Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Run off

I showed up for a run WOD.


In August.

Really, that’s all that should need to be said.

We ran 800 meter loops around the block. THREE TIMES.

Fortunately, there was a sudden cloudburst somewhere in the Metroplex and the temperature had fallen below the triple digits by the time we hit the pavement. But it was still tough.

First 800m: 4:15

Second 800m: 3:50

Third 800m: 3:54

Obviously, I sandbagged on the first round, which is kind of how I roll. I don’t get the mentality of intentionally killing yourself out-of-the-gate when you know you’re going to need some gas in the tank to get through the last two rounds. I am a conservative saver, not a spender (when it comes to WODs).

Apparently, I am the only saver at the box. Ever.

That being said, I don’t feel like I could have run that much faster than I did. So the other thing that I “don’t get” is how do these kids run so fast? Even though I was never the last guy to finish, most of the pack was WAY ahead of me from the very beginning. Do I need new shoes? New socks? New legs?

6 comments:

Purplejonquil said...

Good for you, Howard!!! I was very tempted to show up for that since it didn't incorporate arms, but I was soooo beat after even the first full Monday of work that I didn't. What shoes are you wearing? Nike Frees and Pumas are usually the better running shoes since they're so light and thin--closer to barefoot than, say, New Balance or Mizuno. That's just my $.02, though. You should check out Luke's Locker and have them recommend something to ya. :)

Howard Jackson said...

Yes, Lukes is quite an experience.

Luke's hooked me up with my current kicks, Asics. I told the guy that I wanted a cool pair of Nikes and the guy said no...seriously, he said no. Then he gave me some ugly Asics. I said, NO. NIKE PLEASE. Then he said that I had some kind of Neanderthal-like feet and that the ugly Asics were the only pair of shoes in the WHOLE STORE that would fit me. So that day I bought the ugly Asics AND the cool Nike shoes that I wanted...and I pretty much only wear the Asics, especially when we have to run. The Luke's dude was right...the Asics are much more comfortable.

Purplejonquil said...

Oh. Asics and I don't get along--I've had one pair of those and could not ever break them in! Nike has improved tremendously in terms of comfort because in the past (like, junior high days), I had to break them in something fierce. So you've worn the Nikes too and figured out that the A's work better for you?

Howard Jackson said...

Yes, there is a noticeable difference between the Nikes and the Asics...the Asics give me more arch support. This is probably TMI, but the Luke's Dude told me that I have flat feet that are also narrow...which is unusual (people with flat feet usually rock extra-wide pedals). Anyway, Asics were the only shoe that comes in narrow widths with the extra support. This is kind of why I am hesitating to make my weightlifting shoe purchase...though, I heard that the Addidas run kinda narrow (and they are the most expensive). More than you ever wanted to know, right?

Purplejonquil said...

Howard, you're talking about your feet!!! :P That's interesting, actually...I have super flat feet, too (OMG you're such an Asian, HoJack!!!!! LOL), so maybe I'll give Asics another chance....Carin has a pair that are pretty lightweight and thin, so maybe I'll try those out. Hm, well then it's not the shoes, is it? :P

Purplejonquil said...

BTW, DO IT! Buy the Adidas lifting shoes! Running shoes are too padded and don't give you the best stabilization that lifting shoes do. Trust me!