a grain of salt. The weather is a non-factor as both races were in the 40s. Course was the same. But, was my time better with the Newtons because of the shoes or the fact that I had been doing a lot of good mileage in training improving my running economy? Also, I did put in a bigger effort yesterday because I really wanted to get my time below 19.
Seems like all my tests wash out and are inconclusive. So, it comes down to comfort and which shoe delivers the best bang for the buck.
The Newton Distance Racer is the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. They just feel good when you put them on your feet. When I first got my first pair, my feet were sore. But, once my feet strengthened, I had no problems. Now, my feet always feel good after a run. They will tear up your calves until you strengthen and refine your running form. The biggest issue is the price of the shoe ($155 for the Racer and $175 for the Trainers) and the durability of the Reaction Lugs on the forefoot of the shoes. The lugs do wear quick. I have not run a pair long enough to know for sure how long I could use a pair for, but the fronts of the lugs were worn down pretty far after only a 100 miles or so. Running in the shoe is so comfortable, what to do to make them last longer to keep costs down?.
Shoe Goo!! I have been putting Shoe Goo on the lugs and other high wear areas to prevent wear. So far, I have done two applications. Each application lasts about 60-70 miles or 1-2 weeks before the rubber on the lugs start to come through. So far, this solution is working well and should make the shoes last a long time. But, it does take some work with having to keep applying the Goo. Plus having to keep paying for the Goo which costs about $4-5 per tube. After two applications, I have used a little over half the tube which is pretty cost effective.
I got to thinking and wondered what whould happen if I could find a sheet of really thin rubber that I could apply to the lugs that would be easy to remove when the rubber wears. After a search on Google, I found a company that sells strips and sheets of rubber. So, I ordered two 10 foot rolls to try. Both have an adhesive backing for easy application. Each roll is about the same thickness of 1/32". One roll is a softer rubber and is textured. The other roll is smooth and harder. I ordered each roll in a width of 3/4" so I would have enough to cover the lugs and can just cut off the excess. Each roll costs about $15 but should last a long time. I will be trying this solution this week and will post the results.
So, I am somewhat not convinced on any performance improvement with the Newtons, but they feel awesome which ultimately helps. Although, to date, my 5K PR of 18:41 was in my Newtons and my half-marathon PR of 1:36 is in Newtons. My first marathon at Disney was in Newtons, but can't blame the shoes for cramping and a 4:20 time. My other marathon in Green Bay was in the Mizuno Wave Universe II where I also cramped and finished in 3:38. I am planning to continue wearing my Newtons in training and racing. Hopefully, I can extend the life of the shoes. I love wearing the Newtons but unless they last, I won't be able to use them due to the cost.
Jan. 2nd 2010: Madd Dash 5K Race Report
I am sub-19 minute man!!
First off, Happy New Year and hope everyone had a great Christmas!
What a morning! Cool weather in the low 40's and a good race. Ran the MADD Dash 5K at Al Lopez Park. This is the saem place we did the Gobble Run Thanksgiving. The course is pancake flat and is basically a race track. This morning is the third time I have PR'd on the course. I have finally achieved my goal of running a sub-19 minute 5K with a smashing time of 18:41 besting my previous best of 19:02. Quite a few good runners there with some fast times. I ended up finishing 12th overall and 2nd in the 35-39 age group. My next short term goal is to run a 5K averaging less than 6 minutes per mile and get under 18:30.
The only minor bummer was getting nipped at the line by a 15 year old whipper snapper. Jenny was waiting for me to take him out, but I have mellowed and play nice now. I behaved and congratulated him as he was doubled over after the finish. At least I made him put everything out to beat me!! I had passed him before the 2 mile mark and I guess he hung on (I thought he was fading when I passed him). I heard him coming and sprinted as hard as I could to hold him off.
Next race is the Clearwater Half Marathon January 23rd. I am planning 2 weeks of high mileage with a week taper to get ready for the half.
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