Nike + Ipod - Run

Wow Stevie thank you very much for your input. I get where you're coming from with the dogs and other potential dangers...Do you jog in the city, or cross-country? what happened to you sounds really scary. So far, I've never encountered something like this, and I really hope I won't since I live in a real large city. Also, my music is turned down really low because I just can't run without, I don't know, i need some kind of "power-song" in the background.

I had a hrm from polar for many years, but to be honest, i'm not really happy with it. Somehow the alarm thing constantly went off to tell me my hr was too high. It really bothered me and so eventually it ended up in the very back of my closet!

Also, you sound like you're doing this on a real pro level and me, well...I'm just doing it to stay fit and get out of the house a little.

Tuna...I looked up the Nike sports band, is it out already? I found something else very tempting...apparently they're planning workout apps for the iPhone. Can't wait for that

My running shoes are Mitsuno, i have to say they're the best I've ever had, the thing that bothers me about the Nikes is the weight, they're always too heavy and I can't handle that. 

I like light-weight shoes too.  A few ounces can make a lot of difference. And you are smart.. when you find a shoe that works, stick with it.  I've used Asics DS-GEL Trainers for 10 years or so - I think they weigh about 9oz.  They work well with my biomechanics.

Each year, I buy 2 or 3 pair at one time of the exact same model from Roadrunner or Holabird.  I always try get the previous year's model at a discount - sometimes half price.  I'm not tight, but I can't pass up getting 3 pr for the price of 2 and it's not necessary for me to have the current year's model.  I've even bought new shoes that were 3 years old.  Current year model DS Trainers usually go for $120.

So what do I do with 3 pair of the exact same ugly-ass running shoes?  I rotate them almost every run.  My shoes start to break down at about 200 miles if I use the same pair for consecutive runs.  If I rotate them so each pair has a day or two of rest, I can squeeze the life of a single pair to 400-500 miles.  I do 6 miles 4-5 times a week - that comes to 1200 miles a year so that's why I buy 3 pair at one time.

As soon as I open the boxes, I number them on the top (1,2,& 3) with a permanent marker so I can keep track of whose mates are whose and which one is next in the rotation.  Sounds like a lot of trouble and when I think about it like this, it is absolutely anal as hell. But a good running shoe's cushion does break down quickly and my 46-year-old frame needs all the cushion it can get.

Oh.. and I've got a unique spreadsheet (Excel) that tracks cumulative mileage (weekly, monthly, yearly).  Email me if you think you would be interested.  It does bicycle too, but I can take that part out.

When ran in town, I had to deal with cars (drivers) and dogs.  Where I live now, the only animals I see when I run are horses and roadkill if I venture out of my subdivision.  My subdivision is in the country surrounded by horse farms and I have a country road where I can cruise nonstop on foot at 7:45-8 minute miles.

There are a couple of mean ones I see on my bike route and they are seriously after my a**.  Talk about maxing your heart rate.

You're forgiven for thinking I'm a girl. 

That's OK.. I guess seeing that picture being there would be misleading.  I would put mine there, but I'm not nearly that pretty.  The way I have it figured, if people see her there then they might think I'm an Adonis.  I'm sure she gets this all the time, "Why on earth are you with HIM??"

Sadly, my ugly mug is posted somewhere in here.