hey hey!
How’s your Monday going? Mine is flying by and I still need to get a bunch of stuff done before my shift at the yoga studio this afternoon (I work 4-8).
Most importantly, I set a new PR this morning!!!! woot woot 2 miles in 16 minutes flat. I never pace an 8 minute mile anymore but speedwork is important and I want to keep getting stronger and stronger. I was totally pushing myself though this morning and listened to a new playlist just called “speed” haha (I just figured out how to do screenshots and currently obsessed)
When I got home, I dropped down and did 30 pushups and about 100 crunches on the stability ball.
Stretch. Ice. Eat:
Drink:
And, drink more!
I love my black tea with agave nectar and a bit of organic half & half. It’s sooooooo good!!!!!
Lunch was a smart dog with provolone, honey mustard and hot sauce in Ezekiel with carrots—
And then an Oikos ’cause I was still hangry! 
Currently icing shin AGAIN and contemplating buying new running shoes. I’ve been running in the ones I have now since March 1st and LOVE them. I would never buy any other shoes other than Pearl Izumis but I’m just worried that even though I have orthotics in my shoes now, running in “older” shoes might be contributing to the re-occuring shin pain in my left leg. Thoughts?
Be back later tonight!
{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
March 1st and haven’t changed them??? Yikes! The general rule of thumb is every 500 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. It probably isn’t the main cause of the shin pain, but it probably isn’t helping. They are expensive, but to me it’s an investment in making sure I lessen any chance of injury. Have you ever had yourself fitted for shoes? Sometimes I think it’s a load of bunkum, but I have always had good experiences with independent stores who watch you run in shoes and then recommend something. The ones I run in now that I love are unfortunately being discontinued to introduce a new line (which means they’re going to be on sale – bonus!
), so I’ll probably buy one more pair and then go and get fitted again. Sorry – hope this doesn’t come across as all preachy. I just know from experience (husband incurred an injury running in old sneakers with orthotics) how annoying it is and you’re just so passionate – you deserve to succeed! If you’re going to get some, try and get them this week before you race.
Hi there..
I can always tell when my running shoes are starting to get too old….my knees hurt, my lower back hurts and I get more shin splints!!! I say go ahead and buy some new shoes! Maybe just alternate between them for every other run until you get the new ones broken in! Good luck~
I had to get new shoes when I got my orthotics because the support in the shoe and the support from the orthotics were more or less competing for the attention of my foot, and the end result was a lot of pain. My new shoes have a lot less support than my old ones and they seem to let the orthotics do their job, so I’m pretty happy.
I always know that I need new shoes when I start getting shin splints! I would imagine that they would definitely be contributing to some of you pain! I agree with Lizzy that you do deserve to succeed!!
My shins tell me when it’s time to replace my shoes. How many miles do you have on those? My fiance is a coach and he won’t let his athletes go over 300 miles in a shoe no matter what, so I bet if you get new shoes you’ll feel much better!
Definetely new shoes! And do you run on hard concrete or soft grass, trails? I find that to be my issue too!
Great lunch, love Honey Oikos!
Congrats on the PR! It always feels great knowing you just went faster than ever before
Most people say 500 miles or three months; but I have found that anything over 300 miles leaves my knees hurting pretty badly!
definatly indulge in a new pair of shoes. if you are in that much pain, you know you need them, and of course deserve them!!
your lunch looks awesome
i love plain veggie dogs dipped in ketchup.. but i eat ketchup on my ketchup.. maybe i just love ANYTHING with ketchup. oooh yum 
congrats on the PR Jenna! thats awesome! I’m starting to think that i might need new running shoes too. yesterday i went out for a 7 mile run, and came home with blisters. that could be because of other reasons, but if that is going to happen each time then i’m going to have to do something about it. what is your advice to keep from getting blisters?
love the mug, it is so cute!
your lunch looks great, i always like how you put cool foods in your wraps to make them more exciting
jenna
I MUST try those Ezekiel wraps. I’m a HUGE wrap girl and those look divine.
Another awesome playlist Jenna! Definitely some movitating songs you got there. And I’m loving these apples recently… seriously, they just look SOOOO good!
Good luck getting everything done today!
3 months? I don’t think so. I run in mine (per my running store & my body) for a year solid and I run and train for a December marathon every year. If your body hurts though, I would consider new shoes especially if you have new orthodics.
1. Have you been properly fitted?;
2. Are you in the right size shoe (most women are not when it comes to running shoes);
3. Buy 2 pairs of the same shoes and alternate them. It will help them last longer.
If you’re buying new shoes too frequently and they are the slightest bit different you’re foot/body is going to get thrown out of whack.
Also change your course/route. Sometimes repetitive runs can leave your body out of alignment if the terrain is uneven.
Goodluck.
You go girl! Great time!
Grats on your 8 min pace! That rocks girl!
I would say yes , the old shoes may be contributing. They don’t have as much support in them and I bet it still affects things even with orthotics!
good luck!
-muffy
Thanks for sharing another great playlist! I’m hoping to get a few done tonight, I never had time to do them yesterday!
Yeah you probably need new shoes. If you are wearing the same pair since March, that is a problem. I can always tell I need new shoes by the way my legs feel. I usually change them every month or so.
Great job on your run! I’m glad you love your Pearl’s because I hate mine! I would never buy another pair of them!!
It’s time to get you some new kicks
My shins are always sore after running in old shoes. Congrats on the new PR!
-Kate
old sneakers are my pt’s most recent idea for my ongoing knee problems, though i’m not running. he showed me on mine how the mesh on the sides was loose and therefore no longer holding my foot in the right place, which means the orthotics can’t be working properly. it made sense to me, so maybe you’re having a similar issue?
Awesome job on the speedwork!
I wrapped a cheddar dog in a wrap awhile ago too, great alternative to a bun.
Have fun on your shift tonight
Congrats on your PR! I can’t wait to check out that playlist in my detail when I’m not at work
You definitely made that smart dog looks super delicious! I may have to try a smartdog wrap!!
Great run!
xo
K
I periodically check the local running shoe store to find my shoes on the clearance section. They come out with “new models” each year and I have scored with the old season’s colors on sale more than once!
I wouldn’t feel bad about buying new shoes – you need them! You love to run, and good, supportive shoes are a worthy investment.
I’m so glad you asked this question so that I could share/steal all the useful answers! My shins have been giving me trouble lately too and it’s been bugging me cos I haven’t had shin trouble since I first began running (normally it’s knees for me!). But I have been using my current shoes since late March too and now I’m thinking it’s time for a new pair!! I have a 15K race in a few weeks too so the timing is spot on!
I’m lucky I didn’t hurt myself. I was wearing the absolute oldest, wrongest shoes when I first started running. I cannot even begin to tell you what a difference a new pair made. I’m thinking of buying a second pair soon to swap them out every so often. Plus I always like to have an extra pair when I travel.
Cute mug!
new shoes may be a good idea. I see you’ve been loving the wraps lately…yum! Are smart dogs vegan versions of regular hotdogs?
I just want to say that I love the fact that you have CCR on your playlist!
Hang in there!! Wish I knew how to help/answer the question
On a brighter note, I just read your latest article about chocolate – great insight!!
only because I really dislike Kanye and his typical behavior do I feel the need to let you know that Daft Punk originally did the “harder, better, faster, stronger” song and it’s Amaaazing
just in case you didn’t know! because I didn’t and thought Kanye was some sort of genius for it. :p
Music totally motivates my runs too! I was just looking for new music and totally listened to Settlin’ thanks to you list. I’m a CA girl and have only gone through a few country phases but I must say that I’m OBSESSED with this song now and have listened to it like 10 times. Can’t wait to listen again on my next run.
I always knew when the shins hurt it was time for new shoes. That’s the first sign for me, and a trip to the running store was usually followed by a much more pleasant run after the new shoes.
Since you are a runner – I wanted to share this with Marathon Training Bar with you – http://wp.me/pAp5c-7Z.
What do you like most before long runs?
Jenna,
Time for new shoes girly!! Same shoes since March? Yikes! I totally agree with the 1st post, every three months / 500 miles. You will thank yourself later. It’s worth the slurge….
Also get professionally fitted at the running store. It makes a big difference. Keep the box and reciept, any good running store will return the shoes after a test run or two if you don’t like the fit.
I love the Goo Goo Dolls. They remind me so much of my youth.
Congrats on the timing of your run!
I’m sure plenty of people have said this already, but yes your shoes probably need to be replaced by now. Every 300-500 miles is “normal” for most runners. I am about a 400 mile person– and it sounds crazy but when mile 401 comes, it’s like I can tell. Or, rather, my body can tell. The second rule to remember with shoes is age. Even if the mileage isn’t high yet, the fact that they’re 6 months old and have been exposed to the elements (heat, sweat, etc.) for that long does contribute to the degradation of the different materials in the shoe. Which means less support.
Also, that wrap looks SO good right now. I need to go eat!
I love that you have Kanye’s “Stronger”. I’m not pleased with his poor behavior last night on the VMA’s, but I have to say, that song is SOOOO great for motivation!!! It is my “marathon song” and when I’m running a marathon I make sure to put it pretty much every other song on my playlist because it does a great job of energizing me!
Do you know how many miles you’ve gone? For people with reoccurring injuries, it’s definitely recommended to replace the running shoes more often than others. It’s so important!! I would probably guess you need new shoes after 6 months!
I love your mug! I had Honey Chobani today! Is the Honey Oikos better?
I love when you all post playlists!! Also excited about the sermon podcast link!
before anyone buys new running shoes…read Born to run….may make you look at them in a new way. new is not always better!
Sorry for the hurt shins and all….I know how that is….but really….harder shoes may be better…instead of more padding. 
I would say to get the new ones and try to get them broken in before your race! You may notice the difference right away! Way to go on the 2 miles in 16!
And I would also get Kanye off of your list! I won’t even listen to anything he has done anymore!
I finally tried the Chobani greek yogurt today! It was very good! I just mixed mine with granola!
Hey, thanks for sharing your playlist! I’m always looking for new songs to add to mine!
I feel so skeptical of those Smart Dogs but I’ve seen them on your blog a few times now and I trust you – I think I have to try them now!
Jenna! Replace your shoes woman!
From my experience, you should be replacing your running shoes every 6 months, regardless of mileage. I failed to do this and injured my hip right around that 6-month cut-off mark. Afterwards, I took a two month running break, replaced my shoes, and my hip has been golden ever since. Six months is the MAX you should ever go if you’re regularly running in shoes. My two cents anyways!
i just youtubed “we werent crazy”— good job! i think ill download
Hey Jenna, just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for “Best Healthy Living” blog at FoodBuzz.
Congrats on the new PR! I suppose buying GOOD running shoes every few months is a lot like buying whole, healthy food. Both are an investment in your health
Your lunch looks absolutely delicious!
Replace running shoes every 300-500 miles/6 months. Mine usually last closer to 500. I’d say buy a new pair! Also, don’t wear them for anything other than running. Congrats on the PR!
I had to get new shoes when I got my orthotics as the old ones didn’t really fit so well when I put the orthotics in. You’ll need to be fitted with your orthotics inside
. Also, my podiatrist just said to me last week 6 months for sneaks is about the max if you run a lot.
Hi!
Congrats on the nice speedwork.
Looks like you’ve already gotten a ton of good advice, but I’ll throw in my opinion anyway for good measure.
My super nice running store guy advised me to buy two different pairs of running shoes and alternate. (I run at least 6 times a week and he says the soles get too compressed if you run daily; apparently they need more than a day to fully decompress and provide the same cushioning effect again.)
So that would be a good excuse to invest in some of those slightweight “speed” shoes to be used alternately with your “normal” stability or cushioning shoes (depending on what type your feet need), no?
CRINA
OOps. I meant lightweight, though slightweight does sound fun. *dork*
Great speedwork!
I keep trying to take screenshots of my playlists but can’t figure out how to do it. Well, obviously there’s the Prt Sc button but then you’re left with a shot of the entire screen as opposed to just the playlist. Technology and I don’t get along ; )
Do you have a mac? How do you do the screen shot on there? I only know how on a PC and I recently got a mac.
You should be fine with your shoes. Do you keep track of your mileage for your shoes? Runnersworld’s training log let’s you list which shoes you used for your runs and calculates the miles for you.
I just wanted to say your mug is pretty and makes me smile.