Wednesday, August 3, 2016

WWU - New Shoes!

I got new running shoes!  With only a tinge of guilt...and it yet irks me that I let myself feel guilty for buying new running shoes.  I run.  I'm a runner.  I use my running shoes year-round.  However, when I get the signal that it's time for a new pair, I feel like I shouldn't need to buy them because other people (those mythical other people) get more mileage on their running shoes than I do with mine.

But when my knees, which never bother me, start twinging with little aches, then I know it's time to get that new pair of running shoes.   So I went down to my local running store, Brazos Running Company, and walked out with these beauties in hand:
Finally, Hoka is coming up with some better colors for their shoes - I really like this blue/neon orange combo.

These are the Hoka Clifton 3 - I've had several pairs of the Clifton 1, but hated the Clifton 2 - they hurt the tops of my toes when I ran, so I returned them and made do with the older version.  The latest incantation has a wider toe box and they feel good...plus, I'm taller when I wear them - seriously!  I noticed the difference when I put them on and then went to brush my teeth...I practically towered over my sink.  Well, towered for me.  But hey, fresh soles that haven't been compressed by several hundred miles of running makes for a tall Shelley!

I've only run in these shoes a handful of times, but I do like them.  I was a little concerned because the version I was running in did not have a padded tongue, which made them super comfortable for wearing with the arthritic bone spur on the top of my left foot - with all other running shoes, I had to do a special lacing technique that didn't cross over the spur, but with the Clifton 1 I didn't have to do that.  The new shoes have a padded tongue, but so far it hasn't bothered the top of my foot with them being laced normally.  Another change I like about these shoes is that the laces are flat and seem to stay tightened without my having to double knot them.   So far, so good with the new Clifton 3s!

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Our entire group ran together on Saturday - everyone was back from vacation!  It was really nice to hear so many conversations crossing each other, with all of the catching up and such.  Breakfast at Blue Baker was loud and crazy and fun, just the way I like it.

But back to the running - Diane and I ran 4 miles together and it was a challenge.  Imagine yourself in a place where there is absolutely no breeze at all, crank up the humidity to 100%, and the starting temperature at 75 degrees and you would be with us last Saturday.  It was a bit on the rough side to be sure.  The good news is that we survived, and we even ran up both of our hills without stopping, so I'm giving us a huge pat on the back for that.

Afterward, we all sprawled out and I took a quick picture - not the greatest in terms of getting everyone in, but we all looked so colorful that I had to document the moment:
Happy sweaty group!

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This week, I've run with Diane, run with Jeff, walked with Jenny, and will run with Cary tomorrow...I think the term "social runner" applies to me, haha.  Besides, how else will we solve the world's problems - or at the very least, our own - if we don't get our run therapy in?

15 comments:

  1. You are definitely a social runner! And you have a great group.

    I love the color of your new shoes but did you already have matching outfit to go with them or do you have to buy that yet :) Because you are also a stylish runner.

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    1. Actually, I have an outfit that matches with the shoes - bought it about a month ago...so this was meant to be, getting new shoes in blue!

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  2. Love your new shoes! The colors are so pretty! I would start up running just for all The fun colors of clothes and shoes 😃 Don't feel guilty...you deserve them! 😃

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  3. I wanted to get a pair of Hokas because of the cushioning but the guy at my LRS said that they wouldn't be good for me since I've suffered from injury. Not sure why though? They are super cute. I love the color!

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    1. Interesting - I'm not sure why either. Did you try on a pair? If you like them, I'd give them a try - I've been really happy with mine for the last two years.

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  4. Pretty, pretty shoes! I was thinking they must add a lot of height LOL. I'll take that.

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  5. I need new shoes right now and I've been putting it off hoping my legs wouldn't start acting up. I know better but I've also had no time! I also would like to at least try on a pair of Hokas but that requires me driving 30 minutes to the store that has them, and again, no time.

    I love the color of yours! I know we're not supposed to care about the color of our running shoes, but I always do ;)


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    1. I have had such blah colors for my running shoes that these are a real treat.

      So drive the 30 minutes and drag someone along with you for shopping and lunch out - make it an adventure! I'm curious to see if you would like the Hokas.

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  6. I've considered switching to Hokas just because I need the cushioning. My Asics Gel Nimbus are pretty cushy, so I'm sticking with them for now.

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  7. I've heard good things about the hoka's....my boyfriend is contemplating about buying a pair.....maybe I'll try some!!!! I also hate buying new running shoes....and I go through them lots faster than the 'recommended' mileage!!! My feet and legs thank me when I do!!!

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  8. It sounds like they are making a lot of good changes to that version of the shoe. YAY! And don't feel guilty getting them - you totally need new shoes when your start to bug you! Do you rotate through pairs?

    I love how social of a runner you are! I missing running with my training partner! It was definitely therapy!

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    1. I alternate my shoes, with the newest pair always used for a long run plus one weekly run. I have two other pairs that I use during the week for running and walking, but one really needs to be retired completely...I just need the running shoe fairy to drop yet another pair of new Cliftons at my doorstep! ;)

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