"Hey... I put some new shoes on and suddenly everything's alright"

"No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes." - Don Kardong- hahaha

TIP OF THE DAY 1: Typically the rule of thumb is to replace running shoes every 300-500 miles. Now, I know that I am far too lazy to actually log and keep track of this, so I typically just get a new pair once a year. Of course, if you are training for a marathon, you are going to need new shoes quicker than if you're just a casual runner. When shoes get worn, the stability goes, the support goes, and injuries are more likely to occur. Nobody likes to be injured... and nobody likes to run when it is painful... so why not just try some new shoes. **Sidenote: I am not a professional... if you are actually seriously injured... shoes are probably not the answer**

So my post today will be dedicated to my search for new running shoes. I have done everything short of stalk the employees of the Boulder Running Company this week in an effort to find a pair of running shoes that I like. Who knew I could be so picky about running shoes??? 4 visits, 1 failed shipping attempt, 1 trip to Colorado Springs, 1 painful 4-mile run, and 1 return later... I think I've got the shoes I was looking for (except for the fact that they are red... grrrr). Here is MY recipe for perfect running shoes:

1. Must be a wide width for my silly, disfigured, fat lady feet
2. Extensive arch support to "fix" pronation
3. Extra long laces
4. Heel lift in the right shoe
5. Squishyness (or cushioning)

Yes, it took me a while to figure all of this out, but it is so helpful to go to the right place. If you are running to train, the right shoes make all the difference... just think of how many times your feet hit the ground. You've gotta take care of those puppies!! The right shoes aren't just for your feet, though, they can affect your entire stride and your entire body! Up until last year, I never knew that my knee and hip pain occurred because my left leg is longer than the right... Enter: cheap little heel lift in my shoe ... and everything is fixed! AMAZING... I never would've figured this out if I hadn't gone to a store dedicated to running with physical therapists on staff. Cue my second tip of the day:

TIP OF THE DAY 2: GET THE RIGHT SHOES AT THE RIGHT PLACE! It matters where you get your running shoes and who helps you out! Make sure you go somewhere with a good reputation of getting people into the correct shoes. I choose to go to the Boulder Running Company. They work with you, listen to what you need, and actually video tape your feet while running on a treadmill to point out any problems you may have. You do not pay any extra for these services, it's just part of what they do. They even took back a pair of shoes after I ran 4 miles in them (on dirt paths) and HATED them (and washed them off with paper towels ... shhh)! I went back... and they got me into a much better shoe. I went through a lot of trouble for my new sneaks... but I speak from experience: IT'S WORTH IT. DON'T SKIMP ON THE SHOES (price-wise or support-wise) ... it'll just be more painful later.
So here they are! The training continues in some nice (and squishier) shoes. Of course I'm motivated by the cause that I'm running for... but isn't it always a little more exciting when you get something shiny and new?!?

Thanks guys!