Yep they're ugly, but I love these shoes-Topo RX review

Yes they look like your feet have a perpetual camel toe. I promise you get over it fast.

I've had my Topo RX's since early August 2013. I think that makes me an early adopter or something like that. Wore them around the house for a day deciding if I was ok with wearing them in public. Then I realized I was a big girl and I took the plunge and wore them to coach and train.

I love these shoes. I love these shoes more than any Merrel or Innov8 I've owned.



I have worn these shoes to run 5Ks and obstacle course races.

I have worn my Topo's for Olympic lifts and long metcons. I've worn them in Crossfit competitions when having one pair of shoes that can do anything is hugely important.

I wear them when I am going to stand on concrete to coach for 3+ hours.



The strap across the top provides added support and the wide toe box gives you the ability to grip and feel the ground when lifting.

There is one caveat. You can't climb a rope in them. I tried it once. Went up a few feet, fast roped down and it tore up the soft sole. Rope climbing isn't a routine part of my workout so when I know I'm doing it I pull out my Innov8 Bare 210s. They seem to be impervious to rope climbing destruction but in my opinion useless for much else.

I've seen and tried on the newest version of their running shoes, the Run ST. They kept the wide toe box and comfortable sole and got rid of the separated big toe. Not sure if they will be making the same updates to the RX model. I'd suggest it. Just don't get rid of the velcro strap.

Runner or not?

I can't decide if I should call myself a runner or what.  I like to run.  I'm pretty good at it.  And I do compete in races.  I guess that makes me a runner.  Moving on...

 

I ran the bridge run downtown Savannah this past weekend.  Really enjoyed myself.  My goal was to race the 5K and finish around 24:30 and than take my time with the 10K and be around 55:00.  I ended up placing 6th in my age division with a 23:53 and a 53:55.  I'm happy with my times and that I ran both races as I'd planned.  I took my own advice and placed myself near the starting line for the 5K.  There were a lot of people in costumes and out for a good time.  I wanted to run fast and hate dealing with traffic.  Unfortunately I was pretty tired in between the two races and didn't get near enough the start for the 10K.  I dealt with people running back and forth across the road, stopping to talk on their phone, adjusting their costumes and playlists, and lots of walkers.  Really annoying.

What is also really annoying is the shirt I got for bringing in a donation for Toys-for-Tots. It's a Mizuno dri-fit shirt.  I was actually pretty excited by it and wore it this morning to workout.  It sucks.  It doesn't let you skin breath and I was a sweaty mess by the time the warm-up was done.  I'm not the only one who felt this way.  A friend from the early morning class wore his shirt this morning and had the same complaints.  I guess you can't gripe to much about a free shirt.

Taking the plunge this afternoon and registering for Garage Games One in February.  And I'm going to go for it and register for the RX division.  Everyone pray there are no muscle-ups!

A good kind of ache

Day 3 of competition WOD's completed.  Making sure to take plenty of time to stretch, warm-up, etc.  Taking tomorrow as my rest day.  My shoulder needs a break from all the overhead lifts this week.

I have a lot of time on my hands at night, and I usually end up on youtube watching crossfit clips because I'm a dork and find it entertaining.  Found several of the Garage Games One from last year.  It looks like a fun mix of WOD and obstacle course.

Got to do some sprinting today.  I love getting up on my toes, arms pumping, going full out.

I'm looking forward to Saturday.  Early morning bridge run with a new women's running group I found, yoga and than a workout.

Sleepovers

My parents have never had overnight house guests.  We can't move somewhere without a spare bedroom or two to accommodate guests.  I love to have the house full of people. 

My guests this weekend, an army buddy of J's and his wife, made me an emotional wreck.  We haven't seen them for 2 years.  Last time I was expecting K and she was undergoing her first round of chemo.  It was a crazy time for all of us.

This past weekend was full of many ups and downs.  After her two year battle with cancer, and given 10% odds of surviving, we ran 3 miles together Saturday morning and made plans to run the Rock N Roll Half Marathon in November.  She was just given the news that she can safely try to get pregnant and deliver a baby without any concerns for her health.  All of this was awesome.

Than there is the dark cloud that hangs over the whole weekend.  J isn't there.  This is his friend.  His battle buddy.  He would want to show off his daughter and our home.  J would want to show them around Savannah and look at the houses they're thinking about buying.  He would want to reassure him that we will be here for his wife when he deploys.  Instead it will be another 13 months or more till they are both home.  I spent a sleepless weekend wrestling with how incomplete the weekend felt.

Than Monday came and I washed the sheets, towels and restocked the toilet paper in preparation for my brother and sister-in-law to arrive this weekend.