All journeys begin with a single step...

Ok, so after a month or so of semi forced layoff -- a stress fracture will do that to you -- I ran for the very first time last night. 5 miles on the treadmill, 8:30 miles.  Felt sooooo easy at first, but then harder at the end.  I was definitely winded at the end.

Since I had not run in a while, I naturally went out to buy some gear to get myself motivated.  One suggestion from doctor and others was that it wasn't a stress fracture at all; rather, the laces on my shoes were rubbing at an odd place.  I previously used the Gel Kayano 16's which have this offset lacing that goes across the bridge of the foot.  There is apparently a nerve that runs along that metatarsal and can become inflamed and irritated.  Ok, so I need new shoes.  And,  I managed to lose/misplace/intentionally forget to keep headphones in a safe spot.  Ok, I need new headphones.

First, the headphones.  We have a new winner: BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES.  The Sennheiser CX 680.  No contest, game is over.  Nothing is even in same league.  I previously reviewed headphones here (I actually omitted the reviews of the headphones I didn't like -- and there are a lot of them.).  I reluctantly concluded that the orange twist in ear Sennheiser were the best.  I even sent Sennheiser a lengthy email with my thoughts, concerns and suggestions.  I got a semi-coherent response that was frankly a little disappointing after all of the thought and energy that went into telling them what I thought of their products.  Imagine my shock, then, when I saw a new design in an airport store -- co-branded with Adidas.  Oooh, I had to have them.  But, they were $119!  So, I passed then.  But I kept thinking about them, and I bought them yesterday, albeit for less (but still expensive; so my recommendation comes with the "spare no expense" caveat: they are great if you don't care about cost; the Porsche of running headphones, if you will.)  After a day of use, I have concluded that they took my email, went to R&D and solved every single problem I had.  You know, like the Windows 7 commercials, where various people take credit for Windows 7?  I am taking credit for the CX 680. Sound great and stay in place.

And the new shoes?  I went lighter.  New Balance 905's.  They are a vibrant neon yellow/green, so I better be fast in them (I can;t stand people with flashy gear who aren't serious).  They are exceptionally light, much lighter than the Kayanos.  I'll post more as I break them in.  And, I ordered a pair of Saucony Hurricane 12's also at the suggestion of a friend.  (I had to buy two pairs of shoes.) I'll post my thoughts later.

But anyways, given the title of my last post (from the Aeneid), I went with another Roman proverb:  all journeys begin with a single step.  That was my run last night, the first step back.

I have missed all my bloggy friends, but felt so out of touch because I have not been running or training.  It is like reading about a club that I used to belong to.  But, alas, I am back.