You. Hello, swallow community. Happy New year. Hope everyone's doing well. I've been pretty busy lately getting the year started right. Kicked off 2024 on the right foot, pun intended. I started the new year, actually, on January 1. I ran what's called a resolution five k at the Virginia beach oceanfront just to set a positive tone for the year. And it was a blast. Caught up with some running buddies. Just good vibes all around
Deborah Pardes
@DBPardes · 1:22
I want to tell you that I am in the middle of buying new sneaker years and I thought about you actually, because I'm so impressed with the way you coach yourself into the next goal and prepare for some of the challenges. And I feel like buying new sneakers really adds a little skip in my step, pun intended
Ray Garraud
@RunCoachRay · 2:48
But as far as for training, you have to break them in anyway because you're going to be training in them. But I always recommend having two pairs so you can alternate between two and also gradually breaking in a men just so you can get comfortable and understand how your gait and your feet are responding to the new shoes. Some of my favorite shoes out there are Hoka and Brooks. They make a very good product in my opinion, and I use hoka mostly for their cushioning
J.L. Beasley
@Her_Sisu · 0:36
Hey, I receive those blessings. It is already an amazing year, and figuratively. And actually, I have my Brooks running shoes on, and I'm ready to go. Brooks is my favorite brand. Most importantly, I want to congratulate you on such a huge accomplishment in your running career. That is super dope. And the race is already successful. It is done. It is. Well, congratulations
Ray Garraud
@RunCoachRay · 0:37
Thank you so much for your comment, Jl. Glad to hear that you're off to a great start, that you're having an amazing start to your year as well. And yeah, the journey continues. Whatever it is that we do, we must stay focused and do it to the best of our ability. Right? And speaking of Brooks shoes, I too am a fan of Brooks. I have several pairs. I've used them for the last six years, actually
phil spade
@Phil · 2:25
Downhill is tough on my knees and it's just this especially steep inclines. I just don't know whether to just run with it or try to stop. Just. I just prefer to run on flat ground. So that would be my choice, would be the Chicago marathon. So I'm looking forward to hearing how that goes and how the training goes up into that. Now I'm getting back into the swing of things and running
Ray Garraud
@RunCoachRay · 1:52
It's tempting for me to eventually retire from longer distances and focus on five k's and ten k's. I have several friends that have done that, and they're doing very well. Once you pick the race that you want to specialize in and you focus on specific training, that specificity in training will get you to run those races faster and they'll be a lot more enjoyable. So I'm sure you'll make the right decision. I wish you all the best moving forward