Posts by polya32

I do a lot of running and I do all sorts of activities in the running shoes. It's never made a difference (positive or negative) in my running.

For me the issue is one of fit. I am a 7.5 in a woman's dress shoe. I consistently wear a 9 in my running shoe. This is for comfort, proper fit, and to allow for swelling/expansion over long runs. I also have custom orthodics to help with a chronic tendonitis problem. In the gym, I do find that I slip around in the running shoe if I am doing traditional gym stuff (squats, lunges, etc). This is a bit annoying and uncomfortable and would be solved if I got a smaller, more appropriate gym shoe.

As for when to replace. For me, I check the treads and if they are getting a bit worn down, I buy new ones. Anytime I start to get shin splints (assuming I already have a good running base), I buy new ones. For me, this is a sign that the shoes are old. I don't have enough shoe organization to alternate two pairs so I use the same one until they need replacement. Then I start over.

Shoes and shoe strategy are so personal to runners. You ask ten runners, I'm sure you'll get ten different answers. Good luck.

I'll suggest at least two, preferably three days a week of cycling - remember it's the longest part of the event. Spinning is ok for the week, but you need to get outside and work on your bike handling and general outdoor skills. It's different out there. On the swim, focus on doing the distance. If you are a poor swimmer, I suggest a Total Immersion clinic - http://www.totalimmersion.net/, it will totally change your stroke for the better.

You might consider one "brick" workout each week, this is a bike workout followed by a short run (this can count for one of your bike and one of your run workouts). This will help you get used the feeling your legs will have when you get off the bike. It's a bit odd and takes some getting used to.

Gear - you will want a wetsuit, you will want to swim in the wetsuit at least once before your race, preferably outside. everyone will be wearing one and they are much faster. Outside swimming is much different from laps.

Gear part two - clipless pedals. If you don't have them, get them.

Don't over train, one or two full days of rest each week. August is a long way away and sprints are pretty short, you could train for one in ten weeks pretty easily and focus on base for now and getting good fitness.

It's fun, the training should be too. It's a very fun culture.

Nothing new on race day! This goes for clothing, food, everything. Wear the stuff you've been wearing, that's worked for you on your long runs. Eat what you've been eating, drink what you've been drinking. You'll do great. It will be hard. Remember that it's a 20 mile race followed by a 10K of pure hell.

Good luck!

You have a dream. I don't think you should give that up. If we give up on our dreams, we never know that we can truly accomplish anything we put our hearts into achieving.

I was a fat, drunk, depressed smoker for more than a decade. My brother was killed in a car wreck at 21. Life was not so good. Surprise! I got pregnant and had to change many of my unhealthy habits. At the height of my pregnancy, I weighed 212. After my son was born, I had to change my life. So I started. I walked on the treadmill and lifted weights. I ran more and walked less. I did my first 5K. Boy was I proud.

Three years later I finished an Ironman in 15 hours and 21 minutes.

If it hurts, see a doctor; work with a trainer; find like people. Do the walk-run combo. It works. Drive and discipline are the key.

You can do anything. You can achieve the impossible.