May 15 2012

Added the section about me

Well I didn’t get all that much done today in terms of my goals for the blog, but I did update the “About me” post, and linked it to the top menu. If you’re interested in reading a short synoptic biography about me, feel free to check it out by clicking on the “About me” link right under the banner. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to get started on retroactively tagging some of my previous posts. I would highly doubt that I could finish that task tomorrow, but it would be good to at least get started. 🙂

Cheers,
Zach

May 14 2012

Blog features

I’ve been working on several features of my new blog, and things are progressing quite nicely (though there’s still a lot of work to be done). Firstly, I’ve added a custom menu bar at the top of the postings section (right below the image banner). Right now it links to the home page of my blog, a posting about me (which isn’t there yet), links to the charities and groups that I actively support, and some of my current projects and affiliations. As soon as I have some type of short bio blurb about myself, I’ll link it to the “About me” menu. Until then, I urge you to check out some of the amazing groups under the “Charities” submenu.

Secondly, I’ve ported over all of the random quotations that I had on my previous blogging software. They are currently displayed in the section between the category listing and the calendar. I’m sure that I will continue to add quotes as time goes on, and as I find ones that strike me. If you have any recommendations, be sure to drop me a line in the comments section. 🙂

Thirdly, with the tagging feature of WP, I really need to go back and add tags to all of my previous posts. That will take quite a while to do, but I think that it will really be worth it. It will force me to further categorise my posts, and will help me find trends in my writings. Overall, a good goal, I think.

I think that’s about it for now, but hopefully I will be able to work on those three things more over the course of the week and this upcoming weekend.

Cheers,
Zach

May 13 2012

Brooks Ghost 4 running shoes make the difference for me

Though I have been aggressively running for the past two years or so, I’ve always used generic “running” shoes (Adidas, Nike, et cetera) from a standard department store. Yesterday, I made the plunge and visited a local store that specialises in running gear. After talking with one of the specialists for about 45 minutes or so, and trying on seven or eight pairs of shoes, I decided to go with the Brooks Ghost 4:

Brooks Ghost 4 running shoe

According to the representative at the store, I didn’t need any type of corrective shoe, as he said my form was fine–no signs of overpronation or supination. Therefore, I went with a neutral shoe, and ultimately decided on the Brooks Ghost 4 due to its structure. Some of the other shoes were very nice as well, but the Ghost 4 seemed to have the most support in the areas that I want; namely, the heel, around the ankle, and along the sides of the arch. Further, they provided a slight elevation in the back, which forced me to keep a generally form instead of starting to slouch.

Today was the first full run during which I wore my new shoes, and the difference was unbelievable! Firstly, I ran 14.5 km (~9 miles) instead of my usual 13 km (~8 miles). Secondly, I did so at a slightly faster pace than normal (about 0.2 kmh [0.12 mph] faster). Thirdly, and most importantly, I felt no pain during or after the run! Generally, my ankles and knees hurt throughout the last 25-30% of the run, and for several hours thereafter. Today, I felt refreshed and had the usual endorphin rush, without the pain that usually accompanies those two positive aspects of running.

So my run from today was:

Distance: 14.5 km (~9 miles)
Duration: 66’25”
Pace: 13 kmh (~8.1 mph) (steady)

Only time will tell how these shoes hold up, and whether or not they continue to provide the outstanding support throughout the critical areas. Overall, though, I couldn’t be happier with the shoes! I encourage any of you that are starting to get serious about running to go to a local running shop, and try on a bunch of shoes. Though the Brooks Ghost 4 shoes work wonderfully for me, they may not be the right shoe for you. Try them on until you find the one that is just right.

Cheers,
Zach