A shoe update

It has been a little over a month since I got my shoe fit, so I wanted to give you a quick update on how I'm feeling about my Brooks Ghost 6's.

In general, I am enjoying running in them. However, sometimes I think the size feels a little big -- especially when I first put them on -- and I occasionally struggle to tie them right to fit comfortably on the first try. After a couple re-ties they feel good though. The sizing thing seems day to day. Once I get running, I don't really seem to notice...so maybe it's ok!

I think I'm also still getting used to the difference between them and the Ravenna. I have been alternating between the two pairs for the last six weeks. Ravennas have been my running shoe for 3 years, so maybe running in a less supported shoe could take a little bit to get used to. What do you think?

This weekend I will be trying them out for my long run (18 miles!), so I'll have a better idea about how I would like them for running the marathon.

If I'm still unsure after this weekend, I'll probably buy a second pair of shoes for the marathon because my old shoes are really getting worn. I think they have close to 450 miles on them!

Have you always stuck with the same brand/style shoes? Or do you switch it up?

What are your weekend plans? nothing major here besides my long run. I'm kind of looking forward to having a quiet weekend. 

Finding the Right Fit

This weekend I went to my local running store to get a shoe fit for the first time ever.

I know -- I should have it a long time ago! For the last three years of running I have been wearing the Brooks Ravenna shoe. Honestly, I think I chose it because it looked cool and I saw some other runners wearing them at races and on blogs. I never had a problem with the shoe, but I always wondered what the recommendation would be. I considered changing last year, but ended up sticking with what I knew. But I decided it was finally time to really find out more about my foot and what should be best for me.

It was so interesting! First my feet were measured. I think the last time I have had that done was when I was maybe 15 years old. HA! Then, I stood for a minute, and walked a little. Just from those two things, the salesman could tell enough about my feet and gait to determine what type of shoe I should use.

I learned a few things from my visit. First, you should size your running shoes up a whole size from your measured length (especially for marathoners!) so you have room for any swelling. For me, this meant that I measured at 7.5, so I should buy an 8.5. In the past, I have worn a size 8.

The salesman could tell that my calves were tight. They actually have been lately, so this was a good reminder that I need to keep working on stretching!

In the end, he determined that the best for me would be a neutral shoe with an insert to support my arch since it flattens when I walk rather than a support shoe. I actually used to wear an insert to support my arch when I was younger, but I stopped wearing them a long time ago. I don't feel like I have any major foot issues, but I'm interested to see how I like them.

I tried on three different pairs of neutral shoes with the insert. The salesman said from there, my choice really depended on personal feel. They should feel like slippers! First I tried the Saucony Ride 6. Then, the Brooks Ghost 6. I didn't really like the stiffness of the shoe, and preferred the Ghost. I then tried the New Balance 880v3. This made for a tougher choice. I did some short runs through the store down the street in each shoe, and did a side by side comparison between the Ghost and the 880.

Saucony Ride 6

 New Balance 880v3

I ended up choosing the Brooks Ghost.

I'll have to let you know what I think after a few runs in them, but so far I have found them really comfortable just walking around. So, stay tuned for more...

And finally, congratulations to Leslie from Triathlete Treats, who is the winner of my Nuun Hydration giveaway! Send me an email with which 4-pack you would like along with your address.

Don't forget that you can save 15% off your Nuun order through September with the code hydrateHTC!

When was the last time you got new shoes? How many miles until you usually replace yours? The ones I have been wearing, I got last fall and they have over 400 miles on them! Definitely time for a replacement.

Hey, I Put My New Shoes On

My current pair of shoes are really starting to wear down. Based on my training log, I think they have just over 300 miles on them. I am starting to feel like the cushioning in the forefoot is thin and the ball of my foot feels tired more quickly than it used to.

I was looking forward to finding a pair of shoes that was brightly colored. There are so many super fun options out there right now!

I first ended up ordering this pair, the New Balance 870 v2. I looooved the colors because they were bright and happy. They were comfortable, but I kept feeling like they were just the tiniest bit too narrow in the toe box. I like to be able to really spread out my toes.

So, I ended up ordering the Brooks Ravenna 3. I have worn both the original Brooks Ravenna and the Ravenna 2, and absolutely loved them. They have a large toe box, and a supportive sole for moderate guidance. I also like how they seem to easily roll over the toe as you walk or run. Even though the colors aren't quite as bright and crazy as the New Balance 870's, they are still a color that I love.

I have only done one short and easy run in these new shoes, but plan to start to wear them more often, and hopefully in my upcoming marathon.

How often do you replace your running shoes? I tend to replace when I feel like they are wearing down or I can see dramatically reduced tread on the bottom. Although I do track my runs, I don't specifically say which shoes I was wearing.