Sunday, November 30, 2008

If the shoe fits...wear it.

So, I basically run like a gazelle. I told someone that yesterday and they had no idea what I meant. A gazelle is a small antelope known for it’s grace. I would have never been presumptuous enough to make such a claim, but that was before my trip to “Runner’s Corner” last weekend. I read somewhere that if you took your old running shoes into a specialty running store, they would be able to evaluate your tread and tell you the best shoe for your foot. I’m at the point in my training where my times are starting to matter to me, and therefore, am willing to pay money for the right shoes. After my experience, I really suggest that everyone do this. If you are going to invest the time and money to enter a race, why not get the right shoes for the job? Seriously, your feet will thank you.

Jacob, the nice guy behind the counter, looked at my worn out shoes and thought I was a neutral pronator, but told me to jog for him just to be sure. I was a little embarrassed that I would have to showcase my floppy form to someone that seemed like pro, but he buttered my ego and told me what a great stride I had. (He must have really wanted to sell some shoes.) Even if he wasn’t telling the truth, I still gloatingly eyed my husband to make sure he understood that I’m “elite” in more ways then one. He got the message. At that point, I would have been obliged to continue to demonstrate my grace, but Jacob told me to come back inside and he brought out several shoes for me to try on.

First of all, I quickly realized that I have been running for years, in too small of shoes. Jacob explained all the reasons why I should wear a half a size bigger, and they all made sense. Secondly, he was able to find different shoes that catered to my thin feet. There were several trainers that felt great, but I finally decided on these beauts:




Now that I have the perfect trainers, do any of you have suggestions for good race day shoes? Jacob suggested the “Brooks T5,” which are unisex shoes, but I didn’t get a chance to try them on. Have any of you used those shoes for a half marathon? What racers do you suggest?

4 comments:

Robyn said...

Oh, how I love the Runner's Corner! They are the best. Good shoes are definitely worth every penny, in my opinion, especially if you're working on your times and taking running seriously.

I am curious to know what shoe they put you in for your narrow feet. I have really narrow feet and so far Mizunos are the only thing I can wear.

Good luck with your improved times and your gazelle-style running! I wish I was that graceful!!

Laura said...

Robyn, Those were the Brooks "Ghost" shoe. If I didn't get those I would have gotten Mizunos. There were a pair of Sauconys that were red and black that said "Saucony" in big letters on the side that fit well too, but I couldn't get over the feeling like Spiderman thing. P.S.- I totally don't run like a gazelle, I was just glad he didn't tell me to pick up a new sport.;)

Robyn said...

Thanks, I am going to remember that model of Brooks next time I need new shoes.

Leilani said...

I am training for a half marathon in these shoes and I love them! I've had them for about 4 months and I log 20 -25 miles a week on them. Up until this point, I have been a Saucony girl all the way.

I also got the half size up (after sacrificing two toe nails) and am so happy I did.