Since I am running three 5k races this fall, I decided to invest (treat?) myself to a new pair of running shoes. Hey, a girl’s gotta train in style, right?
I fell in love with these Nike Air Zoom Pegasus shoes right when I saw them on the Nike website. I had been running in my Nike Free 5.0 shoes, but knew I needed a little more support for my runs.
Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I just love these shoes!
They’re very lightweight for how much support they provide. I can tell a huge difference between these and my Nike Free’s. I feel like these shoes help me roll forward while running and give a tiny “bounce” to my step. These shoes have a rubber crash rail on the lateral outsole, which gives a wider footprint that stabilizes your foot from impact to toe-off.
They are snug and secure-fitting which makes for a comfortable fit. I’ve been running in them for about a month now, and I really like them. My feet don’t hurt so much now after running, and I can feel the extra stability and support during my runs. They also have great traction. I ran after it rained and they didn’t slip at all.
Plus, the hot pink color helps keep me looking stylish… which is important. Right…?
My sister and I decided a month ago that we wanted to run a 5k. Not only run a 5k, but make a good time on a 5k. The race I signed up with her is in September, then I’m running two more races with my co-workers in October! So last month I set out training and enlisted the help of my cousin Chris (who is a cross-country runner) to create a training plan for me.
Here’s the advice he gave me:
Weekly Schedule:
Run #1: This is your long run. Run 4-5 miles at the slowest pace you need to in order to complete the mileage.
Run #2: Interval day. Run for 30 seconds at 4mph, then 30 seconds at 6mph. Do this for 1.5 miles.
Run #3: Medium paced run. Run 3 miles as fast as you can (but still comfortable).
Other tips: Cross train– bike, swim, lift weights in between your running workouts. Be sure to stretch and foam roll!
Here’s some of my runs. I’ve been able to run three times per week, with cross-training in between! I’m super proud of myself for keeping up with the training plan. I think part of it is not wanting to embarrass myself later on!
As you can see below, at the beginning of June it took me 37 minutes to run 2.5 miles, and at the end of June it took me 39 minutes to run 3 miles. Now, towards the end of July, I can run 3 miles in 32 minutes! It’s working!
My four-mile runs have been improving as well. On July 6th, it took me 62 minutes, and on July 14th (not pictured) it took me 55 minutes.
I’m excited to see how much more I can improve from now until September!
How many of you out there are runners? How do you train before a race?
Hi! I’m Emily, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and self-taught intuitive chef. I firmly believe that cooking is the simplest and most important step we can take to improve our minds and bodies and build healthier communities. Join me and let’s bring food back to the kitchen!
Fabulous shoes! Good luck on the training and the 5k- I’m always so lazy at the beginning but once I get into it it’s a lot easier!
It’s so hard at first to start a new habit! But about one month in, it definitely got easier to stick to it.
Such pretty pink shoes! That’s awesome that you are improving your time!! I am training for a half in November, so I love hearing about other people’s race training. You’ll do great on all three!!! :)
Thanks for stopping by! :) Thanks for the encouragement! Good luck on your half!
I love those shoes! I am always looking for cute and comfortable walking shoes.