Wednesday, September 11, 2013

My Running Shoes

Mizuno Running Shoes

I've gotten quite a few questions lately about which shoes I'm wearing for my marathon training. You've seen them in all my training update posts... they're Mizuno Wave Elixirs—and I swear by them!

I have been a runner since I was in middle school, and I've worn every kind of shoe—Nike, Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Reebok, Adidas, Avia, Pearl Izumi—every major brand but Saucony. My Mizunos are my favorite yet. These are the first shoes I've ever picked that didn't give me blisters or shin splints after just a couple miles. In fact, these shoes are also the ones I've had the best luck with in reference to my toenails (if you're a runner, you know what I'm talking about).

In the past, I've always worn specific styles for support and over-pronation—I wore the Brooks Adrenaline for years—but shoe models made for support have always seemed so bulky to me. When I went in to my local running store (Shu's Idaho Running Company), I asked for something a little more low-profile and fast, but a pair that could still handle all the miles I was going to be running in them. Their associate had me try on several different pairs of shoes and the Mizunos fit the feel I was looking for. They're low(er)-profile, super-lightweight and really quick shoes. I plan on buying a new pair soon so I have a fresh pair for the big race in October.

I think the biggest thing when it comes to running shoes—not gym shoes, but running shoes—is do not buy them because you like the way they look, buy them based on how they feel when you run in them. And don't guess when it comes to running shoes—go to a local specialty running store (not a general fitness shoe store in the mall, so yes, they might be more expensive) and speak to a running specialist who can fit you into a pair of shoes. Tell them what you're looking for, have them measure your step & stride and analyze your foot. They will know what shoes to put you in. Once they bring you a couple pairs to try, put them on and GO FOR A RUN. Literally. Go outside the store and run around the block, around the parking lot, wherever... just run in them for a few minutes. If they don't feel right, they are not the right pair. Once you narrow down what feels right, that's your shoe. And you know what? They might not be pretty. Truly. But if they save your feet, keep your legs shin-splint free, provide support for your knees and ankles, don't give you blisters and don't make your toenails fall off, don't you think that's worth it? I sure do.

Anyway, that's my running soapbox for the day. I've lost one too many toenails and had to pop one too many Ibuprofens for sore knees after runs to not want to share. And just because the brands I listed above didn't work for me, that doesn't mean they won't work for you. Do you have a shoe you swear by? I'd love to hear!

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