I have Haole feet*.

(photo courtesy of Vibram Five Fingers)

Thanks to my cousin, Jeff, this article about modern running shoes being a waste of money, was brought to my attention. The whole article was basically a strong scientific argument that running shoes are not only better when they're cheap, but that they also increase your risk of injury. Apparently, humans were designed to run without shoes. Our toes, arches, and muscle-skeletal structure are already naturally woven together to create an elegant solution for quickly getting from point A to point B. And according to those scientists, we're ruining mother nature's design by running long distances in fancy designer shoes.

Ok, being an engineer, does that mean I'm going to throw out my shoes and change my running style since these claims are backed by hard scientific evidence? Not really. The article also states that if we've already grown up wearing shoes, then converting back to barefoot running will also injure us. The way I see it, it's all a matter of smart shopping. After cycling through several shoes in the last 3-4 years, I've figured out what's comfortable for my feet. In fact, I chose my latest pair of shoes specifically because I felt like I could feel the ground better due to the thinner rubber sole. Which coincidentally, is what the article suggested is a desirable feature in a running shoe. Go figure.

Although, I must say that my lack of barefoot running ability did somehow make me feel less rugged, less hard-core, even less worthy of being called a true runner. In essence, it made me feel like I have Haole feet. I've seen several groups of people trying to get back to barefoot running in all of the races I've run. And I've even seen a handful of people running in FiveFingers shoes (pictured above), which is essentially a glove on your feet that simulates running barefoot while still maintaining protection against the elements. So why can't I start doing the same? Well, because I'm not crazy and I'm ok with having Haole feet.

I actually think that running shoes are a great invention. Running in today's environment isn't the same as running through the forests thousands of years ago. Asphalt is hard! They may not be the perfect design yet, but every invention needs progressive improvement. For example, take the very first marathon runner. The legend is that the Greeks sent a soldier from Marathon to Greece (26 miles) to announce their victory over the Persians. You know what happened to that guy? He died from exhaustion right after he gave that announcement. I will guarantee you that I have better running shoes than he had. So, I may not be able to outrun a barefoot runner from the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico, who are evidently the best long distance runners in the world. But, I do have pretty, comfortable, functional running shoes that do seem to enhance my running experience.

*Note: Local Hawaii kids like to refer to more delicate feet as Haole feet. Haole is Hawaiian slang for a caucasian person. But in this connotation, it refers to someone who hasn't grown up walking barefoot all around the island.

Thanks Nike....

So, as you may have seen, my spiffy new mini-me on the side of my page has been harrassing me for the last couple of weeks. And every time I log onto my page, I can't help but be amused at her comments. Nike really didn't hold back when they programmed the mini-me's to kick people into gear. Here are some of my favorite comments from Mini-Surfrunner:
"I'm stuck in a rut! What I wouldn't give for a run!"
"I've turned into a couch potato. I need to run."
and my all-time favorite:
"This ball is getting more exercise than I am", whilst playing with a paddleboard ball. This particular comment is even enhanced, because Mini-Surfrunner is wearing a loose-fitting shirt and is slightly sticking her tummy out. So, she looks fatter. Good Job Nike, that's pretty effective.

The funniest part of this situation is that I've been running like a madwoman with a vengeance. I've started hard-core training for the winter since before Christmas. I'm just too lazy to plug my iPod into my laptop to upload all my runs to the server. Thus, poor Mini-Surfrunner is stuck in limbo. If I were to give Nike any kind of technical recommendation, it would be that runs were automatically uploaded to the server wirelessly after every run. We're tired enough already from the run, you can't ask us to fiddle with our equipment when all we want to do is fuel up with chocolate milk and food, then sleep after a run.

But, since they haven't made that particular technological enhancement yet, I promise to upload my runs tonight. Mini-Surfrunner is probably hoarse from the whining.

More Tweaks

As you can see from the new addition on my right sidebar, I've successfully been able to attach my Nike+ Mini-me to my blog! I've also removed my "last run" feature, because it already displays that info in the mini-me feature, as well as my running statistics and history. It still kind of blows my mind that I've run 800+ miles since I've gotten this system. It's amazing what the human body can accomplish.

But, while the statistics and animated mini-me are cute, I have to admit that the things coming out of her mouth can be a tad obnoxious and annoying. So please don't mind what she says because I'm not the one that programmed her to do that.

Cause I would walk 500 (thousand) miles...

As some of you may have noticed, my latest goal bar over the last few weeks has been empty since I put it up. It's not really because I've been slacking in my running (although, I sort of have been), it's because I haven't uploaded any of my recent runs to the Nike+ system. Well, that's about to change because I just found a new form of motivation. Instead of prescribing my own running goals, I'm going to enter free Nike+ challenges that are hosted by Nike.

This particular one is the Nike+ Marathon Charity Challenge. The big-wigs are slated to donate up to $100,000 to the Children's Memorial Hospital and the Imerman Angels. But, that total amount only gets sent pending on Nike+ runners hitting 500,000 miles by 10/12/08. Now that's pressure. I think that's a great cause to be running for and I can't think of better motivation to run than helping out a sick child. If any of you out there on the internet have the Nike+ system, please consider jumping on this bandwagon, especially if you're going to go out and run anyway. Stay tuned to the Latest Goal Bar over the next couple of weeks to monitor our collective effort.

Surfrunner got a new pair of shoes!

Yesterday, I had a delightful first visit to the specialty running store down the street. Not only was this my first time in that particular store, but it was my first time in any specialty running store. Why? Well, because I'm frugal (*cough*, cheap/chang) and I've always viewed running shoes as functional equipment for a cheap, yet all-encompassing hobby. As long as I can run comfortably and my Nike+ system has a slot for the sensor, then it doesn't matter what shoe I get. Surprisingly, I've always thought of my iPod/Nike+ system as more important to my running than shoes. Well, not after yesterday's education.

Now that I think about it, of course I should care about the equipment that will help prevent my long-term injuries. The running expert identified the kind of runner I am: an overpronator; the kind of shoe I need to compensate for that: motion-control or stability; and proceeded to parade a large variety of those shoes to choose from. Not only that, but he explained the type of injuries I would get from running with the wrong shoes because of the way I run (I've already gotten them). Anyway, my favorite parts were that he let me extensively test each shoe: run a lap around the parking lot, and he drilled a hole in the shoe I chose so that it would perfectly fit my Nike+ sensor, all for free. Overall, I gained knowledge and I got special running shoes that didn't cost me any more than what I usually spend! Is that a good deal or what??

For the record, I settled on the Women's Mizuno Wave Alchemy 8. After I bought them, I took my new shoes for an inaugural run and finally broke the 700 mile mark!! That's right, according to my Nike+ system, I've run 700+ miles in a little over 2 years. YAY ME! As for the shoes, they are the lightest, most comfortable pair I've had. My only hang-up is that the trimming is bright neon green. Oh well, it's alright because I'm bringing the 80's back.

Free Surfrunner Tip: I tend to change my shoes every 300-400 miles to prevent injury.

Mapping Tip

Today's training tip comes to you courtesy of my good friend, Sidewalk Monkey. The other day she reminded me about this useful tool on the internet that I've been using, but haven't gotten around to blogging about it. Thanks Sidewalk Monkey!

So I don't know about you folks, but I do get bored with overuse of the same running routes. My remedy has been to find another route using this: MapMyRun. Don't let the boring scenery, excessive bikers, or car exhaust discourage you from running outside. I've found that the key to keeping me interested is changing it up. There are bunch of neat little features that this website has. For instance, you can map out your new run anywhere in the world, and it will provide you distance markers, landmarks, and the elevation of your spiffy new run. And if you're too lazy to do play with that feature, you can always fall back on the pre-drawn routes that other people have provided for your area. It's the perfect tool when you're trying to get in your runs while you're traveling, plus it helps you to explore that unfamiliar area. Be safe out there people and know where you're going before you go.

P.S. I've also become quite attached to MapMyRide, which is the biking equivalent page to MapMyRun. It's infinitely useful for a novice biker, like myself, who likes to avoid high traffic streets.

DJ G-Funk* needs inspiration

I'm one of those runners that needs a constant soundtrack in the background to keep pace. And since it's such an integral part to my training, I'm very meticulous with new playlist creation. My whole process is somewhat akin to John Cusack in High Fidelity as he pores over mountains of vinyl records, creating the perfect mix for his girlfriend. A custom playlist is highly personal and allows glimpses to facets of personality.

Well, my running playlist is a far cry from being an accurate editorial of myself, but it serves it's purpose as a technical pace setter. I usually compensate for what kind of workout it's intended for: speed, distance, outdoor/indoor, or the actual race. There's just something about a well-picked, high energy song that can give me the extra boost to run that extra hill as fast as I can. It doesn't matter if I'm bone tired. The familiar back beat starts pumping and I start balling my fists. Then the lyrics will kick in and all of a sudden I'm Rocky Balboa, racing up the steps of Philadelphia.

Now, what kind of music facilitates that for me? Well, for the most part I prefer Hip Hop, Reggage, Rap, and embarassingly the occasional Pop. I know that last choice probably makes me "uncool" now, but sometimes you just have to leave Britney alone, folks. Don't hate. Anyway, today happens to be "New Playlist" day, but I seem to be lacking inspiration for new high energy songs. Do you lovely people have good suggestions?

And to give you a better idea, some of my best running songs were:
Janet Jackson - All Night, Don't Stop
Janet Jackson - Feedback
Lil' Mama ft. T. Pain and Chris Brown - Shawty Get Loose Remix
Christina Aguilera - Fighter
Madonna and Justin Timberlake - 4 minutes
Flo Rida ft. Timbaland - Elevator
Baby Cham & Akon ft. Alicia Keys - Ghetto Story Remix

*Note: I've acquired my fair share of nicknames in the past. My favorites are: "Porkchop", "Manapua Head", "Ninja", "Button", "Bone Bone", and "G-Funk". I thought DJ G-Funk sounded better than DJ Manapua Head.

Bells and Whistles

Jog In Ocean is undergoing some tweaking. I've decided to add a cool element to let you guys see how my progress is going. As you can see on the right side bar, I've added my latest run graph from Nike+. I'll do my best to keep the "latest run" graph up to date. And for fun, I also added my run graph from the Nike Women's Marathon '07 (my last half marathon run). Alright people..that's what I'm trying to beat. Let's hope this year's graph looks better than last year's.

p.s. The date on my last run shouldn't be March 26, it should be May 7 (yesterday). I'm having Nike+ technicians fix this right now, so stay tuned. Ah..technology.

I heart my iPod and Nike+

As promised, here's my ode to my running partner, Tonks, better known as my flourescent fuchsia iPod nano.

Lean and light device,
Blasting music to set pace,
Nestled in my shorts.

Ok, so my ode came out as a haiku. But I'm a lazy poet, so that's all you're getting.

In any case, I highly recommend the iPod and it's Nike+ attachment. In terms of the iPod itself, it's a workout necessity. There is no better pace setter or motivator than music. My quiet runs (sans iPod) can't even compare to a music-fueled run. I'm also very impressed with the durability. Unlike most runners, I don't like it strapped to my arm, it's in my pocket. And amazingly, it has survived several flights from my pocket to the edge of the trail. Of course it also helps that I have a protective leather covering on it.

Now, as for the Nike+ attachment, I believe this to be a revolutionary improvement to the sport. These are my favorite attributes:

1. The Pedometer. True, you can buy any pedometer and attach it to your shoe. BUT, does it actually talk to you mid-run to report your progress? I'm a sucker, I buy into the bells and whistles sometimes.

2. The Graphs. If you've activated your Nike+ account online, you can download every run and it will display them as a Speed vs. Distance line graph. It's a very convenient way to review your progress and how you run. Plus, you can improve your running from a scientific approach. Look at Takeru Kobayashi, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating world champion. He didn't win by starving himself for days and chowing down, folks. He painstakingly studied his technique and past competitions to improve. Although, I'm embarassingly not as in shape as the hot dog eater: http://takeru-kobayashi-news.newslib.com/ .

3. The Online Community. When you do nose around your Nike+ account, you can drop in on forums run by other Nike+ users, set personal goals, and challenge users from all over the world. I'm competitive. I'll push myself to run those extra two miles if it means I win my online challenge against some guy in Denmark.

4. Lance Armstrong and Paula Radcliffe. Ok, this is my favorite feature. If you beat some personal best, a pre-recorded message from Lance or Paula kicks in at the end of the workout to tell you "Good Job!". Lance, Paula, and I are best buds during peak training. If I don't hear from one of them at least twice a week, I think we've broken up. Seriously though, what's a better pat on the shoulder than an award-winning athlete telling you that you're kicking some ass?! It's a truly genius feature.

Alright, I swear I'm not getting money from Nike or Apple for this review. But...if they want to hand me a tax-free check, that'd be nice. :)