I got to the store, found the shoes and asked to try them on. The sales girl brought them out to me. I tried them on and really liked the feel. I asked her what she knows about the shoes. At first, she raved about them. She asked me what my plans for the shoes were. I replied that I needed new running shoes. She said to me " you run, like really run?" I was sort of confused by that question. I told her that yes, I run--normally around 20 miles a week. I told her I normally wear Asics 2160's but wanted to try something different. She looked at me in a bit of disbelief. She then went on to tell me that she did not think these shoes were good for my body type. She said they would not hold up well for me and that I should stick to my 2160's. This comment made me feel very uncomfortable. I thanked her for her help and I was out of there!
As I was walking out of the store, I felt so embarrassed. Was this a slam at me being overweight? Did she not believe that someone like me could actually run regularly? I don't know what to make of this. I feel like she really was trying to help me. Maybe she could have went about it in a different way. I don't think she was being malicious, that this was just her natural response. It's things like this that make me feel very insecure as a runner. After losing weight, improving my running so much, and having 3 half marathons under my belt, I still feel insecure.
Have you ever been in a situation like this? How did you handle it?
A dream is a wish...
--Amy
you should definitely send this to corporate. what a crock of crap. :( Im sorry she made you feel that way. your a BAMF- and dont let some little girl working at a big box chain, who has probably never run in her life- let you feel any different!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you for sharing this! Yes, you should share this with corporate! I'd hate to have to have a RMM meet-up at this particular store and give the girl a beat down!
ReplyDeleteWill someone who's 140 pounds wear out a pair of shoes faster than someone who's 100 pounds? Maybe, but not absolutely.
ReplyDeleteIt also has a lot to do with how heavy your strike is (I used to absolutely POUND the pavement). Weight and "heaviness of strike" are not always related.
The shoes do last about half the miles as your more traditional running shoe, from what I've read.
However, none of that is an excuse. I do believe that she was honestly trying to help, and just lacked tact. That however does not change or minimize how you feel.
I've gotten comments from someone who asked me to be his accountability partner to do Insanity with (and then he proceeded to bail on me most days). He then made a comment on one of the days that he showed up that I "don't do too bad for someone like myself." I glared at him and said "Because I just outperformed you on the majority of the exercises?"
He shut up after that.
Thanks for you support! It means a lot to me!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had anything like that happen but I am so sick the the reactions I get when I tell people I am a runner and that I have done two half marathons. The look is always the same and it is one that says they can't believe someone my size(still over 230lbs) could be a runner. It sucks that people make assumptions based on appearances.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if you know this, but I tracked you at Tink. You were such an inspiration to me--getting back out there. Thanks for your support!
DeleteWhat a horrible experience. I think the big box stores serve only one purpose and that is to supply the mass audience with a wide variety of merchandise. While they may have the items we would like to try, their staff is ill trained with most who do not use/wear the items they stock. You might want to consider, despite the higher cost, trying the shoes at your local running store. They will know if they are appropriate for you.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my local running store! I went to Dick's because they were cheaper. Now I am thinking I would be better off paying a bit more for better service. Thanks!
DeletePS Good luck at the Disneyland Half and enjoy earning your coast to coast medal. It is a real beauty!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get that medal in my hands, lol! Do you have one?
DeleteI am striving to be the Runner you are! I consider you an expert and rely on your advice. Sadly, that girl may have been trying to help but does need training on her approach of sharing product knowledge/opinions. I prefer Flying Feet. They usually have coupons in the Coupon Clipper. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. I am by no means an expert, lol. Flying Feet is awesome! I did not know about FF coupons!!!! I never would have went to Dick's in the first place. I will have to check out Coupon Clipper. I am a sucker for a bargain....
DeleteThat was very rude of her. Just because someone is a little past their prime BMI does NOT mean that they can't run! I LOVE my Muzuno Wave Rider 12s. Love them so much and know they are an "older" style, I have picked up two extra pairs. They are like running on pillows with full support!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you did not let that sales girl get you down. You are AMAZING and that is all there is to be said!
Thanks for the recommendation! How is the Muzuno with arch support? That is what I am looking for right now. I think you are amazing too! Let's meet up to run some time.
DeleteThis is exactly why I have always been self conscious to buy a pair of running shoes from pretty much any store. I am not a small girl, but I am a runner and can run faster than a lot of people, but people don't recognize that. I would definitely say something to management/corporate because you are the customer and should never be made to feel that way. And, fwiw, you will love those shoes. :)
ReplyDeleteSo you have these shoes? They look so awesome! I think a trip to my running store is in order. Honestly, the only reason I did not go there in the first place is the $15 off coupon I had for Dick's. The running store has always been more than respectful to me--even before I lost some weight. I am sorry you feel self conscious. I understand that feeling and I hope me writing about this does not keep you from visiting a running store.
DeleteI think the sales person was insensitive at best. Since the Asics GT-2160 is a "stabilty" shoe, (I wear the 2170 now)I think people with a minimal amount of "running shoe" knowledge just assume that heavier runners (like myself) over pronate and need that extra stability. Certainly if she thought that was the case she could have articulated it another way. Even though I happen to, not every heavier runner needs the extra stablilty and it wrong of her to assume that based solely on body type. I think this is where a runner can benefit from a running specific store. After running for 2 years, I recently got fitted for shoes for the first time. I paid no more than I would have anywhere else. If you'd like to read about it http://shelleymanning.blogspot.com/2012/08/to-fit-or-not-to-fit.html I hope you find some shoes that work for you! It makes all the difference! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your blog post. I loved it! I am so glad to hear you had a good experience at the running store.
DeleteAmy - that was not a nice comment in any way :( But please, go to a running shoe specialty store. :) that's what they do, that's what they know! I brought a pair back after 50 days and 85 miles on that pair (I switch up my shoes depending on terrain). I'm in no way a "typical runner". I'm short, overweight, stocky, and slow. However, the folks at my store are awesome! They want to help me find the right pair of shoes to keep me going! When I was working to replace the "awful" pair with 85 miles, the guy helping me was explaining my foot type (which I know since I've been running for 2 years) and then he stated that my current shoes were too long therefore causing my issues. I said I needed them long so my 3rd and 4th toe do not get smashed. He said well, um....you do have square-ish feet. I said Oh like Fred Flinstone? He said you said it, not me! Point being, we are all different and have different shoe needs. Therefore spend your money and you time with people who are experts in their area. The sales girl prolly never ran a mile in her life! My folks at my store have run over 1000 marathons combined. I think they know a few things or two :)
ReplyDelete*hugs* and get out there! You are awesome!
Stephanie K.
I'm sorry she made you feel bad :( I have been looking at those same shoes! I was in a sporting goods store last weekend killing some time while my BF was looking around and they caught my eye so I tried them on (I may or may not have a shoe addiction) and they felt awesome! I have run in Asics Cumulus for the last couple of years and have just been feeling lately like they may not be for me anymore...I've loved them, but something just doesn't feel right to me in them anymore. Anyway, I was hesitant to buy the Brooks @ $120 without the advice of a running store sales person...haven't had the chance to go to a local one yet though. Let us know what you think of them if you decide to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteGood luck at DL this weekend...we're skipping it this year to instead do the Tower of Terror 10 miler...can't WAIT to see Cars Land when I'm there for Tink again in 2013 though!
Just read this (I've been reading your blog for awhile). I'm not a teeny tiny runner by any stretch, though I am getting there. (okay - not to teeny tiny)
ReplyDeleteI hate comments like that. They are hurtful, and honestly, don't accomplish much.
I've been working hard on my running lately, and really wanted to get to a sub-60 10k. A lot of people at work know I'm running, and someone I work with heard my goal. I did it, barely. After the race we were talking about it and she said
"I knew you run, but you don't look like someone who runs very fast. I guess if you keep at it it will help shed the pounds."
OUCH!!!!
Being personally fitted for running shoes at a specialty running store is SO IMPORTANT! I can't stress it enough! They should measure & look at your feet, watch you run & do a short interview. They will fit you in the right running shoe! It will not cost you anything more! There are so many running shoes out there that are made for so many types of feet & styles of running that there is no way a regular person can understand & figure it out! Running stores usually always get it right! Try on the shoes they recommend & they will watch you run in them. You cannot pick shoes by color or looks! You pick by feel! Running shoes should be fitted everytime. Shoes are being redesigned all the time, and just because you have a pair you love doesn't mean that the redesigned version will always work for you the next time. Once you find a running store & sales rep you like, keep going back and most likely they will get to know you. So many people get injured or have foot & body problems, just because they are running in the wrong type of shoes! I always cringe when I see someone buying "running" shoes in places like payless shoes or kohls or just buying shoes because they look pretty! When people complain about injuries, soreness, etc...the first thing I always do is look at their shoes!
ReplyDelete