Saucony Spring Run

This Saturday has been pretty sweet - I went on a group training run with a local running store and was able to run faster longer than I would if I ran on my own. Saucony also sent a representative down to offer runners an opportunity to test out their kicks. An avid fan of the Progrid Guide 4 series (you can read the full soliloquy of my passion for these shoes here) I decided to test out the Guide 5. The upgrade was lighter than the 4 but had more cushioning. As a taller athlete, I love sneakers that give me a sense of stability and comfort - You won't see me donning minimalist slip-ons unless I am running on the beach's shoreline. My only complaint regarding my experience was that the test trial Guide 5 had normal laces, making the fit less glove-like and causing the inside arch of my right foot to become blistered.  With my Saucony's I have Yankz laces that give my sneaker's a glove-like fit, allowing them to hug the sides of my narrow feet.
For speed work the Saucony rep recommended the Kinvara, at 6.7 ounces it retains a sense of support and has the same Progrid cushioning that I love so much in my Guide 4's.

6.79 miles, 1 hour
(8:50) (8:16) (8:39) (8:50) (9:14) (8:44)
I need to start out slower at the beginning of my runs so that I can finish strong. Negative splits should be my main goal in every run.

Some of the freebies I received at the training run: a sneaker key chain (so cute!), gels, a sticker, and a Saucony bag. My mom also bought me a post-run powder that you mix with water to speed muscle recovery.

I am currently praying that God will give me direction concerning competing in cross-country for college. I know that it will be hard work and that I will have a challenging schedule, but I want that sense of camaraderie and competition. Cross-country would enable me to learn the running routes in my new environment while training with a team. I have already applied for consideration, now I just need to wait, run, and pray.