Shiny & New, But Not for Long

I am the proud owner of new running shoes. I ended up in Pasadena and decided to stop by Snail's Pace. I liked this one better than the Brea location. If you go, ask for Jack. He's a runner and was very helpful. And his doppelganger...wait for it...Tom Haverford from Parks and Recreation:

He had me run back and forth a few times. Then we discussed my issues. He then brought out a few different pairs of shoes that he thought would address my sitch. I tried them on and ran in them until I found the ones that felt the best. Low and behold, I ended up with the same brand I have been using but with a sturdier arch and a specific base structure that should correct my slight habit of overpronating. (BTW, when I first went in , last year, I had noooooo idea what all of this meant. But the guys at the stores will help you figure it out.)

When you are shopping for your shoes, keep in mind that there is no "best" brand that will work for all. I am a Saucony fan but I know several people that swear by their Asics or NBs (New Balance). And, you don't have to buy your shoes at a place like Snail's Pace. When I started running, I was using some NBs that I think I had bought on sale at Big 5. It wasn't until I really committed to running that I decided to get "big girl" running shoes. I did notice a significant difference though. Fewer aches and pains. The training for and running of a half marathon will be MUCH more enjoyable with the right shoes.

Overpronation explained: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-425-0,00.html

Protect Your Dawgs

We did not end up going to the shoe store today. So a trip will happen in the future. I will let you know when.

Here's the link for the shoe store: http://www.runasnailspace.com/ The people who work there are all runners and are very knowledgeable. However, they won't let you bring the shoes back once you have run on them. Close locations are Brea and Pasadena.

I believe it is the same at The Running Center in Redlands, although I have never been. Here's their link: http://www.runningcenters.com/

Another option is REI. They have many of the same shoes, same prices, but the bonus is that they have a Nordstromseesque return policy. If the shoes don't work out, they will let you bring them back, so I hear. The sales people won't necessarily be runners though. So there's that. Here's their link: http://www.rei.com/ They are also the closest to all of us.

Once you figure out a shoe brand and type that works for you, it is easier to find them for cheaper. Companies change the style each year so you can sometimes find last year's style for half the price. Which is nice.

The Blog Zone

You have just crossed over into...the blog zone, whether you like it or not. I figured that this would be an easy way to keep in touch over the summer. Not everyone is on Facebook and one, outright refuses, hence, the blog. A Google Calendar of the training schedule is soon to come.