Today marks 24

 . . . and though that run still isn't easy, I keep improving on time.  Monday was a dog of a run.  I felt like I was dragging someone else with me, it was so hard.  But as hard as it was, I was able to improve my time somewhat compared to the previous run there.  But what I think dragged me down was my shoes.  I bought a pair of Yanks.  They are supposed to help in keeping your shoes on without having to tie them all the time. They're elastic, bungee laces.  I can see how they may help other people, but I need my shoes LOOSE!

Like so:

Those are my really well worn Merrell Trail Gloves. I love the lacing system on those. Really adjustable, and I can have them loose and comfortable. As you can see, I tied knots onto the laces ends. Perfect. The only reason I don't use them on the trail is that the sole is worn enough . . . sorry that's a load of bull.  I just wanted a newer pair of shoes. I use these at work in the lab. I have a pair of Redwing boots that I bought a year ago that still look new cause I use those only when I have to.

If there is any constriction on the top of my foot, it annoys the shit outta me.  It feels as if my foot is always flexing or something. It works harder than it should and I can't relax on my run.  I really tried to get the Yanks to work, but alas . . . they were not long enough to satisfy my requirements for a comfortably loose shoe. The original laces were also not long enough to tie.  That's why I went with the Yanks. So what were my choices if the Yanks didn't work nor the original laces?

I stuck with the original laces . . . with a bit of a modification:

These are my newish Merrell Road Gloves . . . with added zip ties :D

Yesterdays run was the first relatively comfortable run where I wasn't pissed at my shoes, just the trail. I wish it had the same lacing system as the Trail Gloves, but I made do. I still tied the lace ends but they were a bit too long, hence the zip ties. Perfect.

My times on this trail are all OVER the place.  Some days are good, others not so much. I'll say the bad days are due to the shoes being too tight. The good days prior to the lace fix, were due to having been wearing my Vibram Bikilas. Those are always comfy.

I'm feeling a relaxed kind of tired today.  It shouldn't hold me back on my run. I'm looking forward to a good one.

GD

p.s.
too lazy to check. run smiley :)