Another Long Run Missed

October 29 – Nov 4                Total Mileage: 19 miles

This is not supposed to be how I spend the last month training.  I made it through the first three runs for the week and was looking forward to a 14 miler on Sunday.  (Seriously, who says that they are looking forward to 14 miles?)  However I woke up with a migraine and a sharp pain in my right shin (the same shin that I banged into playground equipment last week).  I decided that it may be better to sit this one out.  I am concerned that I have missed my last two long runs and have less than a month to go. 

I am also getting to the point where I am saying to myself “Let’s get this over with already.”  Not in a bad way, it’s just that a year is a long time when you are training for something.  That coupled with a completely irrational fear that I will injure myself with a few weeks to go, and that the world is conspiring against me (I appear to have lost all of my braces and heart rate monitor) makes me want to get this show on the road.

A moment of levity came when I went to Sports Chalet yesterday.  I went there to check out the SeeYa’s since my blue Bikilas are about one long run away from having a hole in the sole and I had a much similar experience as I did with Fleet Feet.  The sad thing is that I was already wearing a pair of KSO’s when I went into the store.

Me: “I’d like to see if you have the SeeYa’s in a 43”

Her: “I recommend something with much more cushioning and support for someone your size.”

OK, I completely realize that I do not look like a runner.  I look like someone that has probably eaten a runner or two.  I did not realize that their business was so good that they could try NOT to make a sale.  Let’s just call it like it is.  I’m a fit fat guy.  I am cool with it; just give me the shoes I have asked for please.

Me: “I’ve been down that road, always ended up injured.  These are the only way to go.”

Her: “A motion control shoe would really lessen the pounding on your joints.  If you prefer going barefoot, would you like to try the Fila Skeletoes?”

Seriously, Fila Skeletoes?  Don’t even get me started on those knock off pieces of…

Me: “Just anything Vibram in a 43 or 44 you have is fine.”

They had the SeeYa’s in a 44 which were too big.  I felt like I was floating in them.  They are about as minimal as you can go though.  They are an even further stripped down Bikila.  They weigh next to nothing.  I also tried on the Spidron (which has a plate in the arch that was different from all of the other VFF’s that I have).  They have a road running outsole, which would work, but the neon green or neon orange are way too hideous to ignore.  I also tried on the Komodo Sport.  That may be the finalist for the new addition.  They felt like I was walking on a cloud (which is a feat for a minimalist shoe).  I’ll need to get into them quick though as I have to make sure that they don’t cause a blister before race day. 



Hey Fila...