Wednesday, June 14, 2006

It's Supposed To Hurt Like Hell!

That's how a perfect race is supposed to feel, according to Dean Karnazes' junior high school coach. It's in his book, Ultramarathon Man, which I just finished and I can't say enough good things about. For a runner, it's a truly humbling and inspiring read. I'm not about to sign up for an ultra, but I'm sure as hell not going to complain about any more nit-picky little crap that goes on during my "short" runs. At least for the next few days ...

But there's one hurt that did feel like hell, the $119.95 kind. That's what I needed to give today to get these. I tried once to go with the cheaper Brooks Addiction 7, but it felt too squishy and I eventually gave up running in them.

So since I started running, I've really only worn these Brooks Beasts, starting with the blue/gold on top, then the all-grey in the middle, and now in my favorite color: ORANGE! Well, just a bit of orange, but I'll take it. Also new this year - a $10 price increase, which offset the $10 coupon that the Run On store here in Dallas gives out every once in a while. Things could be worse I suppose.

I'm back in Dallas this week after 4 months in NYC. I had a great time running all around Manhattan, but now it's back to the heat and the old stomping grounds for a while. I've got a 5K coming up this weekend, and I'd like to get used to the heat by then. Did 6 miles Sunday, and 4 miles Tuesday, both times going out at 6:30 am to beat the heat, which was in the mid-70s even then. But hey, no more whining, right? It's supposed to hurt like hell!

5 comments:

Anne said...

Welcome home! And just in time for all the humidity. I agree with you -- it's definitely inspiring. The day after I finished we had a 20-miler scheduled and it seemed unbelievably easy when I realized how "short" it was in comparison to his runs. Good luck with the upcoming 5k.

Anne said...

oh, I'm referring to the Dean Karnazes book. I really shouldn't type before 6 a.m.

Unknown said...

Nice Shoes...!!! And I agree, while so very important, $120+ for shoes is getting to be too much.

Glad you liked the book... He's amazing. Pam Reed is also an amazing ultra runner and has a book due out soon.

Ginger Breadman said...

Ultramarathon Man just came in on my reserve list at the library - Yay! I used to wear brooks addiction - I'm trying a pair of Mizunos right now - lots lighter, but don't accomodate orthotics as well. They should start some discount program for buying shoes if you run a certain # of miles.

Black Knight said...

I understand your pain. I have found a fit and unexpensive shoe for me (currently this is the 3rd pair). It is the Reebok Boyleston. HAve a look on:
http://www.fingerhut.com/productgroup.aspx?offergroupxid=32141&categoryxid=101