Shame about the On Cloud's, Now over to Nike Pegasus

Well I thought the On Cloud Cloud running shoe's were going to be hard to beat, but after running approx 50 miles in them I can say that they are not the ones for me. I was experiencing arch pain in my right foot. I tried different insoles fitted to my feet and the original ones that came with the shoes to no avail. The shoe itself fitted great, with the elastic lacing system they came with, but as much as I wanted them to be great I had to take them back to Sweatshop for a replacement and swapped them for the good old Nike Pegasus.
Iv'e only done a 5 mile run in them but can feel the difference straight away. I run midfoot/toe and found them comfy and cushioned under foot. Iv'e always liked Nike and have Vomero's, Elite and Free Run's. All have their abilities.

Next week though I will be wearing my INOV8 trail shoes for my sprint triathlon as running on grass. One thing Nike can't do is make a decent pair of trail shoes. Bike training though hasn't gone well especially as I fell of in the wet, and as you can see from the photo some nice bruising to boot!

Looking forward to the triathlon as it will be my first. I will report back on how it goes. But for now Ta ta.

Cloud Running Shoes

OK, so I have these On Cloud, Cloud running shoes, the shoes in the photo from my previous post. I have taken the Greeper laces out and put back in the supplied elastic laces. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. The shoes were secure on my feet and no rubbing or movement to contend with. I reckon I will leave them in for my sprint triathlon in 2 weeks.
Had a good day training today as home by 2pm. Cycled to the swimming pool and swam approx 1 mile with some intervals in between, then a quick change and the cycle home. All in all about 10 mile cycle. Home and quick change then a 5 mile run.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/537417175
One thing I must point out. I have taken out the moulded insoles I had done in Sweatshop and am going to try the ones supplied by Cloud as my right foot doesn't feel comfortable. I will let you know how this goes. I shall be using them again on my club run on Thursday at Havering '90 Joggers. Later's everybody.

July Bug Run by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Player

July Bug Run by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Player



Back blogging today. Thought I would, as been away for some time now. 13 miles today for the #runningbug Bug Mile monthly run. The idea is to start all the same time and run as many miles as you want and submit your run at the Running Bug site.

Today was my first run in my new shoes as well, On Cloud Cloud running shoes. Nice feeling that you springing on each step due to the configuration of the soles. Comfy toe box with plenty of room and a supportive feel around the upper. They come with elastic laces, as well as the traditional laces. The new laces I ordered from #Greeper were fitted ready for my first sprint triathlon in 2 weeks.

It was a pleasant run although my left hip was some what uncomfortable due to my accident yesterday on my bike in the rain. Pleased though I completed the run as running the Chelmsford Marathon in October. All in all a productive weekend. Just to add had great service from #sweatshop in Bluewater who helped me in my purchase of my shoes. Happy days. 

Finale

The final marathon has been and gone. The lead up to it could have been more productive but what with my left calf muscle giving me problems and then catching a cold I couldn't maximise my long runs, so the longest I did was only 17 miles, about 2hrs 50min run. 
Sunday came around and what a day. The heavens had opened and the wind picked up. The roads were torrential with standing water and it was cold, about 5*c. We drove up and got there about 8.30. This wasn't going to be an enjoyable run with the weather conditions and all. 

Ok, so we got ready and handed our bags into the secure storage and proceeded to the start. It was cold and wet but know one on the tannoy to announce the start and get people ready. Supposedly Liz Yelling was to start the race, did she? I don't know. the race itself was well marshalled and good water stations every 3 miles, with sports drinks aswell and gels if needed. The course was through the cycle ways of Milton Keynes but wasn't very flowing. There was a lot of sharp 90 degree turns and with the added burden of standing water across the pathways, this did upset the rhythm. But at 18 miles I still felt good and knew I could back of a bit and go down to 9 - 9.30 min miles and be under 4hrs. 

The outcome? Yes I managed 3hr 56min. To say I wasn't happy was an under statement, what with the weather conditions. You feel quite emotional when you finish I can tell you. The goody bag was good with a nice medal to add to the collection. 

My only criticism was there was no foil blanket given out to the runners, especially as it was cold when you finished and of course very wet and the baggage collection could have been more slick with more helpers on the trucks, but as this was the first running of the marathon you hope they will learn for next year. As for any more marathons, well I have entered the ballot for the London marathon 2013 so we will have to wait and see. 

At least there was no injuries to the feet, the Nike Elite's I run in were excellent, so would definitely recommend them.

Below is a link to my Garmin site with my splits and time.

Garmin Activity Milton Keynes Marathon

Interval Training by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Details

Interval Training by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Details

Thought I would share my progress to date. Since my last post I have invested in a new pair of Nike's. Elite 5's. So far so good. I have run 2 half marathons and today's interval training with no complications. A very light and supportive shoe with plenty of cushioning through the length of the sole.
I have faulted on my training of late as I have had some niggling pains in both my calf's, but thankfully I seem to be over that now. I was pleased with my Interval training today with my splits averaging 3min45secs. Based on that I should be there or there abouts a 3hr45min - 3hr50min marathon. I'm going to be running with the pacer on the day of the marathon for sub 4hr and assuming I keep pace, if I'm still fresh at 20 miles I will kick on to the finish. Cross fingers!!
Well, will be travelling home tomorrow and hopefully will be out on Sunday for my final long run before my taper. Hopefully I will be doing a 3 hr run easy. Looking forward to the marathon though, just hoping the weather will be dry but cool on the day. Well, goodnight and will speak soon.

Not Happy

Had a bad day today. Only 6 weeks to the MK Marathon and my left calf muscle has a strain. I pulled up on my long run today with a sharp pain in my muscle. I had a niggling pain in the muscle from my last long run on Monday when I ran 17miles in 2hr31mins. I done another run on Wednesday, doing some Fartlekking and again it felt bad. I thought I would give it a miss for next few days until today. By the looks a have a class 2 grade muscle strain from what I have read which could take 4-6 weeks to heal. Question now is what do I do. I'm determined to run the marathon as I have put in more training and feel confident in beating my PB. 
I have used my ultrasound and applied an ice pack and rested today and will keep the treatment up until I feel I'm ready to commit to running again. I'm going to give it at least 2 weeks before I will try and run but cross fingers the treatment will pay off. Well got to get back and get that ice pack on. Will update you all next week .
By for now.

My First outing with my Garmin

Untitled by speedyrac at Garmin Connect - Details

Will publish a post later, but thought I would share my first outing with my new Garmin. Few teething troubles as ever trying to pair the device with my PC but we are there. Loads of information and stuff. Can't wait to get to use it more often and play with some of the custom screens. Great information on the Garmin Connect website.

I suppose I should at least give you an update as to what training I have endured the past week. The biggest mistake was missing my long run. I have managed to do some Interval training and a fast 8 mile run and also been to the gym. The gym you say? Well I thought I should and god am I feeling it. That will teach me not to go. I am going to make a concerted effort in going at least once a week.

Anyway, must dash as need to get up early for work.

Buy