Tuesday, October 8, 2013

New Running Shoes

Mizuno Wave Elixir 8

I finally did it, I ordered a new pair of running shoes! After my last post about my running shoes, I thought that maybe I didn't need a new pair quite yet. I mean, they only have about 400 miles on them... I thought maybe I could push them a little further. This weekend, I gave my shoes a good look—and I didn't think they looked half bad. I mean, they didn't have holes, the soles didn't seem to be too flattened out... they were still treating me great. And then I ran 8 miles Saturday and after feeling like I was running on the concrete in practically bare feet, I knew it was time for a new pair.

When you're training for a marathon—or any race for that matter—it's so important to be conscious of how your shoes are taking the training. Has the padding on the soles (especially under the ball of your foot) flattened out and compressed? When you press on the cushioning, does it bounce back into place? But most importantly—since you can't judge shoes by how they look—how do you feel when running? Are your feet sore after long runs? Do you have shin splints? Do your knees and hips ache? These aren't always signs that your shoes need to be replaced, but if you've run anywhere between 350-500 miles, general runners' guidelines suggest it's time for a new pair.

I love my Mizunos, so Sunday evening I ordered a new pair. I had been running in the Wave Elixir 8 in Electric/Lime Punch/Anthracite, but this time I picked the same shoe but in Blue Atoll/Blazing Orange—because it's fun to change it up, right? I selected 1-day shipping—since I was ordering them later than I should have and to leave enough time to break them in—and they arrived yesterday. I went for my first run in them this morning and man did they feel good. I have two more runs before the big day Sunday, so I think they'll be broken in just fine. Oh, and remember how I didn't originally think my pink Mizunos looked half bad? Now that I have the new shoes, I can see that it was definitely time to replace my old ones—they look warped, stretched out, and the soles are totally compressed... there's hardly any cushion left!

The only thing I have to do now is put in my race-day laces. My pink Mizunos originally came with black laces, and I put in the neon yellow laces for the Sawtooth Relay. Can you guess which color I picked for the blue Mizunos and the City of Trees Marathon?

16 comments:

Laura Elizabeth said...

Love those colors together! Maybe I need some blue/orange shoes too. Hmmm....
Good luck on your race this weekend! You're gonna be great!

Cynthia Meyers said...

Love the new colors! Feels good to get a new pair on i bet! I am gonna guess you went with Orange laces for the race~ can't wait to here how you do, will be thinking about you this weekend! Good luck!

Amanda @ Eloquent English said...

New shoes on race day sounds scary to me! ;)

Cody Doll said...

Wow, You can really see the difference. I didn't even know there was a guideline for new running shoes. I like the new pair but I was so used to your old color. I can't wait for your big day!

Dania said...

Love the running shoes!

http://daniaandjason.blogspot.com/

Shannon Tatlock said...

Your old shoes really don't "look" that bad. You should post a photo of the bottoms! Love the new blue shoes! I'm guessing your laces are, orange? :)

brittany kuhn said...

Love the new shoes!! Makes me wonder if my running shoes should be getting switched out here soon? I am not running or preparing (yet) for any marathons (I have yet to even run a 5K, that is my goal for in the spring) but I started back to running late August and then was hit with a 3 week bug so I was not feeling it at all to get back to the trail until last week and it has felt great! and hey typically I am always looking down or up ahead on the trail so a new pair of shoes would just add some pretty scenery (;

Linda said...

I'm guessing lime green.

Annelise Rowe said...

Thanks Laura! I love the colors, too.. blue and orange... can't beat Bronco colors :)

Annelise Rowe said...

Yes! Exactly right! Can't wait to share more details :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I did that once... it was awful! But I've been running in them all week so they'll be totally ripe for Sunday's race :)

Annelise Rowe said...

I think you'll like this new pair with our new outfits :) It will be fun!

Annelise Rowe said...

You're right, they don't look so bad.. it's the profile of the shoe where you can really tell. They are very flattened out! :) And yes, they're bright orange!

Annelise Rowe said...

How long ago did you get your shoes? I love new shoes... just for the extra bounce they add in my step. Glad to hear you're back to running from that bug... good luck with all your training!

Annelise Rowe said...

Bright, bright orange :) but good guess!

Cody Doll said...

I am sure I will. I can't believe that in two days you will be running! Ah so exciting.

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