Last Week of Half-Marathon Training - Week of Jan. 18th

Short and sweet. I did not run the 5K. We had a winter storm with lots of rice that was supposedly coming. I decided the night before I wasn't going to run. The race directors kept the race. The bad weather didn't hit until late that night. But it was freezing cold, my ankles hurt...it would not have been smart. 

I will be creating a new goal. A new plan. But first, I'm going to try and get my ankles working again and get out of this mental funk that I've been in. I help runners all the time get back into running and it always works for them. My issues seem deeper. I'm going to work through them. 

Half-Marathon Training Progress: Weeks of Dec. 28, 2025, Jan. 4th, 2026 & Jan. 11th

A sad couple of weeks. I really think I need to pull out of the Half. 

Sunday - Tried to go for a 2 mile run. I made it a half of a mile and had to walk to the mile mark. I thought I'd turn around and do a run/walk back but all I could do was walk. I was in a lot of pain. Shins. Calves. Feet. It was very disheartening. 

Monday - I received a delayed Christmas gift from my son. A walking pad. I set it up and walk .8 miles carrying 10lb dumbbells and did occasional curls while walking. My arms were spent after. But not bad for 20 minutes. 

Tuesday - I walked on my walking pad for 1.24 miles in 30 minutes and six seconds. I haven't tried running on it. for some reason, 2.5 MPH on this walking pad seems MUCH faster than the same on a treadmill. Maybe it's the much shorter walking area? I have no idea. In the gym, I walk at a 3.4 MPH speed and it's a brisk walk. On the walking pad, I feel like I have to run. No joke. 

The good news is that my weight is down a little. I had hit 206lbs last Thursday, Christmas Day. The last three days, I've been holding steady at 203lbs. So a 3 pound loss is decent. I'm sure it was mostly water weight, but I'll take it. 

Wednesday - It's New Year's Eve! I can't believe it's going to be 2026! That's crazy!! I took a break today since I'd walked on the treadmill the last three days. My ankles were a little sore so I figured I had been much more active the last few days. 

Thursday, January 1st, 2026!! HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Today, I ventured outside and ran 2.23 miles. I then did a squat and hold and some kettlebell exercises later in the evening. 

Friday, I walked 1.26 on the walking pad and did some kettlebell exercises and some more squat and hold exercises to help my ankles.

Saturday, I walked on the walking pad again and did some ankle rotations with a stretchy band the Physical Therapist gave me. 

This was  pretty good week. I was active and I got my weight down to 198. 8 POUNDS LOST SINCE CHRISTMAS DAY!! I'm very happy!

Week of January 4th 

Sunday I ran-walked on the walking pad for 1.71 miles 

Monday, I walked on the walking pad with dumbbells and did an arm routine for 30 minutes straight. I covered 1.24 miles while doing arm curls, shoulder presses, side raises, front raises and skull crushers. 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, I didn't do anything. Work got crazy and I lost my mojo. 

Saturday, I was able to squeeze in some PT stretches and some squats and 2 sets of overhead presses with a 20lb kettlebell. Overall, not a great week. 

Week of January 11th

Not a good week. This will be short. 

Sunday - Thursday I did nothing. I worked. I slept. I got up and repeated like some awful version of groundhog day. I have a situation at work that I'm having to deal with and it's just got me totally exhausted. 

Friday, Jan. 16th work was better. things have calmed down some but I was just so exhausted. 

As you can see, the last 3 weeks has been very little - VERY LITTLE - running. My ankles are still whacked so I definitely shouldn't run the half on the 24th. I just wish I knew what happened to my ankles. A month after the marathon, I was totally fine, and then they started hurting and aching all the time. I walk like I'm 90 until they loosen up. It's so frustrating!! 

For weeks, I've debating just running the 5K if they'd let me switch, so I looked into it and I was able to change my race distance. I ended paying a very small transfer fee and switched from the Half-marathon down to the 5K. Hopefully, I can do that. 

Saturday, Jan. 17th, my wife and I left for an overnight trip/getaway. Much needed, but not great for exercise and gym time. Also, I gained some weight back this week, but not too much. Still below 200 so that's good news at least. Being on the road so much, I was back to a lot of fast food, but I tried to be better and get less/eat less. 

Marathon Training Update: Week of January 19th

What a difference a week makes. Saturday, I posted that week's pity party, where I talked about possibly self-sabotaging my goal of running a marathon. I think that on some level, I was not taking my training seriously, because deep down, I want to go into the marathon and have to gut it out. In the past, I've been the type of person that could roll out of bed and run a half-marathon with little to no training. Deep down, I want to still be that guy. Even at 57 years old. I realize - on the surface at least - that I'm not that young, bullet proof guy anymore, but deep down I want to be. Don't we all? 

I've been doing a lot of self-analysis lately. Partly because that's the sort of thing I naturally do with my clients. I analyze their times, training, mindset, etc as we go. It helps me understand them and look for signs that we need to step back, leap ahead or look for signs of overtraining. Since I'm coaching myself to this Marathon, why treat myself any different? 

I was also getting certified as a life coach. I started after Thanksgiving and I am happy to say, that I finished the course and am now a certified Life Coach. I figured I'd do the exercises on my self during the course. It was very insightful and made me come to terms with things I wasn't easily aware of or things I was aware of but was avoiding. It's easier to avoid pain and seek pleasure than to deal with crap! 

How Did This Week Go?

On Sunday of this week, I went out for my long run and had the best run I've had since I've started. I was a little pressed for time, plus I've been needing to cut back on the long run before progressing farther so I planned to just go out for 8 miles. Around mile 7, I decided I was going for 9 miles instead. Dropping back from 14.5 to 9 also sounded better than going all the way back down to 8 miles. 

Here's the thing though! I felt so good! My legs felt good the whole time. No shin issues, no heavy legs, just relaxed and comfortable running. Two weeks ago, I was super excited to have run my long run at a 13:59 pace! I hadn't broke 14 in my long runs so it was awesome. Well, get this....my long run Sunday was at a 13:19 pace!! I didn't even feel like I was pushing it that hard. I was definitely trying to push myself a little, but I certainly didn't expect 40 seconds faster per mile for 9 miles!!

On Monday, I took a rest day from running. 

On Tuesday, I missed running, but I did do a total body workout at home with my dumbbells and resistance cables. I think in past posts, I've called them resistance bands out of habit. They are really more like cables. Technically, they're surgical tubing, just FYI. I also stretched. A lot! I had stretched a lot on Saturday night, and I'm just curious to know if that's why Sunday's run felt so good. 

On Wednesday, I missed my run again. 

On Thursday, I missed my run...again...but I did do a total body workout at home. Again, with the dumbbells and resistance cables. 

On Friday, I got my act together and went out for a short, hard run. I ran 3.07 miles in 36:10! That's an 11:47!! I had no idea I could break 12 minute pace for any distance so I was super stoked!!

On Saturday, I went on a hike with my wife. It was only about 2 miles but it felt good to be in the woods. 

Saturday marked just 7 weeks left in my training. It seems to be coming so fast now. All in all, despite the missed runs, I'm feeling pretty good. 26.2 seems daunting, but that's the point isn't it? 

Ditch the Outlet, Embrace the Effort: This Non-Motorized Treadmill Will Supercharge Your Workouts

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I will admit I'm not a big fan of running of treadmills. I really prefer to be outside. However, sometimes, it's just too cold and it's actually safer to stay home. This would be an ideal option if you lack space and money. Right now, this non-motorized treadmill is only $162.99! 

If you do insist on running outside, make sure to dress warm. A hat, gloves and leggings/tights. Compression shirts make a great base layer under your outwear. If it's windy or the air is exceptionally cold, consider a gaiter to pull up over your mouth and nose. 

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Ran my first 5K of 2023

First 5K in the books & a Half-Marathon for my son!

Yesterday I ran my first 5K of 2023. I had created a training plan for my son who wanted to run a half-marathon so I figured since group offered a 5K as well, I'd run that while he was running the Half. 

His goal was to run a half...big goal was to break 2 hours...dream goal was to run in 1:45 or better. He ran a 1:46! Now, my son is a runner even if he doesn't realize it. He ran cross country a little in school but mainly he focused on track. He ran the 400, 800 and 4x400 relays. So as you can see, distance running wasn't really his thing. But I knew he was my kid and I'd seen him run. He just needed a plan. 

He went out fast, but then again so did I. I wanted to break 40 and I ran a 35:21. The first mile was downhill and flat so it was fast. I hit my first mile at 9:54. I was expecting to be around 12. That's what my effort felt like. Same for my son. He hit his first mile under 7 minutes and he felt like he was running around a 8-8:30 pace. 

He had fun and was proud of himself. He says he may even do it again. For me, I plan on working back up to a half. It'd be fun to run it with him next year. 

As for my personal progress? Well, work has gone off the rails in what is supposed to be my quiet time. I have a special election in March, a county buying new voting equipment and testing it this month and I lost a director in another county so I'm having to watch the office until they can get a new one. I'm up and on the road by 6:30 a.m. and not getting home until after 6 p.m. As a result, my training has been in the toilet, but I have been eating well. Rather than fast food, I've been going to Subway and getting a six inch sub on wheat with a bottle of water or going to the grocery store and getting a sandwich at the deli counter along with a water. I've lost 5 lbs so far. I'm down from 199 to 194 so I'm very happy about that. It's heading in the right direction. 

Today, I didn't run, but I did lift weights in my basement. It's not a finished basement, but there is a concrete floor although it needs lots of work and isn't even in all areas. I have a small space big enough for a bench-type apparatus that has it where the back can go down in a decline, flat, or up at various angles. It must be for kids, or I'm bigger than I think I am because I feel my legs don't fit on the padding part where my legs hang over. Regardless, it helps me keep my back straight during overhead presses and allows me to do a dumbbell bench. 

I am going to figure out a running goal to keep me motivated. I know I want to run a half again, but for right now, I'd like to just get my 5K down under 30 minutes. Honestly, if I do it right, I can actually train for the half and accomplish the 5K goal on the way. 

I really hate that I ever let myself get out of running. At least I retained all the knowledge...LOL. I gave my some tips and tricks I used to get through all the halves I've run. He found them very helpful. Maybe my next post, I'll share those. 

Happy New Year - 2023

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's January 1st, 2023! I had wanted to be much farther along than I am with my personal fitness. In fact, I ended up making things worse toward year's end. 

I had made a 90 Day Challenge for myself  back in August and when I finished at the end of October, I had lost 8 pounds. This was good, but my goal was 20+ lbs that I wanted to lose. But still a win in my book. Weight loss is weight loss. 

So then, I made a 60 Day Challenge which would take me to the end of the year. My goal was to lose more weight. But instead, traveling for work, Thanksgiving, birthdays, Christmas, vacations, etc...all had me doing whatever the hell I wanted and not making time for running or even eating right. I did a few little things with weights here and there, but nothing that could offset the junk I was eating. 

Now it's January 1st, 2023 and I am the heaviest I've ever been. Ever! I tried to run 4 miles today but had to walk after 3/4 of a mile because my shins were hurting and my legs felt like lead. My shins never hurt and yet they did today and yesterday when I tried to run on the last day of the year. What is so strange, is that before I left on vacation, I had run 5 miles without stopping. So is it mental? Physical? Just an off couple of days? I don't know. My sleep is the same. No better, no worse. 

Anyway, back to the run. I had to walk after 3/4 of a mile. But I was determined to go four miles today. So I ran/walked the whole distance. Coming back I was faster so I either ran more of it, or I ran faster when I did run. 

Upcoming Physical

I have my annual physical in the beginning of March so I have some real incentive to lose weight. No holidays coming up that call for tons of food. Work shouldn't be too crazy either. The one thing is weather, but I just need to suck it up and run no matter the cold. I used to live in Minnesota and ran all the time so I need to tap back into that inner animal or whatever mojo I had back in the day. 

My Plan Going Forward

I do not plan on running every day. Just every other day and then a long run on Sundays. I do want to start doing more with weights. I have the dumbbells I've been using and I got some pool noodles to try and fix my little bench. The padding on my bench got old, hard and crusty. So I got some pool noodles that I will cut to size and hopefully fix the issue.  

I'm not sure if you read my other blogs or not. Hopefully, if you're struggling with getting back in shape, you will see that no matter what, I kept trying - even if the effort wasn't the best. 

So what's my plan now? No more set challenges. Just taking it day by day. I will cut down on sodas and sweets now that the holidays are over. I will be more active. My job has me either sitting at a desk or sitting in the car driving to counties where I then sit and talk. My plan is to really make an effort to run or workout in the morning before work so that way it's done and I have no excuses. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Eight Complete

 It's getting close. Too close. I feel like...no...I know I'm not where I wanted to be at this point. I thought I'd be farther in my weight loss but vacation and continuing less than good choices have slowed my progress. 

Day 50: Monday, September 5th

It's been 50 days and I'm down in weight overall. This morning I was 190lbs. I'm down 7.2 lbs but I should be much farther along. I thought I'd be around 183 lbs at this point given a 2 lb per week weight loss. But vacation set me back and then since I've been back, I've not been running and the weights I've been doing have more been to make me feel like I did something, but it is by no means an actual workout. 

I did do better yesterday doing 2 sets of 10 reps for four different exercises, but I can do better. 

Here's what I ate and did today:

Breakfast: Piece of coffee cake. 

Lunch: Chick Fil-A grilled chicken sandwich and I added Mr. Stubbs BBQ sauce to snazz it up a bit. I just had water to drink. I skipped the fries and save calories and money.

Dinner: For dinner, I had a BBQ chicken sandwich at Panera. No other sides or a drink. Just water. 

Exercise: N/A

Day 51: Tuesday, September 6th

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: Chicken Tender wrap with Ranch dressing and home fries.

Dinner: My wife made a pecan crusted salmon with ravioli and a Caesar salad.

Exercise: N/A

Day 52: Wednesday, September 7th

Breakfast: Apple cider donut

Lunch: I had leftover ravioli

Dinner: I had 2 Chicken sausages on hot dog buns, green beans, and a baked potato.

Exercise: N/A

Day 53: Thursday, September 8th

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: 4 slices of Mellow Mushroom Pizza: Pepperoni, 2 cheese and a meat lovers. It was SO good. I should have just ate the two slices I originally took but they were just so good. 

Dinner: I had dinner with my son and his girlfriend. We went to a really good taco place called Que Chula. I had 3 Asada (Steak) tacos and plantains with water to drink.

Exercise: N/A

Day 54: Friday, September 9th

Breakfast: I had two crumpets with butter. They are like English muffins in case you don't know of them. I had tea to drink. 

Lunch: I was driving all over today for work. I had McDonald's. I got my "usual" 2 cheeseburger combo meal with medium fries and a medium Coke. 

Dinner: For dinner, we got Carraba's to go. I had the salmon capperi with garlic mashed potatoes and a Caesar salad. I had a little of the bread and oil...about 2 slices.

Exercise: N/A

Day 55: Saturday, September 10th

Breakfast: I had two crumpets with butter. 

Lunch: I had a Chick Fil-A breaded chicken combo with a medium fries. I ordered a Coke Zero to drink. Better than a regular Coke, but I really don't like to drink things with Aspartame. Plus carbonation in general makes me bloated.

Dinner: In a moment of weakness, I had Burger King. And not just any BK, but the Whopper with cheese, onion rings and medium Coke. It was weird, becuase I was kicking myself for ordering a drink (especially since I had a soda earlier) but it was all seltzer so I threw it out and just drank water. Guess the universe was looking out for me. 

Exercise: N/A

Day 56: Sunday, September 11th

Today is just 45 days to go. A little over six weeks and I'm just not doing as well as I wanted to in both diet and exercise. I decided I needed to really kick my efforts in gear. 

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: I had a southwestern omelet (black beans, sour cream, tomatillos, cheese), home fries and a biscuit with raspberry jelly

Dinner: Tonight I had Fatz Cafe, with my favorite ribs! They had a special, one pound of their ribs with a side for $9.99. I had the sweet potato and I added butter and cinnamon. 

Exercise: I ran 1.64 miles which took 20:04 and then walked for another 10 minutes for a total of 30 minutes of exercise. 

100 Day Challenge: Week Seven Complete

A new start

Well, I did get better towards the end of this past week but it was too little too late. My weigh in this morning was 191.8 lbs. Down .2 lbs. from last week but it should have been more. I mentioned in my last post that I ran again this past Saturday and it was good to be active again. Also, yesterday's hike was so nice and relaxing.

Day 43: Monday, August 29th

As I mentioned above, I weighed in at 191.8 lbs. Still over 190 but oh well...I'm still down overall. Weight loss (contrary to popular belief) is not a continuous downward trend. It very often looks like a wave pattern. dips and rises but with an overall downward progression. 

I skipped breakfast. I also hit snooze three times so I didn't exercise this morning. But I am very motivated to run tonight and also to do a workout with my dumbbells later on.

For lunch, I wasn't really hungry. I have some things in the house I could eat but I just don't want any of it. Instead, I opted for a Belvita Breakfast Biscuit, cup of Green tea and two slices of Pumpernickel, toasted with butter. 

At dinner, I had a Wendy's classic and medium fries. I didn't mean to get fries but they were in the bag. I just had water to drink.

I did exercise! I did 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 44: Tuesday, August 30th

Breakfast: Skipped Breakfast

Lunch: Canned salmon on 2 Sourdough bread slices

Dinner: Spinach pasta w/2 zucchini fritters (like potato pancakes). I also had a blue moon light beer. Not sure why I grabbed one out of the fridge, but I did. 

Exercise: 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 45: Wednesday, August 31st

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: Leftover spinach pasta w/canned salmon

Dinner: 2 hot dogs on buns and a salmon burger on a bun. Also had a salad.

Exercise: 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 46: Thursday, September 1st

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: McDonald's 2 Cheeseburger meal w/fries and a medium Coke

Dinner: 2 slices of cauliflower pizza with mushrooms and a salad

Exercise: 10 curls and 10 overhead presses with 20lb dumbbells.

Day 47: Friday, September 2nd

Breakfast: Skipped breakfast

Lunch: Banana & Leftover cauliflower pizza w/mushrooms 

Dinner: Panera Bread Co. - Had a Mediterranean bowl with chicken and just water to drink. I also had half an ice cream sandwich and glass of wine. 

Exercise: I took the night off from weights.

Day 48: Saturday, September 3rd

Breakfast: I had something my wife made. It was scrambled eggs, asparagus, & potatoes. It was in a casserole dish so it was something like an omelet. I also had a big slice of coffee cake that she made as well as a piece of plain pumpernickel and a piece with grape jelly. No idea why, but I was ravenous this morning. 

Lunch: It's unlike me to eat breakfast so I was not hungry at all when lunch rolled around. 

Dinner: I had salmon with asparagus and zucchini. I had a light blue moon beer and an ice cream sandwich for dessert. 

Exercise: I did my usual 10 x 20 lb dumbbell workout. Just curls and overhead presses.

Day 49: Sunday, September 4th

Breakfast: I skipped breakfast but did workout as you'll see below with my wife in the a.m.

Lunch: We went out to brunch with my son and daughter which was so amazing! We went to a place in Asheville called Tupelo Honey. I had the scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, tomatoes and challa toast. I had a water and a mimosa to drink. 

Dinner: I had a Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack, Chicken BLT with pimento cheese sandwich and french fries. I just had water to drink.

Exercise: First think in the morning, my wife and I worked out together. We did Curls, Tricep extensions, overhead presses and then she did should raises and I did Bulgarian Split Squats. She used different weights. I used 15 lb. dumbbells for everything. 

Shoe Review: Merrell Vapor Glove 5

Hey everyone, here is my video review of the Merrell Vapor Glove 5. I do realize there is a Vapor Glove 6 out now, but these were on sale and I have not had luck in the past with the Merrell brand so I was a little hesitant. These however fit like a....well....a glove. They feel great and are SO easy to get on compared to the Vibram 5-finger shoes I nave been wearing. 

For those of you that follow me on Instagram @ashevillerunningcoach, you know I've had trouble with foot pain. Running in minimalist shoes has changed everything for me. Yes, I run a little slower now, but I'm running pain free and I imaging that my times will get faster as I adjust to the "barefoot" style of running. 

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Review of the Fitbit Versa 3 Running Watch

Fitbit Versa 3

I wanted to tell you all about how I've finally entered the modern era of runnng watches. As you may know from my past posts, I absolutely love my Timex Ironman Watch. But this past Christmas, Santa gave me a Fitbit Versa 3 GPS watch. So as a result, I've been running with it for several weeks now and wanted to give you a review in case you too were on the fence about getting one or any GPS watch for that matter.

The Good!

Let's start off with what I like about the Fitbit Versa 3. First of all, I had a Fitbit Charge before but I rarely wore it so I already had a Fitbit account set up. That was very easy to do, and adding a watch to it was just as easy.

Unlike the the Charge, the Fitbit Versa 3 is very easy to see while running. Even in bright sunlight, I can see the screen with no issues. the watch tells me when I'm in the right heart zone which is good info and it displays not only my time, but my pace and distance. Very cool, I must admit.

I also like that I only have to charge it so far about once per week. Keep in mind, I'm only running 3-4 times per week so I'm not always using the GPS feature although to be fair, I honestly don't know if that affects the battery or not, but I would think so.

When you're done with your run and it syncs with your watch, it gives you a map of the route you just ran which I think is super cool. I realize all the watches do this, but again, I'm coming from a Timex Ironman watch.

The Bad...

The one thing I dislike about the Versa 3 is that the touch screen does not work well when it's wet or when I'm sweaty and so I'm wet. What I mean is that the the touch screen doesn't respond. As a result, on many of my early runs with the watch, when I'd get home and try to stop the timer, I couldn't. I'd be standing in my driveway swiping like crazy trying to get to the end button. I did find out that the invisible side button (and yes, you can't see it and I can barely feel it, but it's there) will pause it and give you the option to end the timer, but if you can't find the button fumbling around after a grueling run, it doesn't do you much good.

The next issue I have with it, and this is not a big deal to me, but I could see it would be for some, is that the GPS is not entirely accurate. A course that I know is 2 miles comes up on the watch as 1.9 or 1.92 or 1.91 depending on....I don't know what. When I zoom in on the map to see the route up close, I can tell why it's off but I'm not sure what to do about it. Apparently, my watch thinks I'm running through houses and buildings rather than going around them. This would obviously account for not only the general discrepencies in distance among all my routes, but the change in distance when running the same route. I ran the same route 3 times and had 3 different distances that it calculated.

Overall, I Recommend the Fitbit Versa 3

Besides the running aspect, you can also listen to (some) music, (I still haven't fully figured this out yet), it tracks your sleep which is very cool, and it allows you to pay for things with your watch (super cool to this guy). Compared to other GPS watches with similar features, I think the price is good too. In fact, I have a link to the Versa 3 on Amazon if you'd like to get one for yourself. I do receive a small commission when you buy as I'm in Amazon's affiliate program.

How to Run When It's Icy

During the winter, I get asked a lot about how to run when it's icy outside. It's a great question, because the last thing you want to happen is to slip and fall and end up injured and losing the winter to build up your mileage base. Below are my top 3 suggestions:

Suggestion 1: Don't Run

I know that may sound funny coming from a running coach, "Don't run", but honestly, I'd rather you stay healthy and not risk it. Stay in, run inside on a treadmill, or do some other form of cross training like a stationary bike, swim at an indoor pool, etc. Also, keep in mind, if you run consistently, missing a day or two is not going to hurt your performance. In fact, it may even help by forcing you to rest, giving your body a chance to rest and recover from prior workouts.

Suggestion 2: Run Very Carefully

If you love racking up the mileage and insist on running, then try shortening your stride. Taking smaller, more frequent steps will help you keep better traction and reduce the risk of a slip and fall incident. If you can, find snowy parts as the snow will give your traction whereas ice will just be slick.

You can also drop you arms out to the sides and lower than normal and use them for balance the way a tight rope walker would. It may sound funny, but it helps.

Suggestion 3: Use Crampons or Ice Cleats

If you live up north, where it can be icy and slick for days upon days, you may want to invest in a pair of slip-on crampons, also sometimes called Ice-Cleats. these slip over your runnin shoes and have sharp nodules on the bottom that will bite into the ice and give you traction, similar to the way chains on tires work for your car. Below, I have a link to a great amazon product. By using the link below, you will help support this site as I will receive a small commission.

Timex Ironman Watch Review: My Favorite Running Gear

In my opinion, the Timex Ironman Watch is the best, most affordable running watch you can buy. I’ve used the ironman watch for as long as I can remember. In fact, in the beginning, it would record only 8 splits for you which I thought was the coolest thing since my favorite workout was doing 6 – 8 x 400m repeats. This was way back in high school. I’m not so crazy anymore. So what’s so great about this watch when there are so many fancy smart watches out there? Let’s take a look shall we?

PRICE

First of all, the price can’t be beat in my opinion. For all that this watch does, and for as tough as it is, I think a good sport watch under $50 is a steal.

QUALITY

This watch is amazing. It’s water resistant up to 100m, I’m constantly banging my arm on things and I’ve never in all the years I’ve owned one, had any issues with the buttons not working or the band breaking.

EASY TO USE

When you first get the watch, assuming you haven’t had one before, it can seem a little confusing but if you just take a breath and look at the buttons, they are very intuitive.  Basically there are five buttons.

Bottom Left: Mode Button takes you from the time and date screen to the Chrono or Stopwatch mode.  Press it again it takes you to the timer mode. Next are Occasion, Alarm 1, Alarm 2 and Alarm 3.  The timer mode that I mentioned is a great feature because not only will it countdown, but you can have it repeat!  What does that mean?  Let’s say you’re doing my free Couch to 5K running plan.  The plan calls for running a minute and walking a minute.  You can set the timer on repeat so that after it counts down from a minute, an alarm goes off and it begins counting down again.  All you have to do is keep track of what you’re doing when the alarm goes off.  Run or walk!

Top Left: Set/Recall is the button you use to either set your time and date initially or to recall your splits.  When setting up your watch initially, you simply press and hold “set” and then press “Mode” to scroll through setting up the time, date, year, 12/24 hr format, etc.

Top Right: Indigo Light button. This is one of my favorite features of this watch.  Whether it’s early morning or late at night, it can be hard to see you watch display.  The old lights really just lit up one corner of the watch and was still barely readable.  The indigo light however, illuminates all the text and numbers in a bright blue/green color so it’s super easy to read.

Bottom Right: Stop/Reset button.  This is pretty self explanatory.  If you’re timing something and you want to stop, simply press “stop”.  If you’re using a countdown timer, when you’re done with it, simply hit “reset” to take it back to the setting you entered.  For example, if you set a countdown time for 15 minutes but finished a little early.  You can hit reset and it will reset the timer back to 15 minutes.

Bottom Center: Stop/Split button. Again, pretty obvious what this button does.  If you are using the stopwatch, this starts it.  press it again to grab a split.  Maybe you’re on a track doing laps or you want to compare your out and back times. Regardless, it’s a great feature and the button is so big and central, you can’t mess it up.

CONS OF THE TIMEX?

If you want a watch that tracks your sleep or your steps then this is not for you. If you're looking for a GPS watch, this watch is not for you. I also would prefer the stop and mode buttons switch places.  To me, it would feel more natural to stop the stopwatch with my thumb if it was the bottom left button but honestly it’s not that big of a deal. It’s just ergonomics.

SUMMARY

If you’re looking for a great, reliable watch that will gives you a countdown timer, a stopwatch, has multiple alarms and occasion reminders, as well as recording up to 30 splits, then this is the watch for you!  One other great feature for me in a world of tech, is I don’t ever have to plug it in!  I have to charge my phone, my iPad, my Fitbit (another review coming soon) and my Bluetooth headphones. It’s so refreshing and easy to just grab my watch knowing it will be ready and won’t run out of charge on my run.

If you are interested in buying a Timex Ironman, please consider supporting this site by using the link below. I have partnered with Amazon as an affiliate and so I will make a small commission from your purchase.

Proper Fit for Running Shoes

Unless you go to a running specialty store, you may not know if a shoe fits you right or not. Sure, you can slip it on and walk around, but how do you know if it’s right? Here are some things to look for.

Is it the right size?

This may sound silly, but don’t just assume that because your current shoes are a certain size, the new ones will be the same. Different brands, different styles,  even the same shoe but as a newer model can cause variance in the sizing. I have running shoes that are 9’s. Dress shoes that are 8.5’s and boots that are 8’s. You have to try them on your foot. And just so you know, a half size is only about the thickness of an athletic sock.

Is it the right length?

Now that the shoes are on, test to see if they fit in the length. While standing, bend over or have someone else place their thumb sideways on the toe of the shoe. You should have a thumb’s width between your toe and the end of the shoe. Less than this and you can damage your toenails. More than this will cause your foot to slip and you’ll get blisters.  

Is it the right width?

With the shoes on, check the width by squeezing the front sides of the shoes. They should be fitted but not tight like they’ll burst and yet not loose like you have too much material. Another easy spot check is the center where the laces are. If the areas on either side with the eyelets/lace holes are too close or almost touching, that’s a sign the shoes are too wide. 

Last but not least...the “Last”.

The back of the shoe where the heel is at is called the last. If this is too loose, you can use the extra hole at the top of the laces to draw in the heel but try to find a shoe that you won’t need to. That’s just a personal preference. 

Review of Thorlos Running Socks

As you probably know, I've been a runner since the 1980's and let me tell you, in all the years I've run, the best socks that I've used have been Thorlos.  I like the short style socks like their  J Running Socks.  To me, they just are the best bang for your buck.

Thorlos Running Socks - J Style

When I was competitive back in my younger days, I tried super lightweight running socks that were paper thin. I wanted as little weight on me as possible. The problem, was that between my training and racing, the thin socks would wear out in no time.  Thorlos however, last and last.  I started wearing and racing in them in the mid 90's and I've never gone back.  I actually have a pair of long Thorlos socks, that I don't wear too often, but they are still in great shape and I've owned them since roughly 1995.

While you can find less expensive socks, the Thorlos are definitely worth the money.  A pair of Thorlos can run around $14-15 dollars per pair, but again, you'll have them for years.  Other socks from Nike and New Balance just wear out too fast in my experience.

The padding as you can see in the image is placed in the areas that take the most punishment.  The toes, heels etc all have extra padding which helps prevent blisters and provides cushion to the areas taking on a lot of force.

If there is a downside to Thorlos, I would have to say it's the same as the pros of them: The cost and the thickness.  Now I know I said the thickness was a good thing, but you will likely find that your shoes are tighter when wearing Thorlos.  I recall I even went up a shoe size on purpose just so I could wear my Thorlos.  As for the price, that is just when you buy them, but as I mentioned, once you see how long they last and how comfortable they are, you'll see they are worth every penny.