[51] A Lil Pip in My Step

Pipsqueek's dirty little secret: trails and rails.

With the Royal Wedding in the history books, Pippa Middleton's moved onto greener pastures. Literally. In the wake of recent breakup and where do we find her? Competing and completing duathalons and triathalons! In the last month alone, she participated in the GE Blenheim Triathalon (June 4th; Woodstock, England)  and the Highland Cross 2011 (Jine 18th; Invitational Duathalon; Kintail to Beauly, Scotland).

I'm tired of the talk about Pippa's posterior and the simple suggestions some sites give about swimming and pilates. Take one looks at the girl's arms and you can tell that she's a long time athlete. Training for distance running takes time. Throwing added challenges of cycling and swimming into the mix is by no means a simple task. I have yet to graduate to this stage of endurance racing, so I am blown away by Little Middleton's accomplishments. 

I would be curious to see what training program she follows and if she is a Nike+ User. Looking at some of the pictures of the Duathalon, it appears she is using the same Gray/Pink Nike+ SportBand and Nathan Sensor Pocket that I have. I am certain that if she does use the Nike+ system, I am sure there could be a possible surge in users for those who are obsessed with following the Royals. Surveying her running gear, I do like that she is properly geared up for the events she is participating, including small details like racing gloves. From what I can tell is that New Balance 860s are her running shoe of choice as she is wearing them at both events.

If Runner's World UK could land an interview with her, it might pave the way for a new wave of younger female runners. I would fork out $7.99 (£4.50) for that issue, maybe even extra if they can get her to do a cover. She would be an interesting "I'm A Runner" interview. Honestly, I am curious to see what endurance race she chooses to participate in next or who's worthy to make her play list.

Oh, and her 5K time during the Blenheim Triathalon?

25'30".

[Referenced]

• "PM Completes Grueling 50-Mile Duathalon" (US Weekly UK)
• "Pippa Middleton Charity Race Pictures" (PopSugar)
• "Her Royal Even Hotterness!" (DailyMail UK)

[44] On Cloud Nine

Last month, I plucked up the courage to visit a proper running store and have my gait analyzed. After wandering around running shops in the City, I elected to ask the capable staff at JackRabbit Sports on the Upper East Side to help me find the right shoe for my running needs. After a couple of rounds of trying on Mizunos and Asics (and a funny incident involving getting clocked in the forehead with box of Asics), I walked out with a pair of GEL-Cumulus 13s in white, snow, and twilight. I broke them in at the Japan Run for Hope, and I have been hooked ever since.

It was recommened that I pick a slightly more stable shoe, but when running long distance (and being shy about running in front other real runners), I felt more comfortable with a little more cushion in the heels because I know that I have a heavier heel strike when I am tired. I do overpronate a little bit, but adjustments to my stride and form need to be made. Personally, I know that the right shoe helps, but when I tried the stability shoes, I didn't feel comfortable. Plus, I think the color combination really spoke to me.

Having wide feet, finding a sneaker (or any shoe for that matter) with a wide toe box is a challenge. I was a bit crushed that I to pass up a couple of really cool looking Mizunos due to my Flintstone Feet protesting as soon as I slipped them on. One pair I really liked had slanted laces to alleviate the stress on the top of the foot. The colors combinations were not my favorite (some too flashy, while others greatly clashed with my running apparel). The largest (and most important) deciding factor was the comfort level. Mizunos are designed in Japan, but unlike Asics, have a rather narrow fit.

Remembering to attach my Nike+ sensor is taking some getting used to. I keep misplacing the darned thing (even with its cute little velcro pouch), so I am glad I usually have my iPhone with me so I can just switch on my Nike+GPS application. When I leave for the UK next week, I really need to have my gear together, so I can avoid crazy roaming charges when I try using the application. I am tempted to break down and buy the Nike+ SportWatch GPS, so I have one less thing to worry about while I am running. Everywhere I go, it have been sold out, so I may need to suck it up, pass on the instant gratification of an in-store purchase, and order it online. I will hate retiring my Nike+ SportBand, as we've had a great run together, especially since I got the RUNNYC2010 replacement SportBand for free last year. Again, the key point I have to remember is my sensor, in the event of GPS signal loss.

[1o] Heart on My Sleeves

Santa Claus stopped by and gave me more treats for being a good little runner. I lived in Japan for five years, and I am too chicken to get an permanent ink, so this is a nice way to show off my love for my second home without going under the needle. Training and running in the winter is still new, but I feel that I am starting to get the hang of it. At San Francisco, I saw many runners wearing removable sleeves in lieu of an additional under layer. Though I think they may look a little flashy, I really want to rock these at the Disney Princess Half-Marathon in February.

Awesome ink without the neddle?

The Swag: Sugoi Tatu Midzero Arm Warmers ($40.00 retail)
The Size: Men's Medium (a snug, but study fit)
The Materials: 84% Polyester & 12% Spandex ("Designed and Made in Canada!")
The Technology: S2 Insulation, "Warm Wick",  and "Breathable"
The Patterns: four swallows, one golden carp, dice, large pink flowers, stars, and a "Sugoi Forever" scrolling banner

In Japanese, 'Sugoi' means to be "incredible" or "outstanding", so their "Be Incredible" mantra is quite fitting and heartwarming. I will be curious to see what my coworkers and students think about my 'mafia sleeves'. I think they'll actually get a kick out of it.The next challenge is coordinating it with my workout gear, so I can show them off without being a blindingly bright rainbow of color. The sleeves were listed under biking gear, so its one more reason to get a bike. 

I will have to keep my eyes out for the Sakura and Moo-It! Cow sleeves!