I'm thinkging about trading my Sauconys for Stelletos. How will will I look in high heels in my next race.

Some reseach says high heels are better for you to walk in then running shoes. 

Read the LA Times report at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/01/ow-enough-of-these-running-shoes-anyone-have-some-high-heels.html.  The jist of study says running shoes are harder on the knees then high heels. The full long study can be found at the PM& R Journal Website. 

Some of my running friends are trying the Nike Frees cause the shoe mimics barefoot running. I'm about to move into my next pair of Saucony Hurricane X Shoes. Should I stay or go to Nike Frees, or move into a nice pair of stelletos? Since I'm moving into my longer distances for the Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon I'll probably stick with My Hurricanes for the marathon then move into Nike Frees for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. 

My Internet running friends any thoughts? 

Why I'm tempted to train for Rock and Roll Mardi Gras Marathon all on a Treadmill

Here in the northern Chicago suburbs it's freaking cold. According to to the Weather Channel's website it's about 15° F. Too cold for my tastes to run outdoors to train for Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras. I gathered a couple of clean water bottles filled two with water and two with diluted Powerade, grabbed 2 Power Gels, my iPod, and all my gear and ran 14 miles on a treadmill.  It took me a little over 2 hours to finish but I did it. I kept my self sane with my interval training, changing the setting on the treadmill, and messing around with the songs on my iPod. People running the indoor track said I was crazy. I can't will defend my self on that on can I?

I would totally prefer to run outdoors. If it's was nicer I would be running the trails at Busse Woods in Schaumburg. Unfortunately the trails are frozen and don't fully thaw until March. I would love to run the along the Chicago Lakefront but there would be no place to refill my fluids when I need to. I've tried running indoor tracks at my local Ballys Heath Club but I loose track of how much I run.  According to my running logic the treadmill is the most logical place.

Why I think the tredmill is the best place to train for my race:
1) Train me for the heat. From what people tell me it's hot in New Orleans. At least I'll be used to hot conditions.
2) I avoid the cold. I hate the cold. I think spring & summer can't come soon enough.
3) Because I want to see if I'm that crazy. I think that goes without saying. But why not just go all the way and see If I can keep my sanity for 16, 18, & 20 miles.

Some websites I've been reading said I should do 60% of my training outdoors. If I could, I would, but I can't.
I think that "completive, don't say I can't cause I can" part of me wants to see this endeavor come through. So in a few weeks I'll tell you how my 16 mile run goes.

Merry Xmas (AKA How I'm trying to make the most this day)

Today I tried to make the most out of this Christmas day. All of my plans of a normal Christmas flew out the window when my brother called me Thursday night. On the night of December 23rd my dad had a heart attack. Thank god for a quick ambulance and the fact that my family lives two blocks away from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. I spent the entire Chirtmas Eve, with 45 minutes of sleep under my belt, in the waiting room as my father went under triple bypass surgery.
My dad is fine now.  Today I've spent the day with my mom keeping her calm by seeing Sherlock Holmes and going out with her as my dad slept. Tomorrow I'll have a chance to run on the treadmill then have lunch with my grandparents. I'm really looking forward to a run to relive some stress.
I spent a lot of time contemplating whether I should write a blog or not about it. I've been witting some cryptic updates on twitter that only my family and close friends knew what was going on. I need chance to thank the doctors and nurses my dad is in the care of. I also needed to vent. This has been a very scary time for my dad and all of my family. Scarier then anything I've been through or seen my dad go through. As you readers know my Dad is a cancer survivor. That was a tough time seeing him sick all the time. I'm sure anyone that has seen a loved one covered in tubes and monitors all over knows how I feel.
All I need are prayers for a good and quick recovery for my dad. Without going into all the gory details my dad is fine and outlook is looking good so far. I saw him tonight and he looks a lot better then he did two days ago. His doctors have been telling my family good things and everything is going as hoped. This has been a scary ordeal for myself and my entire family. I'm so glad everyone in my life has been very supportive and able to lend a ear when I needed to talk. I really appreciate the personal sacrifices the staff at Lutheran General Hospital for taking such good care of my father on this holiday.
The best gift I received today is that my Dad is still alive. I love you all and Merry Christmas. Go hug the ones that you love.