I got new running shoes, and I kind of hate the way they look.
Let me start over, because apparently the fact that I got new shoes requires a back story and I have way more thoughts on the matter than one would expect. So.
The shoes I had been running in were probably about four years old. They were high quality, and I had been fitted for them. But I never logged a lot of miles in them because I ended up having two babies, so I thought that they might last me awhile. In the back of my mind I had a feeling I might need to get new ones prior to running a half marathon, but I still had hopes.
On Sunday I went running outside on the street since it was evening and cloudy and David agreed to watch the kids. It was my longest run yet at four miles and it was actually a really great run except I began having hip pain in what felt like my joints. Not bad enough to slow me down but it definitely made the run uncomfortable. The pain persisted all night (I woke up multiple times because I couldn’t get comfortable) and all the next morning until I finally took ibuprofen.
Now, I know that this pain might not be directly related to my shoes, but I got scared. I decided not to do another run until I got new shoes. (I also resolved to stretch well prior to each run, which I hadn’t been doing.) So on Tuesday I got to leave early from work and I took myself to Luke’s Locker and got fit tested again. I have a neutral step and wide-ish feet. I’ve definitely gone up a size since having kids.
I tried on a few different shoes that fit my needs, and the ones I ended up with
I actually had kind of internal crisis after I bought them. I knew they were the best choice for me but I was sad about it. I think I was hoping for a change, and definitely a different look. I was bummed all evening about it (so silly) but Meredith saw them and said they are “so pretty” and made sure to tell me how much she likes the purple parts. And then I ran the fastest 3 miles I have in a long time, with no hip pain.
I could totally turn this into a metaphor for life right now but I won’t, because I’ve already had two introspective posts this week and we probably don’t need a third. I’ll just say that I guess I’m coming around to my new shoes.
From Melanie:
Funny! I need new running shoes, too, and I really haven’t found any of the current styles that I like the look of. I’m not that picky about shoes, I’m not sure what I don’t like about the ones I’ve seen!
From lauren w:
I’m going to start running again on Sept 21 and I’m thinking about getting new shoes!
From Kathleen:
Yay! You were smart to take the whole summer off.
From Nora:
I have never been a fan of any of the running shoes I get/have. My current ones I do like but they are obnoxiously hot pink and orange and everyone stares if I wear them to do errands. They work for me (I’m doing mostly cardio + strength these days) but it was hard to have a departure from my usual white/blue shoes that I tend to buy.
Love the Meredith made a point to say she loved your shoes and the purple parts. Kids have a way of looking at things, don’t they?
Glad the hip pain is better/non existent!
From Allison @ With Faith and Grace:
I’ve been working at a running store on and off for a year and I don’t think I’ve EVER seen a neutral, non-flashy or weird shoe! That’s just not how most of them are designed… maybe Nike, but Nike running shoes aren’t the greatest IMO.
Anyway, one thing that a lot of people might not know is that shoes can start to break down even just with time, and not even wear. They just start to degrade a bit and don’t work quite as well over the years, even if you aren’t wearing them consistently. Of course, you could have just had a bad night but it’s probably good that you got fresh shoes if it’s been so long.
From Kara:
I’ve never understood why running shoes these days are so bright and flashy. It’s not like I want my feet to look like a rainbow when I’m running. (Not that I run, unless it’s after my kid or free coffee.)
From Holly:
I actually think those are on the tame side, compared to the ones I saw when I was out shopping! I currently have black Nikes with neon pink laces/stripes and they desperately need replacing even though I haven’t even had them for a year and don’t do a whole lot of running. I’ve never actually been fitted, I just buy what I think fits/feels comfortable. Maybe that’s why my knee is such a mess …
From Sarah:
I was going to say what Allison already did — shoes wear out with time, even if they don’t have a lot if mileage on them. The materials can start to degrade, so you need a new pair at least every year or so even if you’re not running.
As for looks, I’m actually a fan of the crazy ones. My last pair was hot pink and my current ones are turquoise. :)
From Akaleistar:
I like your shoes, but then my last pair was hot pink :)
From Stephany:
While I do think neutral-colored running shoes still exist (I saw PLENTY when I went shoe shopping last month!), I like yours a lot! I’ve seen some that are more obnoxious (my mom LOVES the obnoxious ones, which is funny because she’s normally a very neutral dresser), but I understand this internal crisis! Buying a new pair of running shoes is a big deal and you have to commit to them for a long period of time. It took me FOREVER to settle on the ones I wanted. Here’s hoping the colors grow on you! :)