Today’s Workout: 45 minute elliptical, yoga video, stretching
Since I had no grad classes today I decided get some long over-due errands out of the way. First I decided to treat myself to a real breakfast instead of my usual Clif bar. So I made an egg and 2 eggwhites on a veggie protein link and toast. I also had a banana with some honey. All on a Mickey Mouse plate. I’m so classy.
Nice way to start the day.
Today I also wanted to prepare for my return to running next week. So I headed up to my favorite neighborhood: the Upper East Side, where I will hopefully live in the near future. I made a quick stop at the Lululemon store on 65th and 3rd to return a skirt and then headed to the Running Company on 63rd.
Running Company storefront
If you haven’t been to the Running Company, its a great store for all your needs.. from clothes to shoes to energy gels. What I went there for specifically was the gait analysis. I really want to make sure I have the absolute best shoes when I start running again. I’m not sure if my Asics contributed to the ITBS or not, but I’m not taking any chances.
When you get a gait analysis what happens is this: you put on a pair of lightweight shoes (so they can see how you naturally run) and run for 20-30 seconds on the treadmill at your own pace… while they simultaneously videotape your legs and feet. The only thing I was thinking though was, “Is this technician guy looking at my butt?”
After you get off, the technician analyzes your foot strike, pronation/supination, and your body’s natural biomechanics. Also, its really cool to see on the TV screen what your legs do in slow motion! My calves also looked more muscular on the screen than I thought they did. Oh, the things you learn during a gait analysis.
Anyway, the technician figured out that I pronate a little bit and that I need a shoe with support. I had a row of shoes to choose from and ended up trying on a few. Ultimately, I went with the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 and I think they feel great so far. But I’ll have to try them out when I run a normal distance to be sure. I’ll review them when I do. Anyone else wear these and like/dislike them?
Look at these beauties.
When I left the store, I spotted David’s Tea shop across the street and had to stop in. The first time I had David’s Tea was in England with my sister. I fell in love with it instantly and when I came back home I had to find it again. Unfortunately its a Canadian-based company and I had to order it online. Let’s just say I bought enough tea for about a year just so I could get the free shipping to the US (or else it was $20!). We have a whole shelf in the pantry for all my tea.
A few months later though I happily found out they just opened two stores in the city: here and here. This was my first time going in and its ADORABLE! They give out a free samples of tea and there are loose leaf teas in cute containers all over. Love it! I got a few sample sizes to try and some filters because I hate having to clean the steeper thing.
David's Tea.If you like tea, you should stop in there.
After I picked up my new kicks and some tea, I realized two things. One, I was hungry.. as usual. And two, I should visit Karl since I was near his job. So to satisfy both of these, we decided to meet up for lunch. I was tempted to wait on the block-long line for the Korilla truck because I’ve been wanting it ever since they were on the Food Network. But ultimately we decided against it (Karl had to get back to work) and headed to Financier for some yummy sandwiches. We shared the L’Italien and the Le Perigord (in normal people language: a fresh mozz/prosciutto pressed sandwich and a truffle chicken salad sandwich). They were amazing, just the kind of lunch I needed.
That's the L'Italien sandwich. Mean and cheese... heaven.
And since their desserts are what they are famous for, of course I had to get one. Look at these options!
I went with the chocolate/espresso tart towards the middle-left that looks like a dome. It was incredible.
Karl tried to sneak a bite. I let him have one.. this time!
Karl had to go to make some money so I headed home to work off that dessert. I spent some time on the dreaded elliptical, did a yoga video to stretch out, and did lots of foam rolling. But my new Brooks were just sitting in that box waiting to be tested out. New shoe smell and all. It took all of my strength to resist the urge to run in them. Honestly, there’s nothing like a new pair of shoes.
PS. Today was the lottery drawing and opening day for the NYC Marathon. Congrats to all those who got in!
PPS. There’s a great giveaway going on right now at Running Diva Mom! Check it out!
What are your favorite pair of running shoes and why?
Have you ever had a gait analysis?
What did you have for lunch today?
