Awesome Group of Bloggers

I want to say that it feels really great to have such an awesome group of friends to blog with and to think we've never met. I so appreciate everyone's comments on my last few posts, what a great bunch of friends runners make.

This afternoon I stopped by our local running store, not by chance but intentionally. James knew I was coming in. I brought my NB's and my Brooks Vapors and my bare feet. He did a gait analysis for me on his treadmill, first bare footed, then with the NB's, then the Vapors, and then back to the NB's. My gait is TERRIBLE, I'm all over the treadmill, at times my left foot gives the appearance I'm making a left hand turn, at times I'm running with one foot totally in front of the other, at other times I'm striking almost flat footed, other times I'm more on my forefoot, then there are those rare times that I'm heel striking...and that's just barefooted and in the NB's. When I'm in the Vapors, which are more of a motion control shoe I tend to keep things closer to proper placement, more often I heel strike with them, but I still feel pain in my lower shins. He says that knowing now more about my gait he believes the pain, while it is associated with the motion control of the Vapors it's more related to my ankles not being strong enough, and that I've built such strong calf muscles and not worked on the muscles on the forefront of my shins...and that my obliques are out of shape as well...I'm a running wreck...in a funny sort of way...I said that he didn't. He's given me some exercises for the ankles and the shins and made some suggestions for the obliques (core area).

My question for the day is along the lines of core exercises. I've heard several bloggers mention that today or tomorrow or whenever is going to be a core exercise day....who has an established routine for core exercises and where did you get it from?

I'm going to start doing quarter mile runs in the Vapors and then a walking return for a week....then build up to half mile runs with walking returns...no repeats just yet....this will help to strengthen some of the along the forefront of my shins that I've basically been ignoring. He assures me that by going to more of a motion control shoe I will be saving my knees and possibly my ITB down the road. I'm willing to try the things he's suggested to see what happens for a month or so. He's also agreed to order my NB 1061's so that I can continue to use them at least thru the marathon in September...he agrees that it is the wrong time for me to totally be switching shoes. But also recommends that I not do more than one or maybe two marathons in the NB's...he says they are a more neutral shoe and that allows my ankles to go all over the place.

Indirectly I believe I've got him for a coach. He wants to continue working with me on my gait, he's willing to be a major sponsor for our TeamAutism running group going to Honolulu for the marathon in December....he wants to donate our shirts and and maybe more for the runners/walkers that are going. Stacey if you read this before I get a chance to talk to you about it...I apologize...I just felt the need to talk about my efforts with James at Elite Feet this afternoon...he's got me very excited. After seeing the vidoe of my gait...I was able to clearly see that I don't have good form when I run....and I believe he can have a positive impact on my future as a runner.

So, I'll use the blog to keep updating everyone on the progress I'm making with the Brooks Vapors. I do agree with everyone that a pair of shoes should feel good right out of the box...but I've got to understand these shoes are trying to get me to run in a way that is different than what I'm accustomed to and I need to give my body some time to adjust.

Tomorrow is a rest day.....no running over a quarter mile...for the Vapors....I don't have to get up before the chickens...woohoo.

Again...you guys and gals are an awesome group....I hope there will come a day when Bonnie and I can meet as many of you as possible......