Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Wednesday Workout Update - New Shoes, Ahhh!

I broke down and bought a new pair of running shoes.  This was a hard decision for me to come to, as my old shoes were not, in fact, very old.  But every time I ran in them my feet either hurt, or I was getting blisters.  I could feel the ground under the balls of my feet and it just wasn't comfortable...and let's face it, if your feet hurt when you're running (or walking), chances are you're not going to be all that enthusiastic about exercising...and the last thing I need is to associate dread from hurting feet with running.

I went to our running store with the intent on trying on cushion-y, soft shoes.  None of the minimalist stuff for me.  I've read that as one ages (and I hate to admit that I'm paying attention to these things instead of instantly dismissing them because I'm not aging)(but apparently my feet are), the padding in your feet decreases.  Which could be why I was "feeling" the ground under my shoes so much.  I wanted to try on the Hoka One One shoes, which look ridiculous...in fact, the first time I saw Mike, one of the co-owners of the running store, wearing a pair, I may have cracked a nerd joke (or two) at his expense.  But he swore up and down that they were insanely comfortable, and over the last few months, I've seen more and more people wearing them.  At this point I wanted a pair of running shoes that felt like marshmallows on my feet, so I didn't care what they looked like. 

I tried on several pairs of the Hokas, and while they certainly felt soft, I just wasn't sure about them.  I also tried on the new Brooks Transcends, which I was curious about, but not feeling super-enthusiastic toward considering my old shoes were the Brooks Glycerins that had caused me so much trouble.  But, from the moment I put on the Transcends, my feet felt good.  I went back and forth with retrying on the Hokas vs the Transcends, but there really was no contest...and I was surprised, because I was pretty sure going in that I'd end up with a pair of Hokas.

I wasn't able to take the Transcends out for my first run until Saturday - earlier in the week it was raining (and while I'll run in the rain, I won't wear a brand-new pair of shoes in it), and then of course we had the sleet/snow situation.  So on Saturday we started out on our run and I have to say, I was shocked at how much of an improvement I felt, right from the start.  These shoes felt GOOD to run in.  My feet felt great.  I was pretty surprised at how comfortable I was; my feet have been hurting so much and so often during a run that I forgot what it was like to run without irritation and pain.  What a novelty!
My bright new shoes!

I've gone on one more short run in them and am still feeling the love.  I know there was a lot of research and technology that went into these shoes - I've seen the hype about them for months - but honestly, I really didn't believe that it would make that much of a difference.  I'm starting to think they may be onto something.  At any rate, my feet are much, much happier, which is exactly what I wanted.

Side note:  It is with some jealousy that I admit I wish I was part of the lucky blogger contingent who receives free shoes and clothing from Brooks.  I got our standard discount (10%) from our local running store, and I had a couple of small gift cards that helped, but holy moly, these shoes are expensive...it's a good thing I haven't bought a regular pair of shoes in a couple of years because all my shoe money is spent on running shoes!

34 comments:

  1. Im so so so curious about the HOKA thanks to the amazing Jody. Interesting they werent for you!!

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    1. I hear walkers like the Hokas about as much as runners, so these might become your "going to work" shoes. ;)

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    2. That's a good tip Shelley, right now I don't need new walking shoes but when I do I'll keep this in mind because I'm in love with Brooks :)

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  2. Girl we are so alike: no way I'm running in the rain in brand new running shoes :) I have 3 pairs (all Brooks Adrenaline) and pick the oldest pair when it rains :)

    So happy you find a pair of running shoes that work for you. Shoes are the most important thing for a runner in my opinion, clothes are important but as much as the shoes.

    I absolutely love the color, that's a big bonus.

    Wish you many happy running hours in your new shoes.

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    1. These shoes also come in a mostly white with some blue accents, which is what the guy brought out first. Once I made my decision, I asked about other colors...and HELLO, pink won! :)

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    2. Of course Pink won :) first time I bought running shoes I was pretty disappointed they were orange/white and not pink. The sales men told me "you don't buy running shoes for their color but how they feel at your feet" Well how could I know as a Newbie :) Fortunately the running brands are now thinking more about color because to most it's important. It is to me and I know it's to you.

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  3. Yep, I still need to get new shoes too. I have $150 in Visa gift cards from Christmas that hopefully will cover it. We have a place where they fit the shoes for you. One of my running blog friends was shocked when she had shoes fitted for her - he suggested buying one whole size bigger, and while she was skeptical, she did and hasn't gotten any blisters since!

    Love the color - and yes, I would have been shocked if you wore those out in the rain!

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    1. Biz, you MOST DEFINITELY need to go be fitted properly for shoes and I know I said that to you before. Especially with your different size feet and all. JUST DO IT. And by the way, my regular shoe size is 7 1/2 and I wear 8 1/2 in my running shoes!

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    2. YES, what Helen said times infinity. With a good analysis and fitting, you are going to be amazed at the difference between having shoes chosen for you, and picking a pair off the shelf that "seems fine" - seriously!

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  4. OMG YOU BOUGHT THE SHOES I WANT!!! I've been curious about them since I saw the advertisement for the in the February Runner's World. Then, as soon as I saw the test wearers description in the March Runner's World shoe review, I started saving for them. He said it was like running on pillows. Ahhhhhhhh. Sounds like they'll be perfect for the spring/summer/fall when I can be on the pavement regularly again.

    I'm going to want regular updates about these shoes!

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    1. How fun - I hope you end up liking them when you get your pair. I'll be sure to give you updates. :)

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  5. I am considering those as well as Hokas. Yes, I agree when your feet hurt its sucks running. I have newish Adrenalines but don't wear them cuz it's always slushy and snowy around here in the winter.

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    1. I know you've run(haha) the gamut on shoe brands so I'm interested in hearing what you think of the Hokas.

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  6. I never get anything free as a blogger. And I'm okay with that (though yeah, running shoes aren't cheap!).

    Glad you could find a good pair that works for you! I'm hoping to be able to try out the Transcend at my neighborhood running store, since I love Brooks and I love cushy shoes :)

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    1. I do get some freebies, so I can't complain...but it would be nice to get this kind of stuff, since it's what I use vs. what I try, if that makes sense.

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    2. Yep, it does! I wear Brooks too, so it would be cool if they gave freebies to their already loyal customers :)

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  7. Yes on the cushy shoes as we ahem... Age. But we really bought them because they're so stylin' right?

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  8. I swear my shoes "wear out" at exactly 300 miles, every single time. It's usually at the balls of my feet, just like you said, where you can "feel" the pavement. Obviously, I'm getting old too, thanks for dropping some knowledge on me. And, I'm glad you found some shoes that work for you

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    1. Interesting that you feel it at the same spot as me...good to hear that the pavement feeling isn't just in my head!

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  9. Picking out shoes is always a huge deal for me! Truth be told i've spent less time deciding on what car to buy..lol. So glad you found something that works for you! They are cute too!

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  10. Love those bright colorful shoes!! I want shoes that feel like marshmallows! :)

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    1. I think that is the trend, marshmallow shoes...and I like it!

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  11. Love your shoes; great color combination and the most important thing is the comfort. If our feet hurt we are definitely not at our best. Now as for me, I have been wearing two different shoes since October 23rd. The left shoe is my walking shoe; the right shoe is an orthopedic boot for the foot I broke then. For some reason this fracture doesn't want to heal and I think this boot is going to become my new right shoe! Enjoy your shoes.

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    1. Oh you poor thing - since OCTOBER??? Yikes! Sending healing thoughts your way.

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  12. Ooh, I like! (I know we're not supposed to pick these shoes based on looks, but when they're SO cute, it doesn't hurt.:)

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  13. I have to admit, I'm a running shoe junkie. I love the feel of putting on a new pair of shoes for the first time. I recently went to our local running store for some GU for my upcoming half and tried some shoes on for fun. I tried the ones you bought and loved them right off the bat. They were so comfy! My running store guru told me they would be a good choice for me if I wanted to switch from my Asics Kayanos someday. But since I just bought a new pair of Kayanos, I will have to wait. Enjoy your new kicks!

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  14. Very snazzy shoes! If they are like running on pillows, I want some myself, and I do nothing more than walk.

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  15. Ooooooo, I saw the ad for those! FUN. I'm sure they feel awesome!! I just got some new Asics 2000s for work -- they're mostly black with some very 80s color trim which I thought was kinda fun ... love them. And were only $55 with coupon code from Running Warehouse. ...

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  16. I want HOKA's too. Just because of the cushion but I was told by HOKA that they are for more neutral runners and alas I am not one of those. So I wear my Brooks Ariel that has a good cushion. I haven't gotten any shoes since that Mizuno project but I would love new BROOKS! LOL

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  17. IVe never heard of Hoka's, so I had to google it. They look so heavy!! But, Im sure the looks are deceiving!! Its amazing how shoes can make such and amazing difference!!

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