A Galloway effort... and new shoes!

I wanted to write this entry 2 days ago, but... where in the world does time go?

On Sunday I completed the 9 mile, 90 minute long run (well, it was actually 91 minutes) that Julie prescribed for me using an 8:1 run/walk ratio for 6 cycles (excludes warm-up and cool down). The 8 minute run interval was based on HR, not pace. I have always been intrgued by the Galloway method, but this was my first ever taste at actually employing it in order to complete a long run. Although, I guess the C25K plan would also count since it's composed of run/walk intervals.

Anyway, I loved it! I was able to hit my target HR during the intervals and recover nicely during the 1 minute walk break. Psychologically, knowing that there was a walk break coming up made my effort during the intervals tolerable. I want to read a Galloway book now!

Sir Isaac visited me yesterday. :o) My Newtons have landed! I orderd the Women's Motion trainers (although I'm still not 100% convinced that I need to be in a stability shoe) and they feel fantabulous on my feet. Granted, I've only ran a total of 0.1 mile in them so far, but they defintely encourage a mid-foot landing (which I tend to do when I'm not losing form) and I loooove the springy feel that comes from whatever 'chamber' is under the lugs. Newton Running calls it 'Active Membrane Technology'. Whatever it is, it feels terrific! So, I'll be incorporating my Newtons into my running program over the next 2 weeks. Little by little, a mile or 2 at a time. Updates to come...

On the agenda for today: 4 miles with 60 second speed bursts followed by a 2 minute recovery... and some holiday shopping! Slowly but surely ramping up my weekly mileage... and LOVING it. Looks like I may hit 25 this week. Woot!