Sunday, July 06, 2008

New Shoes and Need A Snack

I've had a fun and productive holiday weekend! Chasen and I saw two movies (Hancock, A+, and Wanted, D-) and got our house in tip-top shape. Our list of projects is almost down to nothing!

On Saturday we found our way to Breakaway Athletics in Memphis. For the record, I have been envious of cities with Fleet Feet Sports for ages, and finally I live close to one. However, at the 5K on Thursday I saw a bumper sticker from Breakaway. It said "I Eat Miles For Breakfast." How clever! So I looked them up. Prominently displayed on their homepage was a foot analyzer machine. Intrigued, we set out to find them.

Unlike my favorite running store in Little Rock, I was not made to run and walk for the salesman. However, he has the special machine! I stood on it and an image of each foot was displayed. Interesting fact: I put WAY more stress on the left foot. We figured that was probably due to the injury in the right foot, i.e. I baby it. After the stand test I did have to take one stride with each foot across the machine. Again, I stress the right foot less (at this point it was a no-brainer). It showed that I stress the interior of my left big toe quite a but -- and that is exactly where I get horrendous blisters during marathons (all two -- but I have been consistent).

I was, of course, asked what I have been running in. Brooks. I tested Brooks, New Balance (which looked very cool!) and Asics (Chasen is an Asics man, and there is an Asics store not far from our new house). As much as I tried to go a new direction... the Brooks Adrenaline just fit like they were meant for me. My exact words were "These feel like home." Lesson learned: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. :)

So this morning I was up at 5 AM to break in the new Brooks (and Maddy, you were right -- I went from DA BOOT to DA BRACE to DA BROOKS!!!) I believe I have touched before upon the fact that I mostly never eat anything before short runs. And we had eaten a pretty substantial meal shortly before bedtime last night. Well, long story short, I got out there this morning was just way too hungry and didn't have much energy and called it quits after 2.5 miles, mostly walked. From now on I'll have a little snack no matter what! After all, training for the Worldwide Half Marathon is upon us!

11 comments:

Irish Blue said...

Sounds like a productive week for you. Good luck with the half training. We want details!!

Cheryl said...

I'm getting new shoes this week and can't wait!! Sounds like you are enjoying your new surroundings, before long Arkansas will be just a memory. :(

Jenn said...

I know what you mean about the shoes. I have run in the same shoes for a few years now and broke away only once....big time regret. It's great to find a great shoe to fall in love with! :) Have a great week!

ShirleyPerly said...

Interesting report about that machine. I've stood on one at an expo and it showed where my "hot spots" were (places where I place extra stress) and sure enough, that's where my calluses were. But I don't remember them saying anything more, probably because I am boring ... normal arch, neutral gait, etc.

As for eating a little something before a morning workout, I always do. I hate that running-on-empty feeling I get otherwise.

Tammy said...

Great to hear you found a great shoe, makes the difference in the world. I have a neuroma (tissue build up on the nerve of my foot) makes a big difference. Keep up the great work on the running. Best of luck.

CewTwo said...

I had to retire a pair of shoes, also (Goodbye, ol' friends)...

But it is summer now. I opted for trail shoes (maybe because of the trails that I like so much?) I am a Mizuno Man. This time I got the Mizuno Wave Ascend 2 Trail shoes. Only drawback? They are a bright red...

Maddy said...

That machine sounds really cool. And it's comforting to know that you've been in the righr shoe all along!

Marathon Maritza said...

Those foot analyzer computer things are sooo cool! I tried one out at an expo a long time ago...glad you feel good in Da Brooks but for goodness sake, eat woman! :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like I need to make a road trip to Memphis, that machine is too cool!

Gab

Sunshine said...

I have run through 9 pair of Brooks Burn.. and they have quit making it. Maybe your choice will work for me, too. Good luck.

MarathonChris said...

I wear Brooks Adrenaline as well....and they are great! Just started breaking in a new pair as well :-)

Way to get in that run - whenever during the day. Perhaps you have found a new running time...