New Kicks and Holter Monitoring
Don’t ya love getting new kicks?!? For some reason, they seem to “re-motivate” me when it comes to my fitness goals. There’s just something about having new gear that gives me a little push to work harder. Does that happen to anyone else?
A good friend of mine from New Balance recently sent me a pair of 904 trail runners to test out. I haven’t worn New Balance shoes in years and I am very picky when it comes to sneakers, but I’m happy to report that I am a HUGE fan of the 904′s so far! Typically, I take lots of time trying on new sneakers (and obsessing) before making a decision, so it was nice having a quality pair of sneakers sent right to my home!
First off, I love the fun, eye-catching color of these kicks. Obviously, I will be running in style with these babies! Performance-wise, these shoes are lightweight, not big and bulky, yet stable and supportive. They had a snug fit around my foot, but still in a nice, flexible way. My feet were very comfortable during my 3 mile jog this morning.
Breakfast
After such an indulgent bachelorette weekend, I knew that I wanted to begin my morning with something fresh. I started with a bowl of peaches and blueberries.
I also threw in some healthy carbs and nut butter for staying-power.
With iced coffee with soy milk and agave nectar…
Slow and Steady?
After this post, I’m headed to the hospital for a 24-hour Holter monitor test. Sounds like a blast, right?! A Holter monitor is a continuous tape recording of my heart for 24 hours straight. It’s worn during my regular daily activities, so it helps my doctor figure out what’s going on with my heart. Since the recording covers 24 hours, Holter monitoring is much more likely to detect something abnormal (than an EKG which lasts less than a minute).
So, long story short, I have a very slow heart beat. When I visited my doctor about my bum hip, the nurse did the standard tests on me, including taking my pulse, which was just 44 BPM. (The average resting heart rate is around 70 BPM.) Needless to say, my doctor was concerned and gave me an EKG. The EKG gave her the same results, so now I am having a much more “detailed” test, which includes wearing a heart-rate monitor all day long. Meh. I’m not looking forward to it, but ya gotta do, what ya gotta do.
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite brand/type of sneaker? What makes it a good sneaker?
Posted by: Tina 85 comments
Posted in: Products, Uncategorized
Tags: Holter monitor, New Balance 904
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Good luck with your test!
I don’t have a favorite brand of sneaker. My newest pair are Adidas. I just like something that fits comfortably and is breathable.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:12 am
holy crap!! i cant believe your resting heart rate is 44 BPM. mine is high (like 75). i hope your test goes OK!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Good luck with the test! My friend had a similair situation, and the doctors just told her it was probably because she was so active. Having a low heart rate when you’re active is at least better then being unactive with a low heart rate (which causes more concern.) Even though 44 is still low, be sure that your doctor knows you’re a regular runner too!
I’ve always bought Ryka sneakers, but now that my type is discontinued, I’m going to check out some other brands. I’ve heard Asics are good, but haven’t had the best experience with them. I’m looking forward to hearing more about how these new sneaks feel for you…LOVE the color!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:15 am
First, I hope your test gives you some answers. I thought my resting heart rate was low (58), but wow. I will say a prayer for you that all is okay.
I love my Mizunos. They support my feet in the way that I need (I over-pronate). I am bumming b/c I need to get a new pair here in the next 6 weeks or so! LOL!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:18 am
I’m also a New Balance fan–partly because they’re one of the last States-based sneaker companies (in fact, I think they’re corporate offices are in your neck of the woods) and also because I’ve never had a pair that didn’t perfectly fit me.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:27 am
I am loving that orange color!! Awesome! Trail runners, meaning one can wear these off the beaten path?
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:29 am
Hope all is ok!!!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Hope the test goes ok!
LOVE the sneaks- new balance are my favs
Have you ever been to their outlet/factory store in Lawrence? I use to go there for sneaks all the time.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Wowza, hope everything is okay!!
And love the new shoes. I always walk more when I get some new kicks!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I hope everything is okay! Good luck!
When I first got my new shoes, I could not wait to hit the pavement! I wanted to try them out so badly and it definitely pushed me to get in a long run.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:39 am
I hope your test goes well–good luck with everything today!
I adore getting new running shoes! I actually got a new pair on Saturday, Adidas Megabounce. I’ve never run in Adidas before, but I tested them out yesterday (on a 12-mile run) and they were fabulous. If they can sustain me through 12 miles, and I still feel like I could do a couple more once I’ve finished, I know they are the right shoes for me!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:45 am
my heart rate is 44/45 BPM and my doctor has never been alarmed- now I am concerned.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Ooo – those look awesome!! I in in dire need of some new shoes – I’ll have to look for these! Have a great day!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Good luck with the test!
Getting new running shoes is honestly one of the best feelings
I alternate between Mizunos and Asics – Mizunos when I’m training for half marathons or shorter, and I’ve worn Asics when I tried for a full marathon.
Love the new kicks!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:53 am
I love Adidas shoes, especially the trail runners. They just feel right to me. I ran with Saucony for years, but they felt boxy and heavy.
Good luck with the Holter monitor. I worked at a hospital in a cardiac clinic a few years ago, and even very healthy people like you came in for them all the time. I hope you aren’t too worried, you will be great. Its always good to get things checked out!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Tina, I am about to start wearing a monitor as well – but for the opposite reason – My heart rate is resting at about 110! Keep us up to date – I am a little anxious about the whole thing. Or maybe that is just my speedy heart making me feel like that?
~emily
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Those sneakers are so fab! I bet that bright orange color while give you a jolt of energy. New Balences are also so comfortable which is a major plus. Good luck with your test, hope all is well.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I hope all goes well with the test today, Tina.
The feature I always look for in running sneaks is a wide toe area – I usually go for New Balance, but I currently have a pair of Nike Shox that I love. It’s probably almost time for a new pair.
On a food-related note, I love the flavor (and color) combination of peaches and blueberries. That’s a good-looking breakfast!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:59 am
looks like you had a great weekend, and I hope everything goes well with the HRM. My family has a history of heart issues, so I just had a bunch of tests done a few months ago.
My running shoes are Adidas right now and the fit me perfectly! I love the color of your shoes!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:59 am
The same thing happened to me. my resting heart rate is 43, and the people gave me an EKG. Even though it was normal, my school still sent me to a cardiologist and everything. It was pretty annoying, but I understand their concern. Everything turned out to be okay–they just said I was really fit. Haha.
I hope your tests go well!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I bet your Dr is going to say you have Braccacardia.
AKA: low heart rate.
My resting heart rate is between 38-42. If I’m up and moving its around 45. So I understand. It’s alarming at first, but usually just indicative of your hearts efficency- assuming you havn’t been having any problems.
Regardless, I hope everything is OK.
I love my low heart rate!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:14 am
I wear NB — their arch support is great for my flat feet! My heart rate and blood pressure is SO low!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hope everything goes okay at the doc’s today!
I’m definitely more motivated when I have new shoes, workout clothes, HRM etc. I just want to put them to use! My sneakers of choice are Nike, mainly because they fit my narrow feet really well. My mom has always worn New Balance and LOVES them!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Those are the snazziest running shoes I have seen in a LONG time!
I am uber picky about my running shoes. Right now, it’s 9.5 2A Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8 …used the same model over the past year or so (3 pairs!) And now they changed things in this 2009 model. I’m confident that they new one will preform just as well, but my creature of habit will be sad the day my last blue and whites are retired!
Saying a prayer for your test!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:19 am
I wore NB back in the day, now I am asics.
GOOD LUCK with the test! I have a low hr myself, but I don;t think it’s that low.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:21 am
How jealous am I you got free shoes!
I wear Asics, because they fit my wide toe box, narrow heel perfectly.
I pronote a little bit also, so I find the GT 2140 does the trick for me! I’ve worn that model for the past 5 years now!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:24 am
Good luck today! Hopefully those darn docs can figure it out!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Asics are my total favorite, although I don’t run…so I can get by with a random pair I find at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx!! Much cheaper
Good luck with the test, I’ve had friends get that test and wear that contraption all day, obnoxious!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I have been buying a different brand of shoes every time for the past few years to find a brand I truly love. Right now it is Asics but I just picked up a new pair of Nike Zoom’s yesterday for more than half off and I am excited to start wearing them. Good luck at the Dr. today!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Doesn’t having a low resting heart rate just mean that you are an athlete? I wonder what typical professional athletes have for resting heart rates. I bet you are just in excellent shape, so your heart doesn’t need to work as hard. But at least you are doing the test just to make sure – good luck!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hope everything goes ok with the test!
I love getting new shoes. They are SUPER motivators. My favorite running shoes are Mizunos because they are light but stable.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Yeah for new kicks! I just got some this weekend myself and they are very motivating!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:46 am
OMG!!!! Your new shoes look soooooooooo cool!!!!! Ihope they turn out to be as great as they look! I might have to look into getting some of those! I get so attached to shoes, I’ve had the same running shoes for almost 2 years…Yeah definitely need some new ones!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Good luck on your test! My mom’s heart rate is in the 40′s as well and the doctors told her she’s going to live forever
cute shoes by the way!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I’m a big Nike fan when it comes to their tennis shoes. I have a coupon to get a discount on New Balances though, I just love the variety and options Nike offers.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Good luck with your tests–hope all goes well. I happen to be a die-hard Adidas fan. There is one pair of sneakers and it’s the only one that I feel I can walk millions of miles in! Plus my orthodics have to fit in them too =(
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I wore a Holter monitor, only it was for several weeks! I was getting some irregular beats and they wanted to check it out. Then after all that, the doctor said what I was experiencing was totally normal. D-oh!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I love Asics. I pronate when I run, AND had a serious femural stress fracture, and their Gel Kayano sneaks have a thick supportive sole that combats both of these problems. And I completely agree with you about new gear as motivation to get moving!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:31 am
after being fitted for sneakers at Runner’s Alley in Manchester NH (also located in Portsmouth) i will never go out and just buy a pair of shoes….I plan to stick with these Mizuno sneakers for awhile. Now that I know they are the right shoe for me I hope to find them online a little cheaper-’cause they are very expensive! I pronate (a lot) and the outsides of my shoes get worn out quick…sadly, I need new sneakers every 2 1/2 months….
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageWRS-MWCR10W.html
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Yikes! I really hope your test shows everything is okay with your heart, and you’re just part reptile or something and that’s why it’s a bit slow!
I’m using Asics right now and they’re ok, but they didn’t hold up as well as I would have liked. I used Saucony shoes before these and loved them. I think my next pair will be Nike Frees.
Good luck w/ your test!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:34 am
CUTE shoes!! I love how vibrant they are!! I also really like the bowl that your fruit is in
Have a great Monday!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:37 am
LOVE that color! I need some new shoes myself!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Nice sneakers! My fave sneakers are Asics. I have the Gel Kayano and they are so comfy. The main reason I love Asics is because their customer service is amazing; they are are knowledgeable and helpful not like another company who shall remain nameless lol
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Oh my gosh, I love those shoes! So bright!! And I agree, I love the SMELL of new running shoes and they do motivate me to work out! I may have to try new balance again..right now I’m in Sauconys.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I have the exact heart beat/problem, which I also recently found. Spent the last month doing different tests to see if anything is up..general consensus my heart likes to beat slow. Recently went raw/vegan and they(dr’s) think that played a huge role.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:44 am
i have the same 44 rpm!!!!!!!!!!!!!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Fun laces!! I like saucony’s myself
Good luck with the test. My resting heart rate is about 60-65, normal I guess. Last time I went to the DR’s my bp was like 64/108 or something.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Good luck with your test, Tina. I’ve had to wear one as well. Even though I explained that I was an avid exerciser, the Dr wanted to investigate anyhow. I wore one for a lower heartbeat, but it wasn’t as low as yours!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I love your new shoes!!!
It’s interesting how different doctors view a low pulse…mine is 41 and I have had it checked multiple times throughout the day and always resting rate of 41…hmm my doc was not concerned though. I will be interested to see the findings!
Kat
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:56 am
New Balance shoes are GREAT for people who have narrow feet! I’m so glad they’ve finally started making them look cute, too.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I’ve done the Holter moniter test. It is a pain, but I wish you luck on it!
Those NB shoes are so cute!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
VERY weird – I’m going to meet my cardiologist about a Holter Monitor Test this afternoon. I’ve been lightheaded for the last 3+ weeks and after numerous tests, the only “abnormal” thing we’ve found so far is my pulse. It’s usually in the low 40′s and dips into the high 30′s when I’m relaxed. I hope you blog about this so I have someone I can “share” this experience with.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Good luck with the Holter test. I love Asics!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
i’m really interested to hear about your heart monitor! i’ve been researching thyroid problems because of some health issues i have, and one of the warning signs is a slower heart rate. good luck!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
My heartrate is ~46, and I’ve never worried about it, so I’m interested to hear what your doctor says!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Asics seem to be the best for me. In fact, I have had nothing but trouble with New Balance. Something about the design of the arch support in their shoes puts my toes to sleep. Weird I know, but apparently quite common! After struggling to find a decent pair of shoes when I started running regularly I went to the Running Room and had them pick something out for me. Asics it was! And I love them. I would describe them in exactly the same way as you have described your NB in this post.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Sending good thoughts your way, Tina.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Good luck with the Holter, Tina. I’m a resident physician, and I exercise daily (45-60min cardio), and my resting HR is always in the 40′s, as well. I understand you and your doctor’s concern, and you probably already know that runners/athletes commonly have low heart rates (I think it gives you more reserve to kick your heart rate up when you need it?). If you’re asymptomatic (no fatigue, no lightheadedness, no dizziness, no fainting, no palpitations) and you have no family or personal history of any heart problems, I’d also be less concerned. However, doing a Holter isn’t a bad idea just to make sure there’s nothing more going on, other than the fact that you’re in great shape!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Elite athletes often have HR’s that low…maybe you’re elite and don’t know it!
My resting HR is something like 58 but it does rise normally with exercise. That’s one of the important things to know…CAN your heart rate rise. However, I have horrible white coat syndrome (even though I’m one of those WEARING the white coat during working hours!) and my BP (normally about 107/68) rises to pre-hypertensive and my pulse becomes “normal (like 78).” 
Who knows…you could be well conditioned but the Holter is probably a good thing to do!
I TOTALLY need new shoes. I have weird feet…if the shoes are long enough they slip…narrow heels! Grrrr. That breakfast looks delicious as well…I’m going to try and find some good peaches today!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Good luck with your test. I love your new sneakers! I don’t have a favorite…but the new Nike Shox I have are pretty decent.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I love my Mizunos. I broke my foot several years ago and have never walked the same-the Mizunos are light weight yet give me the support I need (I over-pronate).
Good luck with everything today
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
GL with your test!
I love New Balance because the vast majority of their goods are made in regular factories vs. Nike and Adidas and such whose goods are made mainly in sweatshops
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I love the new orange kicks!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Oh gosh, good luck with your tests. I worry that I have a low heart rate sometimes (and blood pressure) but I think mine is still in the 60′s. Let us know how it goes, best wishes!
I am not particular when it comes to shoe brands but for me, I try on several different pairs before I find “the one” and so far that has been both a pair of Adidas and Asics. I like mine to be very comfortable (cushiony) and supportive
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I didn’t realize the average resting heart rate was actually around 70 – mine is usually in the 50′s. Hopefully everything shows as “normal” for you on the holter test – 44 could be perfectly healthy for you!
I have two pairs of runners right now, one Mizuno and one New Balance. I think I like the New Balance a bit better currently, but I’m not married to any one brand.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Hope the test goes well!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Hope everything is okay. I heart Saucony shoes because I swear they don’t even need to be broken in! So comfy and supportive!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
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on Jun 8th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
SOrry I guess I should leave you my blog link! Duh!!!
http://heatherkind.blogspot.com/
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I’ve had a Nike Pegasus sneakers since I was in junior high. They stopped making them for awhile during that time, and I nearly died. I think I went 2 years without buying new sneakers, which was SO bad for my feet/knees/back. Nike finally got it together and started making them again Happiest day ever when I heard that news
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Good luck with the HRM. Hopefully this will help your doc figure out what is wrong. I wear Asics and I love them.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
You could just be perfectly healthy. I’ve always had an insanely low HR (I do run long distances a lot, but it’s been low since I was in the womb!)
Once, a nurse clocked my HR at 38, and the doctor asked, oh, you just timed it for 30-seconds? And she replied, no sir, I did it for a minute, twice…came to 38 beats per minute both times. Then, the doctor asked me what sport I’d be competing in in the next Olympics!
After finding out that I run distance and seeing that I’m rather petite, he said that’s healthy for me. insanely healthy
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I love Nike Air varieties. I used to also use Ryka, but it got really hard to find the high end ones. I’ve tried Asics, but they are too bulky and hurt my stride.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Those shoes are so cute! I love getting running shoes that have some color to them! My fav brands so far has been Nike. I’ve never tried New Balance running shoes though, so I guess I am a little biased!
I have the Nike Vooms for Women and they are great! They literally make me feel like I am on air
Good luck with your test! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you 
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Did you tell your doctor that you are active? He obviously knows more about you tha I do, but in an otherwise healthy person a resting hr of 44 is quite “good”. It just means you are in shape and your heart has to beat less frequently. Most runners have heartrates in the 40s.
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Good Luck with everything
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I love my Silver/White/Black/Neon Blue Reebok Agility Crosstraining Shoes…they are lightweight, comfortable and have great arch support! Your new shoes look bright and comfy…the perfect inspiration to kick yourself into gear in order to reach your goals!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
sweet new shoes!!! Love them! Pretty colors too!
I used to run in the Brooks Adrenaline but I just bought Saucony Hurricanes last week. They are growing on me and I think I like em!!!!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
First and foremost–I wish you the best with your heart tests.
As for sneakers, I love my Nike Air Pegasuses. I wore New Balance for a really long time, but a few years ago I went to Marathon Sports in Melrose and got fitted in a pair of Nike Air Pegasus and haven’t turned back. Love them!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
awesome!! i just got some new sneaks too, called Nike Air Zoom cross training sneakers. i was so excited, but they’ve left me with quite a few blisters! I think I will love them though once I finally break them in
…and I hope your heart is ok :/
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Those sneakers look like rockets for the feet! You should fly in them! When ever I get something for running it is such an encouragement for me to run. A few weeks ago I got my Garmin Forerunner 305 and I am totally obsessed with it and running!
on Jun 8th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Hope your test results come back being normal and great!
Love your new shoes! I definitely get re-motivated when I get a new pair of running shoes (or running shorts or even a great pair of socks!). I usually wear Asics, but have thought of trying out Mizuno’s next… it’s hard to break the pattern of what’s been tried & true. what shoes do you normally wear?
on Jun 9th, 2009 at 8:11 am
@Sarah L: Recently, I’ve been wearing Asics.
on Jul 27th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
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