I went into one of those fancy running stores yesterday, hoping to find a new pair of running shoes for my half. This is pretty much how it went…
Me: Hi, I’m interested in a pair of running shoes. I just signed up for my first half marathon. It’s in February and I’m really excited about it and…
Running Store Guy: I’ve been watching you walk around the store and I think these (points to a running shoe) will work, but I need to see you run.
Me: Err okay (stalker)? <hops on the treadmill>
Running Store Guy: Oh yes, <insert long explanation about why the shoe he picked will work for my running style and apparently unique feet> these will work for you.
Me: Um, do you have anything prettier? Like in maybe a pink or an aqua or even yellow? Oh yeah, yellow would be awesome because then it would match my costume! Let’s do yellow.
Running Store Guy: Costume? (looking totally annoyed)
Me: Err, my running costume. You know, for my half marathon.
Running Store Guy: (blank stare)
Me: I’m going to be Minnie Mouse. I’d like for my shoes to match please.
Running Store Guy: Mam, this isn’t a fashion show <insert long explanation on why I should buy the ugly running shoes>.
Me: (blank stare)
I’m clearly out of my element. I may not know what the heck I’m doing and I may never be considered a “serious runner”, but I’m still going to put the time and sweat into training for this half just like everyone else. Andplusalso, if I’m going to be spending 100+ bucks on a pair of shoes, they better look cute! Right now I’m running in minimalist shoes (super cute aqua ones, I should add) and while I love them for short distances, I think I need better support for a half (so says the experts). So, I might just have to brave another running store in search for the perfect glass slipper running shoe. You better believe it will be cute. What does a girl have to do to get a pair of cute running shoes?
This past week went well in the running department, I logged about 11 miles with Logan in tow. I’m thinking of switching to the Hal Hidgon training program for my half. It’s a 12 week program instead of a 20 week program. In the 20 week program I posted about last week, you basically repeat the same mileage for 2 weeks. In the 12 weeks program, you move up to a new mileage every single week. The 20 week program honestly seems daunting to me and I’m afraid of burning out. I just want to get there and go, not do this long drawn out program. But then I second guess myself and wonder if I can really be half marathon ready in just 12 weeks and if I wish I would have stuck to my 20 weeks program.
If I do switch to the Hal Hidgon program, I’ll still be in training mode starting now (20 weeks to go). I plan on establishing a good 3-5 mile base of running, 3-4 times a week and doing cross-training/strength-training in between. Plus, I’m getting my eating on track with help from Nutrisystem. Advice? Opinions? Oh and feel free to chime in on my shoe dilemma too.
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6 Responses
The guy really does have a point. Running shoes are tools to keep you from getting hurt while running, not fashion accessories. So if the shoe is comfortable, and your research shows it will suit your style of running, get them. Good shoes are invaluable, regardless of what they look like (although online they may have different colors). You can always pretty them up later with some yellow fabric. Never buy a shoe just because it looks nice, or you will be in for a world of hurt.
Also, for the mileage, I’d say do it more gradually with the 20 mile program. Most running folks will say to only increase your mileage every other week, and to only increase it by 25% when you do. So while it sounds exciting to increase it faster, since your total mileage every week doesn’t even equal the mileage you will run with your half, I’d do it slower to decrease the possibility of serious injury.
Thanks for your expertise Annie! I definitely won’t pick shoes that hurt, I just want good shoes that also look cute 😉 I’ve heard so many different opinions on half marathon training, but I think the 20 week plan might be more my speed. Like you say, it’s better to gradually increase mileage to avoid injury.
I just found a podcast, too, called “Run the Magic”, where I think you can run along with a guy who is running the same race. It might be fun to listen to at least on your slower days to hear someone going through the same type of thing you are. http://www.runthemagic.com/run-the-magic-podcast-episode-001-9292012/
Love this story. This is too funny! I hope you find the right shoe.
hahaha Guys don’t get it!! I’m just getting started back into running, and I am still in my old shoes, because I can’t seem to find some shoes I like! 🙂