I did it!

Hello Bloggy World!


A couple of Thursday's ago, I set off on a mission to get a new pair of shoes. My super cute pink and purple Brooks Adrenaline were really bothering me. Like, feet going numb, pain shooting up my shin kind of bothering me. I set out for my favorite store (Road Runner Sports—they have a 60 day return policy for any shoes you purchase there---if they aren’t working out, find a new pair and pay the difference—they donate your used shoes) and luckily, the store was not packed. I worked with a guy I ALWAYS see in the store but never had the pleasure of having a fitting with.

First thing, he measured my feet. I have been wearing a regular 8.5 to 9 in my past three sets of shoes. When Micahs measured my feet, he asked if I had been sized up before. When I answered no, he told me I was wearing a B width but needed a D width and only a size 8!! Talk about a change. I tried on about 10 different shoes and eventually settled on the Asics Gel Kayano 16.

I was not able to get out and try the puppies out until Saturday though, because of tests, studying and papers. I met two other friends up at the NCR trail for a 6 mile run and I was nervous about taking my new shoes out for such a long run, but decided I could give it a shot. Honestly, it was like jogging on clouds. I have always had various problems with my feet when I run, numbing, pinching, pain, rubbing, etc. There was nothing. Honestly, even my legs felt better running in them.

We completed a pretty easy 6 miles (ok—I need to step up—I have 12 6 days until the Maryland Half Marathon—and I want to live) and went to Wegman’s for lunch. I only mention this because I happened to see someone who looked very much like Katye. I sent her a text and she swung back around and I was so excited to meet her for the very first time and congratulate her as she killed her half marathon at 1:59 earlier that day!!

As I mentioned before, the Maryland Half is 6 days away. Since the Broad Street Run, I have run once. 6 miles. That is it. The lovely Katye has signed up for the race to be my personal pacer/cheerleader/first aid, and I am really aiming for a 2:40 finish. I hope with her awesome support, my lack of running over the last couple of weeks will have a minimal effect and I go out there and shuffle fast to reach my goal!

On a happier note, my parents, sister and niece were in town from Iowa this weekend for my college graduation. I took a less conventional approach, worked full time since I was 19, and changed my major maybe a bazillion times, so finishing was huge for me since it’s been several years in the making. I am looking forward to having some time off before prepping for the CPA exam (one benefit of changing your major a ton is you meet the 150 credit requirement as you finish your undergrad), focusing on running, home projects and being a better wife to my sweet husband who has supported and pushed me through the years of learning/changing/figuring out what I wanted to be when I grew up!! And I am hoping to get a big raise in the next couple of weeks!!

That’s all for now. Team Elk is running tonight, and we may have a new member! Sweet. Also, stay tuned later this week—I am going to have a giveaway!!!! You are dying to figure out what, aren't you?