Running Show Review: Sketchers GoRUN 3 Women's Running Shoe

I have never done a review of running shoes before (never thought I would be a "runner"!)

 Eddie, my lovely husband, bought me the Sketchers GoRun 3 running shoe for Mother's Day. I was super excited! Not only did they look good, they are in the series designed my Meb - you know, the runner who won the Boston marathon!!! Here is the info from the website:

Women's Skechers GOrun 3 Running Shoes

Skechers GOrun 3 is the next generation of transitional running shoes. Designed for speed with innovative performance technologies to promote a midfoot strike, it fosters a barefoot running experience while offering cushioning and impact protection.

Details:

• Improved breathability and flexibility
• Roomy forefoot. 3 layer Power-prene mesh on front panel allows for support while offering ample room for toe splay
• GOimpulse sensors offer flexibility and feedback for a responsive running experience
• M-Strike Technology™ promotes a midfoot strike
• Custom Fit insole is removable for an even more minimal feel
• 4mm Heel Drop to bring you closer to a natural barefoot experience
• Resalyte™ Midsole - Proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact
• Nearly seamless flexible mesh upper with lace up front

Construction:

• Flatlock stitching detail for seamless feel and lighter weight
• Soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear
• Weight: Radically lightweight 5.2 oz per shoe based on a women's size 7

So last night was my first night wearing them. Let me back up a little and give you a few days history on my running/feet. So on Sunday (2 days before trying them) I did a fast walk on 8.63 miles - the furthest I have run/walked! I wore my K Swiss running shoes on Sunday and the only issues I had was swelling of feet and hands, and soreness of feet. No other problems. (Eddie blames my diet for swelling. I'm open to input. I'm still researching!) We went later in the day on Sunday to a local outlet mall and probably walked another 2 miles - very causal. On Monday evening, I went for a slow walk with the entire family. This was 2 miles at around an 18m/m pace. Again, wore my K Swiss.

So last night, Tuesday, was my team run. We typically do a 6 mile loop. I wore my Sketchers! So excited! My feet were a little swollen still, particularly my right foot since I injured it two Sundays ago when I wrecked my bike, but I had been walking/running fine, so I didn't think much of it. I laced up my new shoes and took off with the crew! About .50 mile into it, I started getting sore, mainly in my calves and shins. I kept going thinking it would work itself out. By mile 1.5, I was walking and considering turning around and going back to the car! I decided to keep going, but just walk. Around mile 3, both of my feet were burning and the outside joint near my pinkey toe, on both sides, was on fire! Also, on my right foot, mid arch, I was having pain. My shins were also killing me, along with my right calf and butt muscle. I decided to take out the insoles that come with the shoes. I thought maybe they were causing my feet to push too far forward. That seemed to help and I was good for another mile. Around mile 5, I couldn't take it anymore! I ended up taking off the right shoe and walking with one shoe on and my sock! I was in tears! Eddie wanted me to stop and he was going to come get me. I said "NO! I'm finishing this!"

When I got to the car, both shoes came off! I could visibly see red areas on both feet where they were rubbing wrong. I was so sore that I could hardly walk in my flip flops! Still sore today when I woke up. I really feel like the midfoot strike could be my issue, along with the insoles. I was very disappointed because I was prepared for these to be "my running shoes"! Needless to say, they have gone back to the store. I will be purchasing and trying another type of shoe soon.

Currently I have a pair of Nike's that are very basic, not really running shoes, a pair of New Balance running shoes (not sure of #), and my K Swiss running shoes (who knew they made running shoes?!). I probably use my K Swiss the most. I use the Nike's for fun runs like the Color Run and upcoming Foam Run. I'm iffy on the New Balance. They do fine but I haven't tried them on anything over 3 miles yet. I just wanted to give an honest review of these shoes in case any other female runners have considered them. I do know some of my male running friends have their version and love them, but they are just not for me.

Thank you for your time! Always keep moving!

Journey to Half Marathon- Post #5

Its 141 days to my first half! Sorry I have been "gone" for a while. It's been busy between work, family, running group,etc. After my 5k on Sunday morning with the running group, this happened last Sunday evening:

I had a little accident and wrecked my commuter bike! Messed up my foot and left wrist along with other scrapes and bruises.  That's ok...it hasn't stopped me! On Monday, I took it easy. No workouts = a "rest" day. On Tuesday night I was scheduled for a 6 mike run. I didn't think it would turn out well so I rode my bike with the team and ended up doing 6.23 miles. Felt good! On Wednesday I hit the gym. Did 3.11 miles in 38 mins on the crossramp (kind of like an elliptical but no arms). After that, I swam for 30 minutes. I found out that swimming hurt my wrist. Yay me! I've been sore all week but we were scheduled for another 6 miles last night (Thursday). Guess what??!! I completed it! My time was 1:38.  It was with a lot of pain and ice packs afterwards but I shaved a little over 5 mins off my first time doing that course...broken toes and all!!!

I also weighed myself last Sunday morning and (drum roll.....) 

I haven't been under 200lbs since 1996!!! So excited! So my journey continues! A special thanks to all the encouragement and love I'm being shown as I try to get ready for this first half. I now know I'VE GOT THIS!!!

Journey to a Half Marathon-Post #3

WOW! 151 days to my first half marathon! Today started off extremely positive. Woke up at 4:30am, got my swimsuit on and headed to the Rec center for a swim. Swimming is my passion, my therapy, and what keeps me grounded! I did 20 laps freestyle and backstroke in 25 minutes.

Then it was home to be a mom - pack lunches, walk the dog, and get everyone off to work and school. Took the stairs as usual at work. I had planned on going running 3-6 miles around my work area this afternoon, but life had other plans. My daughter called and had to take my dog to the emergency vet. SCREECH!!!! That put the breaks on my run tonight 😢  After we got the puppy situated, I had dinner and decided to take a walk before it started raining (again...ugghhhh!!!) I did get in 1.31 miles walking with Eddie. So onward to food for the day!

I did extremely better on my food choices today! Although I slipped a little at dinner. Before heading to the Rec I had a handful (literally) of trail mix. I took my water with me because swimming is still a workout. STAY HYDRATED! After swimming Eddie made us a new energy smoothie to try. Check out the Blueberry Energy post for recipe. Score one for me - I was able to skip my morning coffee this morning! 😊 I did get hungry around 8:30am so I had my oatmeal. I wasn't able to get out for lunch today (or even up from my desk), so around 10:45am I had a small Gala apple and 4 slices of oven roasted turkey breast. Around 2:30pm I had about a cup of trail mix (I could live off that stuff!). Now my plan was to have my small banana around 4pm and go run. That didn't happen. Instead I had some cheese pizza with my daughter. I know!! This is a crime! 🍕 Pizza is my weakness! 

So that was my day 152! Stick around for more of my adventures to my first half marathon!!! 

Blueberry Energy Smoothie

I had this after my swim this morning and it was delicious! It's vegan too!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup frozen spinach (plain, no seasoning)

1/2 cup frozen pineapple (that's all I had today, could use fresh)

Small apple and 1/3 cup organic applesauce (or a large apple)

Medium banana

1 tbsp flax seed

1 tbsp palm sugar

2 tbsp rice protein (this is all I had, prefer pea protein)

1 1/2 cups coconut water

Added everything to my Vitamix and blended until smooth. Pour and enjoy! 

Journey to a Half Marathon- Post #2

152 days until my first half marathon! Mixed feelings today. It has been 4 days since I worked out at all. Now that doesn't mean I have been sitting around! As usual, every day is full and busy but I need the normal workouts to stay on track. I can already tell the eating habits will be the hardest to change. I can fight through the workouts and training. I ask myself why I'm being so candid about this journey with complete strangers? The reason is simple- it holds me accountable for everything I'm doing. So here is a breakdown of the training today and food log.

Training Completed

2 miles of running/walking on treadmill at the Rec (rain and storms are not helping me 😁)

          *Tried not to watch the timer

          *Paced myself by starting to walk until 0.15 at speed of 3.2

          *Started running at 0.15 until 0.30 at speed of 4.8

          *Started walking to 0.31 to 0.40 at speed of 3.2

          *Started running again at 0.41 until 0.60

          *Continued this pattern until I ran/walked total of 2 full miles

          *Finished in 30:12 (very disappointed in that time!)

Did a "push" day on weight machines. This means you are only using machines where you push the weight with whatever part of the body you are working. An example is the leg press machine. Did two sets of 12 reps per machine on 6 different machines working both my arms and legs. 

Pic is of my first weeks workout plan. 

Food Log

Started my day stuck in traffic and munching on whole grain Cheese Its. Sucks being bored! 

When I got to work, I made my cup of regular coffee with sugar and creamer. Also made my pack of Maple & Brown sugar oatmeal. 

For lunch I had two shredded chicken soft tacos and an order of nachos with a bottle water. 

For snack in the afternoon I had trail mix. My hardest time is around 3pm everyday. I need to find something I can munch on that is low cal. I'm going to do celery and PB tomorrow.  

After workout tonight, I had one beef taco and about two tablespoons of both rice and beans. What can I say, I love my Mexican food!

I have had a total of about 100 oz of water today. No sodas (haven't had those in years)!

So don't be too hard on my food log! I have a new smoothie I'm trying tomorrow after my swim. I'm also taking snacks and lunch tomorrow. See you tomorrow for an update!!!

Journey to a Half Marathon- Post #1

So my running team, Rump Runners of TN, has decided to sign me up for my first half marathon on September 27th. What am I thinking! The furthest distance running to date, at one time, has been a little over 6 miles. At least half of that was walking. So I have 153 days or 22 weeks to get ready! 

I started planning today by researching training plans. Most of them are based around 12-16 weeks. They all mainly start based on an assumption that you can run 3 miles without stopping already. Since I'm still in the run/walk phase, I'm going to use a plan but modify it a little so I can catch up to running consistent 3 miles. 

I have changed my nutrition intake but I still have my "problem" areas. In these next 22 weeks, I also plan to change a lot more. My first sacrifice? No more sweets unless it's my vegan cookies or vegan frosty. Recipes for those are found on my blog. 

I have planned the next 4 weeks out so let's get this journey started!!! See you next post with an update. 

(Current weight: 210)

Vegan/Raw Chocolate Shake

*recipe from vegan coach.com

This shake tastes exactly like a Wendy's frosty. You have to try this! It requires a strong blender such as a Vitamix. Don't get freaked out by the ingredients! This looks and tastes just like a frosty!

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup cashews

3 cups ice

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa

2 dates (pits removed)

3/4 cup coconut water (or plain water)

1/4 cup agave necrtar (or pure maple syrup)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

1/4 tsp sea salt

Add all ingredients to strong blender, in order listed. Process until smooth. You will need to push all ingredients to bottom of blender to fully process. Serves 2.