Shoes, Glorious Shoes....

As a runner, there are few things in life more thrilling than opening a new pair of running shoes.  They are clean - unmarred by hundreds of miles on dirty roads or trails.  They smell fresh - not yet wreaking from all that sweat soaked into the liner.  Most of all, they feel like heaven on weary feet and are probably the single most important equipment investment you can make as a runner (to have a more enjoyable experience and avert the risk of injury). 

That first run in fresh shoes provides me that "ahhh" moment of relief after running too long in shoes that had broken down in the heel or blown out in the toe....especially since I stretch my shoes out to about 500-550 miles.  Why this post now?  We'll, I just got a new pair delivered today and I'm pretty sure I heard angels singing (at least in my head, because my shoes have been feeling really flat lately and not so comfortable).

The issue of running shoes tends to raise the most questions from novice runners who may ask - "just how long do running shoes last?" or "what kind of shoes do you wear?"

My sad, old shoes.

Answering the second question first, I'm a New Balance devotee....New Balance 1080 to be exact.  I've worn this shoe, in all it's various improvements, for years.  I go through 3-4 pairs a year, at about $140 a pop (ouch!!!!!).  Now, I'm also going to tell my runners it doesn't matter what shoe I wear, it only matters what shoe is right for you.

Every runner, whether new or experienced, should visit a specialized running store to buy the first good pair of shoes and then every couple years, at least, to ensure the shoe is still working for your gait (after all, we all change with age).  I advise new runners not to get caught up in buying the coolest looking shoe or the one that was on sale at the department store (unless you already know that it will work for your foot type, weight distribution, and gait).

My new, glorious shoes

Now back to the first question...how long should your running shoes last.  This actually depends on a couple factors - weight, gait, running surface.  A good rule of thumb is 300-500 miles, some brands or physical therapists will recommend no more than 400 miles.  After a couple pair, you should start to recognize how your shoes impact your run and body as they near the grave. 

Check out this 2016 article from Health, that I think addresses the issue well for most runners:  "3 Signs You Need a New Pair of Running Shoes."

So how do you keep track of the mileage on your shoes?  Well, here is a tried and true method (but it does require that you keep your running shoes for running only, and maintain other shoes for walking, gym workouts, etc):

• Keep a written running log/journal. Identify in your written log when you start wearing a new pair and log the miles and shoe feel after each run.  I do this electronically on MapMyRun rather than keeping a paper journal.  It has the same end result, but MapMyRun will send me email reminders throughout the life of a pair of shoes about how many miles I'm racking up.  Are there other methods you use to track the mileage on your shoes?

So, now that I've talked about how much I love a new pair of shoes, it's time to take that first run!  Happy trails!!!

2017 miles to date:  738.4 miles

Observations:  I'm still struggling with the left leg injuries.  When I feel that tell tale tingling of pain in my left foot that signals overuse, I've pulled back my workout.  I can't afford another turn in the boot.  I'm also unhappy with the calf tendon.  It was feeling better, but then during a HITT workout, it seemed to take a turn back in the wrong direction.  Let's see if the new shoes help out a bit.  If I could transplant my left leg, all would be hunky dory! (though I will admit that the heat is really sapping the energy).

MARATHON TRAINING WEEK TWO:

Monday - 6 miles interval (switched to 5 miles ladder - warmup, 400-800-1200-800-400 with a 400 recovery and cool down....it was hot as Hades at about 110)

Tuesday - 6 miles easy

Wednesday - 5 miles tempo

Thursday - Off

Friday - 3-4 miles easy

Saturday - 12

mile long run

Sunday - Off