Free Runnin!
Last night I went to A Snail’s Pace in Pasadena to pick up a new pair of running shoes. After my injury, I thought it was high time to get a new pair, since technically you’re supposed to change out your running shoes at least every 6 months (or more, depending on mileage). I’d had my puppies for two years running (maybe even longer) and realize that my negligence may have contributed to my injury.
My friend and soccer teammate is trying to collect 100 shoes to send to THIS ORGANIZATION. The shoes will be sent to those in need in Haiti. I wanted to have shoes ready for her by Saturday, so it was the necessary push required to get the new running shoes I needed. I’m going to add the old shoes to the batch to donate to Haiti (they’re still in good shape, just not fit for running long distances) along with some others around the house. AND I’ve found they accept all forms of shoes, so I’m going to see what I can scrounge up to pass along. I have far too many shoes as it is, and this is a great cause.
I’d been wanting to try on the NIike Free’s for a long time now. I’d heard they’re great, lightweight, and good for marathons, too. One of my friends wore the Free’s during his transition to the Vibram Five Fingers, which is another step closer to barefoot running, and, as many would argue, better for you.
At A Snail’s Pace, an associate watched me run and concluded that I have a fairly normal stride, but with slight overpronation in my right foot. He recommended shoes that had extra cushion on the inside of the toe area. He also measured my foot and recommended that I go up a half size, to a 9, due to foot swelling that happens when running long distances. Needless to say I tried all of his recommendations, not just walking but also running at pace.
I was not a fan at all of going one size up (especially since I am used to wearing soccer cleats…which I wear tight). I also didn’t like the bulkiness of the running shoes I was trying on, and feared I would leave the shop with shoes I wasn’t happy with (I was pretty dead set on buying running shoes that night).
I also suspected that my stride might have been a little off, not only because of the recent injury (which had caused me to drastically change strides, even while walking, for a couple days), but also because of the awkwardness of having someone watch me run…I was very conscious while running in front of him, and don’t think I was able to get into a fully natural stride.
Since he only detected slight overpronation (and only in one foot), and I do tend to be injury free with a fairly natural stride albeit high arches, I decided I didn’t need the extra bulky padding at the front of my foot.
After trying on all the special shoes he brought out for me, I asked if I could try the Nike Frees. They weren’t available in a half size up, so I went with my natural size (the size I have always bought running shoes in).
I knew as soon as I put them on.
And after taking a spin up and down the back hallway, I was sold.
These shoes were perfect. They had to be mine.
And so, one and a half years too late, I finally have a new pair of running shoes.
I can’t wait to take them out.
