This morning, hubby and I walked the Memorial Causeway to Clearwater Beach. It is always a treat when hubby joins me for a walk. We went around 7, before it got to be about 500 degrees outside. It was a beautiful morning. The view over the bridge and causeway are always amazing to me and reminds me how lucky we are to live here.
After our walk (5.33 miles!) and a quick stop at Starbucks, we headed home and got ready to head back out again. During our walk, we had talked about how I need to start looking at new running shoes soon. Hubby asked if I had any in mind and I told him no, that I wanted to go somewhere and have gait analysis done so I know I am buying the right shoes. With another half-marathon coming up, as well as a 10K and 5K, I wanted a nice pair of shoes to get me through. We decided to head over the Fit2Run at International Plaza. (Thank you Beth for giving me a heads up on who to talk to!)
When we got there, I was helped right away by Gary and a few questions later to see where I’m at with my running, I stepped on a nifty machine, sans shoes, that determined how the weight is distributed when I stand. I never knew this, but I have high arches. The most weight is on my heels and the balls of my feet, more so on my left foot. He then measured my feet for correct show size and looked at the shoes I wore in, which are the Saucony’s I bought in March.
A few minutes later, I was in a pair of Asics and hopping on the treadmill so Gary could video tape my awesome running skills. I ran for about 30 seconds and then we watched it in slow motion. He said that I am a “neutral runner” as my ankles don’t roll out or in on impact. He also that the shoes I am wearing now are not the right ones for that (and they are also more of a track shoe, not made for long distance). Neither were the pair of Brooks Adrenaline I had before, which I wore for the Rock N Roll Half Marathon (oops). Both had support on the inside of my feet, which I don’t need, and that was causing my shoes to wear more on the outside. It was so exciting to learn all this.
Based on this information, Gary brought out two more pares of shoes – Saucony and Brooks. After trying all of them on, it was no surprise that I liked the Brooks the best. There is nothing like putting on a pair of shoes that fit just right. I originally tried on the blue pair, but when I learned that had pink ones, well I had to get the pink ones. Aren’t they fabulous? I can’t wait to break them in tomorrow morning!
Thank you, Gary, for all your help and teaching me things I did not know. It was very informative and helpful!
We checked out the rest of the store and I also got a cool water bottle with a pocket for my cell phone. Again, lots of color options and I picked the pink. Do you see a pattern here?
I also decided to sign up for the Club Fit2Run membership. For $30 a year, you get a discount on everything in the store and a 30-day wear test guarantee on all running footwear. Sadly, it does not guarantee I’ll look this good while running… Darn!
I also picked up two books I’ve had my eye on at Barnes & Noble. You know, because I don’t think about running enough, I have to read about it too. I am just determined to be a runner. I want to be a runner. I am a runner.
Hubby really spoiled me today, but he says I’m worth it. He knows how much I enjoy running and wants me to have the best chance at it. Thank you, honey, for a fabulous day and for showering me with new goodies. I love you oodles!
