Training Log: Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (Week 1) (Saucony Virrata Review)

Last week I wrote out my “training plan” for the cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run on April 7. This week I followed through with my running, but slacked off on my weight training.

Monday
AM Dog Walk: 1 mile
Weights: ITB Rehab Routine, streamlined version of my supersets strength routine, planks

Tuesday
Treadmill: 45 min Hill Interval Program (Level 3)

Wednesday
AM Dog Walk: 1 mile
Weights: ITB Rehab Routine, planks
Treadmill: 15 min “test run” of my new Saucony Virrata shoes.

Thursday
Treadmill: 45 min total, playing with my pace (5 min at 5.7, 6.0, 6.3, 6.5, 6.7 mph)

Friday
AM Dog Walk: 1 mile
Work beat me down last week, so I was just going to do a Rodney Yee program on Friday, but I had gotten an email from Apple warning me that my Cloud was almost full, so I just lay on the floor deleting old pictures and videos.  At least I walked the dog!

Saturday
Long run: 8.45 miles, 1:20:44 (9:33 pace)
I met my friend for a run on the Washington & Old Dominion path.  She was really congested so we turned around after 3 miles (6 miles out-and-back), and then I kept going for another mile (2 miles out-and-back). After experiencing some twinges last week, I wore my CRX compression tights and am happy to report that my ITB, knee, etc. were fine. 

Sunday
AM Dog Walk: 1 mile
Yoga: Rodney Yee “Forward Bends”

So, about my Saucony Virrata review! I am not a big fan of the minimalist craze, but I do use my Saucony Progrid Mirage on the treadmill. I was just wondering if it was time to replace them when I was given an opportunity to review the new Saucony Virrata. The idea behind the Virrata is to provide a “zeros drop” shoe that has more cushioning, for more comfort and protection on longer runs.

The first day I had them, I wore them around the house for a few hours to get used to the feel. At first I noticed the arch support, but after I had them on for a wile I didn’t notice them at all, which is a good thing!

After I posted a few pictures on Facebook, some friends asked if the shoes are flexible.

Yep!

I know you are not supposed to buy running shoes for their looks,
but I really like the hot colors.

Since I am just recovering from my ITB injury, I am easing into the Virrata shoes gradually–I wore them for my Thursday treadmill run but not my Saturday long run. I was very pleased that I did not feel any twinges during or after my Thursday treadmill run, because I really like these shoes. They are so light  (6.5 oz!) and I do like cushioning when I’m running!

FTC Notice: I was provided with a pair of Saucony Virrata to review. The opinions expressed here are all my own.

Are you training for a spring race?