Discovering New Running Routes and Why I love REI!

This weekend I managed to discover another new spot to run (in my current expedition for uncharted running territory!). I had heard a few friends mention Warwick City Park, so we decided to make a family trip there yesterday afternoon.

When we got there, I found a nice, albeit very hilly 2.5 mile loop that follows the water. It was beautiful and very shaded—perfect for a warm afternoon run. It was nice getting a little hill workout in with my normal run!

In addition to running, one of my other favorite activities is getting new running gear! After about 9 months of love, my Merrell Pace Gloves started showing some signs of wear, as in the outer sole that was separating from the upper (on the toe box). As much as I love these shoes, I didn’t feel like they had enough wear in them for the separation to be happening so soon.

Since we are REI members, all I had to do was take my shoes in and exchange them for a new pair! I love REI for a lot of reasons, and their 100% satisfaction guarantee is definitely one of them. If you are a member, you don’t even have to keep your receipts! I was a very happy camper today walking out of our local REI with a brand new pair of Merrell Pace gloves.

I wish more stores recognized the benefits of standing behind products they sell and treating their loyal customers well—especially in this economy!

In terms of training, this week of running will bring more acclimation to my very minimalist running shoe transition. I haven’t gone further than 4 miles to date and  you know what? I love it! I do a have a little soreness here and there from using different muscles, but I am listening to my body and plugging along. Smile

A Fabulous Local Weekend!

For the first time in a while, we were actually in Rhode Island for the weekend! It was nice to have some time back at the homestead, but it was a busy weekend.

I began Saturday with a nice four mile run in the rain. I can’t remember the last time it was in the 60s when I ran here. The rain was very welcome (I LOVE running in the rain!) and it kept me nice and cool. I added in a few strides in the last mile—the first time doing them with my Merrell Pace Gloves. Since I have switched over completely, I am not really focusing on speed, but it felt fun to hit the gas pedal!!

Saturday afternoon was a super fun birthday party for one of J’s friends. It was carnival-themed, so there was a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, popcorn, and a live band! The boys had so much fun!

On Sunday, I had all intentions of going to cheer on the Rock n’ Roll Providence half marathon runners, but I slept in for the first time in a LONG time (which means I woke up at 8:30 Winking smile). After waking up, we decided to check out Ryan Park in North Kingstown. My husband wanted to take the boys on a hike, and I decided to hit the trails.

I did three laps of the smaller pond and netted 3.5 miles. I forgot how much fun trail running is! Stepping over tree roots reminded me of doing the tires in an obstacle course. Smile

The only casualty of the trail run was my iPhone—I managed to completely crack the screen when it fell out of my carrier. Oh well, it was partially cracked anyway! Now I just have to find a place (other than the Apple store) to get it fixed.

The run itself was beautiful, albeit slower than usual due to the terrain, and I will definitely be hitting the trails again as soon as possible. On Sunday afternoon we went to the Paw Sox game and Fan Fest, thanks to the tickets we got from McDonald’s Eastern New England.

Right as we were walking into the back gate (late due to naps), a foul ball came flying out of the stadium and rolled through the parking lot. I ran over and scooped it up for J—he was SO excited. Fan Fest was great too. There were bounce houses, free ice cream, and lots of other fun stuff.

I’m actually excited that it’s Monday because I will be heading to the Lululemon showroom tonight for a fit session and my Vibram KSOs will be arriving via UPS tonight. Woo hoo!

How was YOUR weekend?

Running in the Rain and My Transition

It’s been a while since I have run in the rain, and I LOVED last night’s run. It wasn’t raining too hard, just enough to keep me cool. As I mentioned yesterday, I am transitioning completely to minimalist shoes. I swear I have never felt so right about anything in my running as I do about this decision.

Since it’s very important to take it slow and listen to your body when you switch over, I did 2 last night. I felt light and enjoyed the run, but knew my body was telling me 2 was a good place to stop. It’s amazing how much more you feel the run when you are in a barefoot shoe!

It’s also pretty funny when I run in the Pace Gloves, I feel like I am constantly sneaking up on people! Instead of a “slap, slap” they just hear a light “pat, pat.” They often jump a little when you run by! Winking smile I guess that’s kind of the point—you aren’t striking the ground with as much force. Your really can’t, or your body would definitely let you know.

I tried to pack a bit today for my trip to BlogHer 2012 in NYC on Thursday morning, but I didn’t get much done. I feel overwhelmed with the task, and I am sure I will be finishing it up tonight. I am SO EXCITED to get some time for adult activities! It will be a lot of fun to meet up with other bloggers and my RIDMW ladies (Rhode Island represent!).

I plan on running today—at some point—in between packing and running last minute errands!