Tampa, February 28, 2009

Curious Story:
I was in Tampa, Florida for the February 2009 Gasparilla Marathon, my absolute first and first (shock and awe type) DNF. I Went to the Health/Fitness convention for my race packet. I was looking to buy a pair of Saucony Triumphs or Jazz 12s and checked out several booths, however I couldn't find my size. I was a bit bummed; I came halfway across the Caribbean and across the entire Gulf of Mexico for a pair of Saucony running shoes and they didn't have size 10.5.

I was about to leave to booth when an older looking guy, perhaps the owner, said that they have Mizunos in my size, they are better than the Sauconys, and cheaper!, and better looking! (Ding, Ding, Ding ... Sales 101!) I was a bit skeptical.

I consider myself a meticulous researcher and get quite nervous when someone, especially someone I don't know, tries to impress upon me a particular product or brand, especially if I hadn't read up on it.

I played along. I had the time, and I was in the market for a pair of shoes. Tampa was new to me and I had put my eggs in proverbial basket and counted on picking up a pair at the expo.
The Mizunos were cheap $65 bucks for last year's model (I would have leftover $$ and could pick up another pair of running shorts). I tried them on, hmm ... light, airy, comfy. Sir, do you mind if i take a jog down the aisle? I promise I won't run away! I might look a bit funny but hey, that is part of the fun Huh? Would you like to try out our treadmill, said the gentleman? Um, never been on one, not too sure if I want to jump in the deep end just yet, did I say I was running 26.2 miles in about 30hours? After my catwalk / catrun down the 100's aisle, I said to my sales gentleman, Sir, do you take cash?

I've been running in the Mizunos since. Love them! They have the perfect open toe feel that drains my excessive sweating easily. I have since bought a second pair the 09 model; and love those as well.

Once I had the chance I researched Mizuno on the net. I think they are a very soft spoken brand. Awesome value for money. Perhaps not as trendy and not a huge selection (compared to Nike) but I have absolutely no complaints. Admittedly, however, I have not tried their apparel.

Up Next:  Hopefully my BDF Marathon (August 29, 2009) report!

This Blog

It is the second time I am attempting posting. I am fairly frustrated at this point. I am all thumbs when it comes to this stuff.

I've been trying to add a visitor counter and just can't seem to get it done. So I did some research and found out that counters only work if you have more than one visitor to your site.

Now that I am resigned to update with out my visitor counter, I'll say that my running, my main intrest at this point, is as can be expected. I am almost certain to attempt a marathon for the second time next weekend, August 29, here in Belize.

If this is the case, the next 8 days should be my taper period. I know absolutely nothing of this other than I am not to do any long runs. Then again, how long is long.

Well enough rambling. Sleep time. This, I know how to do.

Taking Off

Hello Digital World!

I am José G. Encalada, mostly known as Cheto. For now this is an experiment, one that may or may not work.

It is lunchtime in the Capital City of Belmopan, BELIZE. I've just created this account during my break, mostly to see if I can keep up with the digital world.

I have many ideas for postings and hopefully I'll be dedicated enough to share some of my musings from Belize. For now I will continue with the tutorial I am going through and will start to look for a photo for my profile.