OrthoLite Review & Giveaway!

Happy Monday! It's supposedly spring, but here in NYC the weather has remained cold and dreary.  Which is why I was more than delighted to come home today to find the new pair of Sauconys I ordered had arrived!  I usually run in Asics, but the updated models just don't fit the same and I needed something new.  

Hello, new Saucony ProGrids!

If you're a runner, you probably find yourself in this predicament a lot.  Due to high mileage, you may need to replace shoes fairly often and it can get frustrating when model updates change the fit of the shoe.  Back in October my awesome doctor recommended that I run with insoles to provide a little more comfort, support and stability, no matter what type/brand of shoe I wear.  I thought this was a great idea because it's also a cheap and easy way to extend the life of my running shoes.  I've been using a pair of Powerstep insoles for awhile now, but was very excited when the lovely folks at OrthoLite offered to send me a pair of their Fusion insoles to review.  

So what did I think?

I've gone on a few runs in these insoles and have to say they're pretty good.  I immediately noticed the "update" and my shoes felt new again!  You can custom fit the OrthoLite Fusion insoles to any running shoe brand or size by simply removing the current insole, lining them up next to each other and cutting them into the proper shape.  I really like that adding the insole to my shoe doesn't impact the fit of the shoe in other ways.  These insoles are definitely softer and more flexible than my Powerstep insoles, but they provide similar cushioning and support.  Here's a little more info on the insoles:

·         Designed to fit all athletic and outdoor shoes or boots

·         Breathable: Air circulates in and around the insole, leaving the foot cooler and drier

·         Moisture Wicking: Unique insole structure moves moisture away from your foot

·         Retains Structure: Unlike many of the insoles on the market that go flat, unique spring-back technology ensures your insole will retain over 95% of its thickness over time

·         Anti-Microbial: Patented formulation fights fungus, bacteria and odor

·         Lightweight: Insoles provide cushioning and optimum performance without adding weight to the shoe

·         Fully washable

·         Availability: Available for purchase on OrthoLite.com for $19.99/pair

·         Benefits Athletes: For every pair of Fusion insoles purchased, OrthoLite will donate $1 to the Level Field Fund, a grant-giving program that bridges gaps in funding to uniquely talented athletes

If you're interested in snagging some OrthoLite insoles for yourself, I have three pairs to giveaway!  Enter to win by leaving me a comment below telling me what your favorite running/workout sneakers are!  The giveaway will be open through Sunday, March 31st at midnight, when three lucky readers will be chosen to receive a pair of OrthoLite Fusion Insoles.  Good luck and Happy Running! :)

**Disclosure:  OrthoLite provided me with a sample pair of insoles to review as well as the information above and will be providing three (3) pairs of insoles to the winners of this giveaway.

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Race Recap: NYRR Staten Island Half Marathon

Staten Island, Sunday October 7th, 2012 at 8:30am.  50 degrees, overcast and breezy.  This was the scene at the NYRR Staten Island Half-Marathon this weekend. 

 This race was scheduled to be my second half marathon and my training was pretty solid up until 2-3 weeks ago.  I've since been battling some quad/hip pain (Don't worry, I have an MD appointment scheduled), so I wasn't sure how or if I was going to be able to run this Sunday. I ultimately decided to give it a shot.  After all, I had paid for this race and more importantly, Dad was coming down to run too! 

On Saturday, after Dad and I went out for a pre-race dinner, I got my gear together for race day: C9 by Champion running shorts, Nike Dri-fit top, Asics, RRS Dryroad socks, Sparkly Soul headband, SpiBelt, Blueberry Pomegranate Gu Chomps and Jet Blackberry Gu.

We arrived to the Island of Staten around 7:30am and quickly found parking.  Race Central was right next to Richmond County Bank Ballpark (home of the SI Yankees) with amazing views of lower Manhattan and an incredible September 11th Memorial.

There was a ridiculous line for the porta-pottys right before the start, so we didn't have much any time to warm up.  NYRR had their usual color-coded corrals and we lined up to wait for the start.  While listening to race announcements and the National Anthem, we snapped a few pre-race photos.

One of the best parts of the race came right as the starting gun went off...A FDNY Marine Unit in the harbor put on an awesome show for us:

The course was an out-and-back with a few hills and one long hill around mile 8-9.  Most of the course was along the waterfront, with awesome views like the one below of the Verrazano Bridge.  

I started this race with no expectations of pace or time, especially because I didn't want to worsen my injury.  Since I mentally break the half-marathon distance into two 5-milers and a 5k, I told myself I would get to the 5-mile marker and assess how I felt.  Although the out-and-back course wouldn't have made it easy for me to stop and turn around if my leg acted up, that was my plan.

The race started out fabulously.  Miles 1-4 absolutely flew by.  I was loving the cool weather, I wasn't paying any attention to my splits and my body felt happy to be running.  My quad pain was noticeable but I didn't feel hindered by it.  As I came across Mile Marker 5, I took some Gu Chomps and decided I would push through.  A few minutes later, I started seeing the race leaders speeding by me.  I was expecting the turnaround to be around the 10K marker, but it ended up being further along around 7.5 miles.  Mile 6 through the turnaround flew by as I was so distracted by all the runners on their way back to the finish.  It was super motivating and I picked up my pace, realizing I had some potential to PR.

Mile 8-8.5ish was the one serious hill of the course, but I had gone down it during the first half so I was mentally prepared to go back up it.  My only complaint with this race comes in here.  There was a water station placed right BEFORE the peak of this hill.  Maybe it's just me, but I like to power through all the way to the top of the hill! 

At Mile 9, I could definitely feel the impact of my sub-par training over the last 2 weeks.  My feet were tired and my lower back started hurting.  The next two miles were mentally challenging, but I was motivated by the fact that I was still on target to PR.  

Mile 12 was a slight uphill back toward St. George terminal and the finish line.  This was tough because I hadn't realized it was a downhill during the first half and I wasn't ready for it.  I was so close to the finish but this mile seemed to go on forever.  There were tons of spectators at this point and they were great! Cowbells, funny signs, high-fives, motivational cheers...I love it all.  And then finally there was a right turn back down to the waterfront and a quick sprint to the finish line.  

Smiling at the finish! 

Apparently in previous years, the course had one of those finishes where you can see the finish line but have to do a wrap-around or little loop to finish off the 13.1.  No one likes that.  So this year the course was modified in response to runner feedback and I have to say, this finish was awesome!  I flew down that last hill and finished super strong.  My official time was 2:10:46.  That's a 4 minute 6 second PR! With an injured leg. Boom.  

And Dad? 2:01:21, which would have been sub-2 hours if he didn't have to make a pit stop! As usual, I'm in awe of this guy...

I guess getting older=getting faster?! Maybe one of these days I'll be able to keep up with him (and maybe beat him??).

It almost doesn't need to be said that NYRR put together fantastic races.  They're always very well organized with plenty of water, post-race refreshments, volunteers, etc. and Staten Island was no different.    

All in all, a great day, a great race and a shiny new PR.  Next up...a visit to the MD to figure out what's going on with my leg.  Hopefully followed by the Disney World Half Marathon in January! :)

Thankful Thursday: Mud and Sparkles!

Although I'm currently unemployed, I'm still thrown off my this mid-week holiday business. I can't believe it's Thursday, but since it apparently is, let's get thankful.

Today I'm feeling thankful...

...for an awesome Rugged Maniac race.  I'm still waiting on race photos...so recap is coming, but I had a blast and was so glad my friend and badass Dad did this with me! 

Muddy Maniacs.

...for sparklers.

...that it's pool season! Now I can sweat with hundreds of other Astorians at a gross public pool rather than by myself in the grass of the park.

Hello, Astoria pool.

...that my parents still let me do laundry when I visit. (You guys are the best!)

...for BodyGlide. I've probably used this one a million times, but especially when it's this hot out--BodyGlide is essential for my runs.

Now your turn! Tell me what you're thankful for today! :)

I Ran to Manhattan

After a beautiful 9 hours of sleep last night, I was ready for the 10 miles on my training schedule today.  My half-marathon is 2 weeks away and I can't wait! So after a big breakfast of yogurt, blackberries & granola, I got set for my "long" run.  It's a little windy and chilly out, so I layered up with an Under Armour turtleneck, light zip up jacket, running tights and an earwarmer.  And let's not forget proper hydration:

Rocky kindly loaded up my fuel belt with one bottle grape of Gatorade, one water bottle and one Vanilla Bean Gu.  And since I can't fathom running 10 miles in Astoria, I planned to run over in Manhattan.  At first, I thought I'd run the mile to the subway and take it over to Central Park for a few loops.  But then my pretty cousin friend suggested I run the Queensboro Bridge into the city.  Great idea, Cuz! 

As those who have run the ING NYC Marathon are well aware, the QB bridge is a pretty steady uphill climb to the middle and then back down to 59th Street/2nd Ave.  I ran the 3.5 miles down to Queensboro Plaza and got started...

Starting out at QB Plaza

It was pretty windy up there, with some scary views down (I'm terrified of heights), but it was also beautiful.  It's an awesome feeling to run from one borough to another!

the lovely East River

I covered just over 10 miles running down to QB Plaza, across the bridge, almost to Central Park and back.  Below is a screenshot of my route.  I have no idea what the GPS was doing over in Manhattan, because it definitely looks like I was drunk.  (Promise, I wasn't. Remember, I haven't had a drink since January 1st!)

My legs felt pretty strong throughout the run, and I tried to go slow (I ended up averaging a 10:13 pace).  I took the Gu around mile 6 coming back over the bridge, which was a perfect timing, because it really helped me through the last few miles.   

When I got back home, I enjoyed a delicious post-run chocolate milk for recovery. A nice little reward for my efforts!

Yum! If only it was a Smuttynose instead ;)

Now I'm off to stretch and make a Lentil Loaf [recipe and post to follow soon! :)] 

Happy weekend everyone! 

Thankful Thursday: Gear & Goodies!

1. Having this week off. It couldn't have come at a better time. I'm LOVING waking up sans-alarm and enjoying my morning tea while watching the Today show.  And being able to run in the daylight.  Amazing.

2.  New running socks. 

Thanks, Secret Santa!

3. No Pudge Fudge Brownies. 2 Tbsp brownie mix with 1 Tbsp yogurt (I prefer Stonyfield Fat-Free French Vanilla), microwave for 1 min. DONE! Single serve, fat-free 120 calorie chocolate heaven.

4. Woolies. They keep my noggin warm, cover my messy hair & come in the cutest styles! While I like most any winter hat, I have an obsession with Curly Hair Conspiracy, made with love by my dear friend Lauren.  :)

5. My Moving Comfort sports bra.  A bad bra will very quickly ruin any run, so this quality sports bra is a staple for me.  It holds everything in, has adjustable straps & is super comfortable.  It's a little pricier than some sports bras, but trust me-it's totally worth every penny!

I'm also thankful for you readers, and encourage you to take a minute and think about what you're thankful for today! Cheers!