New Blue Shoes

Hello and welcome to Tobias Talks

Before writing a new blog each week, I take few moments to the read a few of my most recent blogs to remind myself of what my goals were, so I can reflect on whether or not I have followed the plan I had set for the week, and it wasn't until this morning that I realised last weeks plan was carried out almost to the letter.

Firstly, I'll discuss my running shoes purchase. I went to a local running shop, Runners World, I can't speak well enough of them, they truly provide top-class service, I was able to try a few different shoes on, and give them a quick couple of minutes run on the treadmill before deciding. I tried on the Altra Via Olympus and whilst having a very different feel to my current running shoes, I bit the bullet and bought them for £140. Unfortunately I was riding my motorcycle that day so I didn't actually have a way to get the shoebox home! So they are still holding my shoes for now. I'll collect them after work today and head to the gym for a 20-30 minute run on the treadmill to test them out. Runners World have a 28 day replacement/credit returns offer so long as the shoes aren't worn outside, so a quick test on the treadmill seems like the perfect solution. These new Altra's are different to any pair of running shoes I've ever worn, these Altra's have a "rocker shape" meaning that they naturally roll from midfoot on to the toe. It would make them absolutely terrible as a walking shoe but they feel perfect for running, as they naturally roll forward and propel you onwards. or at least that's the idea. I'll write up a full review during the week, so keep your eyes peeled.

Diet wise things are going well, I'm focussing on eating whole foods and stopping eating when I'm full. The goal is still to eat 2 square meals a day. Skipping breakfast and then having a decent sized lunch and dinner. I try to hold off dinner as late as possible to avoid evening snacking. I am still aiming to eat to provide energy and nutrients I need to perform well during my runs. As always, I wish I was slimmer but that's par for the course. I have yet to start my soup making endeavours as although we are now officially in Autumn, in the south of England it's still shorts weather so it doesn't feel right just yet. There will plenty of opportunity over the coming months I'm sure.

For the above reason, I haven't yet performed the annual migration into the gym. I am still really enjoying running outside amongst the nature and the dog walkers. On my slower training runs I aim to keep calm and take in the scenery, although by the 2nd half of my run i'm often in so much pain that I am just focussing on the next step. The temptation to stop and walk is always present in my mind so I need to work on a few mental exercises to keep me going. The Running Channel's James swears by the mantra of "Always, Forwards - Forwards, Always" and I have been trying to emulate the ultra-running legend Courtney Dauwalter's system of "This is fine" essentially reassuring yourself that pain is part of the process and is completely normal and is no reason to stop or change your pace, this is what you're here for.

So the goal for this week is to continue running consistently, at least 3 times a week. Eat cleanly and sensibly. Improve mental strength to continue to push when things are hard.

Your friend, Tobias