Shoe Drama

A couple of weekends ago I purchased a new pair of shoes.  Running shoes.  A new pair of running shoes always makes me giddy.  Usually I want to lace up that same day and start breaking them in, however due to all the icy road conditions I had to wait until this week to take these new rides out for run.

When I read the favorable comments I  got on my first post about the purchase of the Asics 2160’s I was relieved.  Had I made a good choice?  Over the years I’ve tried many brands and styles but found Asics the best for me.  Then I discovered the 3010’s which I loved enough to wear out 2 pairs before Asics “updated” to the 3020’s.  This update was of course suppose to be minor, but it was a noticeable difference in my book.  Even though they were different I stayed loyal through another 2 pairs, but this time out I thought maybe it was time to try something new.

The other morning I ran 4 miles in the newbies and after the run my legs felt sore and weak.  At the time I didn’t think it was the shoes.  I really didn’t know what to think honestly.  It felt like I had run 20 miles instead of just 4 and could not figure it out.  I chalked it up to just one of those things until I went out yesterday for my lunch hour run.   A few hours later my right knee, shin, arch and left ankle felt wrong.  This morning I gave them another test drive with 6 miles and the whole way I struggled with all the same aches and discomfort. 

Going from no pain to many significant pains in three runs after wearing a new pair of shoes is making me think that this pair is not for me.  The shoe was one that was recommended by a running store, I sized properly and it fit deemed suitable for my stride, however they now feel like clown shoes.  I know they are the right size, but they seem longer somehow and it is messing up the way I land which is probably why the muscle groups are screaming at me.  With a different stride I am activating other muscle groups causing strain.     

I’ve decided to put them aside for now and go back to my 3020’s and reevaluate after my 12 miler tomorrow.  Even though these are ready to be retired I think they are the lesser of the two evils.

I’m Listening:  Do you find shoes play an important role in your fitness health?

Closing Thought:  Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.  -F. Scott Fitzgerald