Sunday morning Coffee and Chat

Sunday, August 07, 2016 · Mike Davis

Good morning! July is now behind us and my stress level has increased ever so slightly with Reach the Beach only 6 weeks or so away. I had a couple interesting runs this week and hope to have my best run later today. My first run this week was on a treadmill and though it was climate controlled (somewhat), it was still quite humid and I was really surprised I did not short-circuit the treadmill with my pouring down sweat! My next run was outside in the humidity and that was a 60 minute monumental struggle! Both runs while less than perfect, were important in the process. The second run consisted of some run/walking and helped me to understand better as to what kind of strategy I will need to combat running in mid-summer in North Carolina. Instead of trying to overcome the heat and humidity, I need to build in some walk intervals early so that I do not struggle later in my run. Understanding the limitations I have at this point in my running will help me to train smarter and get me to my goal. My ego would like to think I could push through a 90 minute run in the heat and humidity but, the reality is I cannot. Train intelligently! While I was in New Hampshire last week I also picked up some new feet (running shoes) at Runners Alley in Portsmouth. Based on my studies I decided to get shoes with less of a drop and my good friend Jeanine Sylvester (newly minted citizen of the year in Portsmouth) helped me get a pair 6mm drop. The shoes are Clouds and the company that makes them is “ON.” I went totally off the norm for me and it will be an interesting experience. So far I am experiencing considerable burning in the bottom of my left foot and that is not fun. I am pretty sure that the burning is the result of my left ankle not being very flexible when I am running. I have to work at getting my foot to loosen up and hopefully that will take care of the burning. It also may be that I have adjust to the reduced cushioning as well. I will give them every chance before I give up on a reduced drop shoe. More to come… We started our NFLR half marathon and relay training group yesterday and we will continue to accept runners for a few weeks. So, if you want to come train for the “White Mountain Milers Half Marathon or Relay”, come join us. This is a great event and this training group is truly the best training around and most fun! The group will be at the “7th Settlement Brewery” Wednesday night at 6pm and then back at the NFLR Center on Saturday at 8am. I guarantee you that you will have a great time! That’s all the chat I have for this morning. Hope you have a great week ahead and that you get in some great running! God Bless! Mike