Tag: running app

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Back To 10K Runs In the Heat

Written July 27, 2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today is a Saturday, and like most Saturdays, I aim to complete a 10k run. However, I haven’t been able to stick to this goal consistently due to the heat, which makes running quite uncomfortable. To address this, I’ve adjusted my schedule and run early in the morning when the temperature is more relaxed. This change has allowed me to start doing 10k runs again recently.

My nephrologist recommended using a running app to track my progress, so I tried it. I completed my weekly 10k run this morning, but around the 8-kilometer mark, I lost focus and couldn’t remember how far I had run. Thankfully, I’m very familiar with my route, so I kept going until the app announced my distance. Hearing the app’s voice confirming that I had reached my goal was a relief.

I use a free app from Asics that provides updates at set intervals. I’ve configured it to announce my progress every minute, which helps me stay motivated and on track. My wife, however, finds frequent updates distracting and has her app set to announce every five minutes. It’s interesting how we each find different ways to stay focused during our runs.

I’m pleased to have completed another 10k run, although I felt exhausted afterward. I suspect that my body is adjusting after not running this distance regularly for a while. In 2023, I ran 10k thrice a week, so not keeping up that frequency has likely impacted my stamina. While I can still complete the distance, my pace has plateaued, and pushing myself to run faster during 10k runs has been challenging.

I’ve focused more on 5k runs weekly to improve my speed. Running shorter distances allows me to concentrate on increasing my pace without the fatigue of longer runs. This adjustment is a more manageable approach for now. In the future, I may need to revise my running schedule further, but for now, I’ll continue with this plan.

Getting back into the routine of regular 10k runs has been a rewarding experience, even if it is only once a week. I’m eager to see how my performance improves with consistent training. The journey back to my previous fitness level is challenging. Still, I’m confident that I’ll continue to make progress with perseverance and the right strategy.

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Stepping Into Comfort: My New Running Shoe Experience

Written 3/16/2024

Hello Dear Readers,

Today was the day—I got myself a brand-new pair of running shoes. After our usual grocery shopping, we went to our local specialty store for running gear. It’s not just any store; it was introduced to us by my sister when we first moved to Tennessee, and it’s become our go-to for all things running.

The excitement of getting new shoes never gets old, especially since they’re a critical part of my running routine. As any seasoned runner knows, and as my wife—a lifelong runner—reminded me when I first took up running seriously, every pair of running shoes has its lifespan. Shoes gradually wear down depending on how much you run, so keeping track of their mileage is critical.

Despite my wife’s busy weekends lately due to year-end duties, I asked if she’d accompany me to pick out my new pair. The staff at this store is exceptional; they are not only runners but also incredibly knowledgeable about the needs of different running styles and habits. I usually bring my old pair along so they can assess my running habits and check for specific wear patterns.

Comfort is paramount when it comes to my running shoes. I always ensure the pair I choose fits well and feels good as I move. The store staff, familiar with my preferences and measurements from previous visits, expertly guided me to shoes that cater to my needs.

One significant change in my routine is how I track the mileage of my shoes. Gone are the days of my Excel log sheets; my new running app has revolutionized this process. With a feature that tracks the shoe life based on the make and model of the footwear, the app not only keeps tabs on the distance covered but also alerts me when it’s time for a replacement. This innovative tool has rendered my old tracking system completely obsolete, making my life much easier.

As I left the store with my new running shoes, the anticipation of trying them out on the run filled me with joy. There’s something truly exhilarating about the first run in a new pair of shoes—it feels like setting out on a new adventure.

So here I am, ready to hit the ground running, quite literally. My new shoes are more than just equipment; they’re a renewal of my commitment to running, a sport that I’ve grown to love deeply over the years. I can’t wait to see where these shoes will take me—each step promises new challenges and achievements.