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Updated – Current Running Gear (Timothy)
It’s been a LONG time coming, but I finally updated my running gear page with my current shoes and accessories. The biggest change has been the transition from 100% Saucony shoes to incorporating the HOKA ONE ONE Clifton into my training shoe rotation. I am currently without a go to trail shoe, but hope to remedy this in the next month or so as prime trail-running time arrives.
Apple Watch: A Runner’s Perspective
Earlier this week the Apple Watch was formally presented to the world after being initially introduced last Fall. This has definitely generated a lot of buzz around the world, but is it warranted? I have no doubt there are millions of people who love the idea of getting email, texts, iPhone notifications, etc. on their watch, but this is something that has never interested me. However what about using the Apple Watch as a robust activity tracker?
I am an avid runner that has completed 13 marathons, 16 half-marathons, and logged almost 8,500 training miles since 2009. Most of those miles were tracked using various Garmin Forerunner GPS watches (305, 405, 220), and I would consider a good GPS watch as an essential tool for serious runners.
None of these Garmin watches have been perfect (especially the 405), but they are generally pretty accurate, easy to use, lightweight, water resistant, and work with my online running log. Apple is obviously hyping the watch as a tool for tracking activities, and the launch event even featured Christy Turlington Burns (former model and current marathoner) to extol the virtues specifically for runners.
The low-end Apple Watch is in a price range ($359) that is competitive with Garmin running watches, so could it replace my Garmin for tracking running and provide a LOT of additional features to boot? While this has never been a secret, I don’t think most people immediately realize that the Apple Watch does NOT have a built-in GPS. It is totally dependent on the iPhone for GPS based activity tracking. So if a runner wants to be able to track things like pace, route, mileage, etc. they would have to wear the Apple Watch AND carry an iPhone. This was something that never came up in the discussion with Christy Turlington Burns at the launch event, and is an absolute deal breaker for me.
When paired with an iPhone, it appears as though the Apple Watch can track almost anything I would desire as a runner (and it will integrate with many online running sites). However, when I run, I want to carry as little as possible. I see lots of people running with an iPhone strapped to their arm, but I rarely see this with long distance, high mileage runners. The thought of running with an iPhone just sounds miserable to me.
Maybe in future versions the Apple Watch will be a viable tool for distance runners, but right now it is not ready for prime time.
I AM A RUNNER….
Well….I finished out my first week back on Saturday with a 4.9-mile run with Marc and Brian on the Vaughn’s Gap Cross Country course at Percy Warner Park (along with some running on the park roads). This run was still very snowy and icy, but ended up being a good effort. The hills and the distance made this a lot more challenging than my runs during the week, but I was grateful to be able to finish. I did take a tumble on the ice, but thankfully landed on my behind instead of my face. It was good to catch up with Marc, whom I had not seen in a while.
All told I had 12.5 total miles for the week and lost 1.5 lbs. Still have a long way to go on both fronts, but the fact that I’m back out on the road (trail) again is a victory in my book.
This morning I met Brian at the Edwin Warner Park Nature Center for an easy 3.2-miler on the Harpeth River Greenway. My legs were a little sore from Saturday, but overall the effort felt pretty good. This was the first run in my new Hoka Cliftons, and so far so good. Even though they are slightly lighter than my Kinvaras, they definitely feel a lot different. The cushioning is awesome, but of course this reduces the responsiveness of the shoe. Doubt I’ll be using these at the track anytime soon. Will write a review once I get 50+ miles on these guys.
I AM A RUNNER! < Click here for all “I Am A Runner” Posts
I AM A RUNNER….
Today’s 2.5-mile effort was completed in the leftover ice and snow from yesterday’s winter storm. Brian loaned me a pair of “Yaktrax” to slip on over my shoes, and they worked surprisingly well. Just over a year ago I slipped on ice while running and broke the ring finger on my left hand, so it was nice to have a little extra help this time.
We kept the pace very “chill” to go with the 8º temperature at the start of the run, and most everything went well except for my numb face. Starting to feel the excitement from regular running again. Really looking forward to meeting up with Marc and Brian tomorrow for a slightly longer run on the Vaughn’s Gap Cross Country course.
I AM A RUNNER! < Click here for all “I Am A Runner” Posts
I AM A RUNNER….
Well, Day 2 of my running comeback was in a cold and steady rain. When I mentioned to Brian that a cold rain was definitely not what I was hoping for, he joked, “Aren’t we only supposed to have cold rain in November,” which of course was a reference to the well-known song by G’n’R (see video below).
In spite of the rain, it was still a good 3-miler. It wasn’t fast, and I still have a long way to go, but I’m pleased that I can take 6-months off and still run 3-miles without stopping. Hoping to get in another 2 to 3 miler between now and Saturday, and then try for a 4 to 5-miler on Saturday.
I AM A RUNNER! < Click here for all “I Am A Runner” Posts
Study of Ecclesiastes
For students in my Wednesday night class on Ecclesiastes, “Questions for Discussion” and notes for the Chapters 6 are now available online. I will NOT be passing out handouts for this class, so these documents are for those who would like a copy of the questions (and my notes) for use in the class. The questions will be displayed on-screen during our time together. Lord willing we will cover these questions tomorrow night at Bellevue Church of Christ! The class will be in the auditorium at 6:45pm (weather permitting).
Please Join Us!
I AM A RUNNER….though anyone examining my activities over the past 6 months would have a hard time finding any evidence of this. I stopped running, disconnected from my running group, started eating anything in front of me, and have just generally let myself go the past few months.
I know running is part of my DNA, but I’ve allowed LIFE to completely get in the way. Personally, this has been a very emotionally trying time, and I’ve allowed it to overwhelm me. The irony is that running has been the BEST emotional outlet for me, and probably would have greatly helped my overall emotional health during this season of my life.
In recent weeks my neglect of running and healthy living has begun to make me ANGRY!
- When I look at myself in the mirror….I get ANGRY
- When I see how much weight I’ve gained….I get ANGRY
- When I think about how I feel….I get ANGRY
- When I remember where I used to be….I get ANGRY
Well, it’s time to stop just being ANGRY and actually starting WORKING. To that end….Yesterday morning I met my friend Brian and we completed a very humbling 2-mile run together on the Harpeth River Greenway. It was a long way from completing a 3:12 marathon, but it’s a start. I also ordered a new pair of running shoes last night, and plan to meet Brian again tomorrow morning.
I’m hoping to pick out a fall race soon to target as further motivation to keep going. This will likely be a half-marathon, with my eyes on a return to marathoning next Spring.
I AM A RUNNER! < Click here for all “I Am A Runner” Posts
