One Week To Go

This week I cashed in one of the awards for winning the Masters division of the Platte River ½ Marathon.  It was a gift certificate for a new pair of shoes from the Runners Roost.  Tom Norris urged me to try brands I’d never worn before and Dan at the Roost helped me pick out a pair of Altra Zero Drop Instincts.  They are the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn. 

The Zero Drop refers to the height difference between the heel and toe of the shoe.  Hard-core minimalists run bare foot.  One thing that is obvious is that when we are not wearing shoes, our heel and toes are on the same level.  There is “zero drop” (hence the name) between heel and toe.  These shoes feel like running barefoot. 

The Instincts have a wide toe box which is great for my wide feet.  It gives my toes lots of room, so I won’t get blisters.  The shoes come with a very informative brochure on the technology behind the shoe, the proper fit, the difference in technique from elevated heel running and instructions on how to make the transition from elevated heel shoes.  I have been running with minimalist shoes for three years, so the transition will be easy for me.

Now I have a dilemma.  For the Colfax Marathon, do I wear my tried and true New Balance MT110s, or do I wear the Zero Drops?

 

The Highline Canal Path was quite busy this Saturday.  The surface of the path was loose after the rains of the past few days.  There were more runners than usual and the 32nd Annual High Line Canal Run was staged out of deKoevend Park.  Tom Norris finished 2^nd in the 5K event with a time of 17:53 (5:46 / mile pace). 

 

I ran an easy ten miles and enjoyed the company of Mark Bixler as we discussed college basketball, work, running shoes and various other random topics.  Along our return to Goodson Rec. Center we passed local legend Creigh Kelley who was running with his dog.  Creigh is the race director for the Colfax Marathon, so I’ll see him next Sunday.

As Mark and I crossed Orchard Rd. on the path we encountered the tail end of the runners in the 10K event of the High Line Canal Run.  We waited for a gap to open and joined the procession.  We both commented on how great it is to see so many people exercising, cheeks flushed with exertion.  These competitors are participating in the event for the fun of it, for the exercise and many other personal reasons.  None of them were competing for an age group award. 

It made me think of why we run.  The short answer is for the joy it brings.  Happiness is derived from effort – from putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward.  It is no surprise that happiness is enhanced when this effort is shared and appreciated by others.  The many hours spent running is hard work that brings us to the height of the joy of being alive.