Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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.

18 comments:

  1. Welcome back. Enjoy the new shoes. They sound fast.

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  2. Glad your back! Those earphones look exceptional, but I think I'll stick with my little iPod ones for now. I'd rather spend the money on shoes or food! I'm like you with people and flashy gear, especially shoes. Take care of yourself! Great job on the run.

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  3. Welcome back! Happy to hear you're back at it, and five miles for your first run is great!! Hope everything works out with the new kicks...

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  4. When are you giving said BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES as a blog giveaway? ;)

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  5. I'm so jealous. I see you ran the NYC marathon last year. You doing it again, this year?!

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  6. Welcome back! See...we're still here :)

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  7. Glad to have you back--we've missed you in bloggy land! I hope your return is painless and that your fitness returns asap.

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  8. Hi NY Wolve,
    Hey, it is great to have you back:) You have been missed! It is nice to know that you are back in action again!

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  9. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Glad your foot is feeling better. New gear is always a great motivator for me too.

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  10. Welcome back! So it was or was not a stress fracture? During my Boston 2009 training I developed swelling and pain on top of my R foot from going to snug with my laces, but it resolved quickly! 8:30 for the first run back, I say success!

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  11. I'm so glad you are back! I will check out the headphones for my husband- he is very particular and I would love to gift him a great pair. I had foot problems with the kayanos a couple years a go. There is a gel pack under the ball of the foot that just killed me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that the new shoes will do the trick. Welcome back!

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  12. Hey, missed you! Glad all is well with your stress fracture and it's nice that you're back to running! Take it easy, you have nothing but time to regain your fitness!

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  13. So glad you're back at it! It stinks to be out of commission. I'll have to check out those head phones, I'm always looking for something better than I have.

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  14. welcome back and recover well. will be interesting to read your shoe reviews

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  15. Hey, all the bloggy club members are here rootin' you on!
    baby steps, baby steps...
    glad you're back

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  16. So glad to see you're back in action!!

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  17. Well, you know what Groucho said about clubs. I hope to see you at the Bronxville 4K (as I've taken to calling it).

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