Friday, March 5, 2010
If the shoe fits...discontinue it!
A word about running shoes....they can make or break you! I learned this the hard way last year. When I started running I went down to my running store and got fitted for running shoes. I trusted that I had the correct shoe, so when I started to have pains in my hips and legs the last thing that I considered was my shoes. My brilliant massasge therapist (who saved my running life in many ways--more about her later) finally suggested that I might need to get my shoes rechecked. I headed back to the running store and found that indeed, I had been running in the wrong shoe. I got new shoes--a great light stability shoe, the New Balance 769. I ran in this model of shoes all summer and fall, including several 15Ks and 4 half marathons. They were perfect, for the most part, and I have since purchased 3 pair. I was happy and thought that all my problems were solved...until January when it was time to replace those shoes. I waltzed into the running store and found that those shoes had been discontinued in favor of the 2010 model. It seems that most shoe makers "upgrade" their shoes at least once a year. I was assured that the new model was "just like" the 769s, so I purchased them and went on my way. I rotated them in with some of my other shoes and started to feel some of the same pains that I dealt with last year. The more I ran in these new shoes the worse it got until I just couldn't fight it any more. So today I returned to the running store, shoes in hand, and started the fitting process all over again. Apparently I am a bit of an oddity as it took two sales people to look at my gait and feet to decide what might work for me. I am fortunate to have such a great running store near, they are great about making sure that everyone gets the right shoe and were able to exchange those shoes for some new ones. I walked out of there with a pair of Nike Lunaglide+ running shoes. I really hope that they are my new "dream" shoe so that I can get back to running and stay out of the shoe store. They are super cool looking and light as a feather. However, when it comes to running shoes looks don't matter too much to me. Cross your fingers...
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Michelle....I understaqnd this delima....I found shoes that I love the asics nimbus 10 and before i could buy a second pair, they chaned the shoes. I too have hip pain b/c of it...Unfortunatley, but running store can't seem to find anything that works 100% for me. I am actually considering goign to the NB store adn see if they can fit me.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand the need to "upgrade" the shoe! They claim that it is a best seller, why change it? You have a Run On in San Antonio now, have you given them a shot? They have been so awesome to me with all of my shoe issues...they even took back a pair with 100+ miles on them because the fit was wrong. I love NB too, and was sad to leave them yesterday.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for writing this blog. It's helping me alot! I have a really bad gait beacuse of my RA and artifical hip/knee. Thank goodness OKC has alot of runner stores too, so that next week I can get fitted right. Lately, I've been wearing a pair of Nike Max Air with stability. It feels pretty good. I learned last night from the internet how to lace them for my high arch. Can't wait for my first half marathon!
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard of run on, but I will look them up adn give them a shot, I need something as I start to train for the Full R&R this year. We will see if I can do it with wedding planning and becoming a full time mother, but i am going to try to train for the full.
ReplyDeleteRun Gear Run has been good to me, but they have a limnited selection so I think I am going to have to become a trader and try a new store.
Run On is a Dallas based store, they have been here for many, many years. I love them because they are locally owned and opertated by runners. They just recently branched outside of DFW by opening the SA location. Check out their website at www.runontexas.com.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that the upgraded 769s didn't work for you. I love mine even more than I liked the origional - and you and RunOn are turned me on to them! Good luck with your new, totally cool looking pair!
ReplyDeleteMary
I'm really enjoying your blog and appreciate all the running tidbits I'm picking up! Would you be willing to share the contact info of your massage therapist? How often do you go? Now that I'm getting more consistent and into higher milage, I think that the massage could be really helpful.
ReplyDeleteMelissa--Her name is Kim Volpe and she works out of Village Chiropractic Center in Highland Village (it is on 407 by Briarhill MS). You can book online through their website: www.aprilwitten.com. I see the chiropractor there, Dr Lance Autrey, and my massages are prescribed and therefore, covered by insurance. I see Kim when I feel that I need it--everywhere from 2-4 weeks. I try to keep it around 4, but will go more often when my training schedule is heavier. I am glad that you like the blog and have found it helpful! I am having so much fun writing it!
ReplyDelete