Charm City Run

Yesterday, I finally made it to Charm City Run, a legendary running store in Baltimore, MD.  I have been to a local running store several times (Flying Feet), but have heard wonderful stories about the service and great advice that is given at Charm City Run and I have wanted to go for a long time.  Since my Christmas shopping is mostly done, my husband and I had time to take a road trip to Baltimore and check it out. 

We walked through the doors and were quickly greeted by a nice young man, Aubrey.  He asked me what I was looking for.  I told him I was looking for the perfect running store for me.  I explained that I have been running for about a year now and that I have a half marathon coming up very soon.  I told him I have been running is Asics 2160’s, a chance pick at Dick’s Sporting Goods.  I continued telling him that my 2160’s were working out well for me, but that I wanted to make sure I have the best shoes for me.  He asked if I was having any problems with my current shoes.  I told him for the most part, no, but I was getting blisters on the insides of my feet.

Aubrey had me take off my shoes and roll up my jeans.  I then walked up and down the store several times so he could analyze my gait.  He told me that I slightly over pronate, so I would do well with a neutral or support shoe. Next, it was time to measure my feet.  I told Aubrey that I have been getting a size 9. He told me I should try a 9.5 or a 10.  I am a true 9, but you need a little more room in running shoes, so I should try a larger size.  This may be the cause of my blisters—my shoes were to tight. My Asics 2160’s were one of the shoes he chose for me.  Since I have had several pairs of them, I wanted to try something else.  Aubrey was very patient and gave me four different pairs of shoes to try on—Brooks, Mizuno, Saucony and Asics, in a variety of sizes. 

I tried on each and every pair brought out to me.  I walked around the store in them to find the ones that were best for me.  A size 10 felt way to big, but a 9.5 felt nice.  After trying on lots and lots of shoes, I decided on the Brooks AdrenalineGTS 12.  I chose these because they felt roomie, but not to big.  They did not offer quite as much arch support as my Asics 2160’s, but that might be a good thing.  Since I donated my old running shoes, Charm City Run gave me 10% off on my new shoes. If you live in the area, I would certainly recommend Charm City Run for all of your running needs.  Shoe review to come….

A dream is a wish…

--Amy