Gotta run!

Let me start this post with something that makes me really happy:

That’s my new pair of running shoes, a very timely birthday gift from my significant other (love you!). Timely because I just made up my mind to join the Run For Juan 3k marathon next month:

My old Nike Free 5.0 wasn’t up for any more running so I was on the lookout for new kicks that hopefully won’t break the bank. While this isn’t by any means what I’d call “affordable” for a working stiff like yours truly, my awesome guy came to the rescue and sponsored my new kicks so I thought I might as well get a pair that’s of good quality. And so here it is.

On a side note, I had a relatively hard time looking for running shoes. While there was no shortage of styles to choose from, most styles that I wanted do not have stocks in my wee US 5.5 size feet. It’s usually the smallest size on display and almost all are at least a size 7, a good size and a half larger than my feet. This pair was one of the only two styles (both from Merrell) that fit me.

I found out afterward that these are trail running shoes, meant for bare ground running, while I’ll be running on cement roads during practice and on the marathon itself. But I have done a trial run with these on a nearby track and it was okay so I guess that shouldn’t matter too much (I hope). And they’re really comfy too. 🙂

Now, about the marathon itself. With but a month to prepare and living a sedentary lifestyle, I wasn’t sure my body was up to it but I just had to try. College classmates have been running for years now and fear of missing out had me scrambling to take this chance to join a marathon too just to say I was able to at least once in my life. 😀 Haha. Shallow reason, I know.

The other day I ran with a friend on the nearby track, to train somehow and see if I could actually finish the 3k run. And wouldn’t you know it, I survived! YESSSS!!! 😀 I used the S Health app on my phone to monitor my run and here’s the result:

Not bad for someone out of shape. 😉 At least now I have proven to myself that I could actually finish the marathon. I already have my baseline stats from when I am out of shape, this could only mean I’d improve my time and pace with more practice, right?