Incident in the Sporting Goods Store...

I am in desperate need of new running shoes.  After doing some research, I decided I wanted to try the new Brooks PureCadence, in pink of course.  What had me drawn to these shoes is all the reviews with people saying how they have great arch support.  Since I have flat feet, a good arch support is something I was really looking for.  I also liked all the reviews that said the shoes are very cushiony.  I did some searching online, and found a coupon for $15 off any pair of athletic shoes for a "big box" sporting goods store that is close to my house.  I prefer to try shoes on first before I buy them, so on my way I went to check them out.  

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

Heel Blisters: Solved

I have been getting the worst blisters on the inside heels of my feet.  It seemed to be getting worse with each run.  The longer the run, the worse the blister.  I tried some new wicking socks, but they did not help.  I even got new shoes, but was having the same problem.

I could feel my feet moving in my shoes as I was running.  I needed to do something to fix this!  At Dick’s Sporting Goods this past weekend, I found a really cool pair of socks just sitting on top of a rack.  They were black Under Armour Grippy II for women.  What is so different about these socks is that they have little grippies on the bottom to keep your foot from moving—think footie pajamas.   I loved the socks instantly and had to find more of them!  I searched the store and then found an associate to help me.  There was not another pair of theses socks in the whole store.  Black socks are not really my thing, but they looked like just the thing to help me, so I got them anyway. 

Before I left the store, I also stopped by the shoe section and picked up some Body Glide.  The makers of Body Glide promise it will prevent chaffing, so I decided to give it a try.  I also picked up some Sport Beans, review to come later.

Tuesday was a fast run day for me, so I knew that was the day to try out my new stuff and see if it works.  I am happy to say, the combo worked great!  I love the socks!  They fit perfectly and the grippies kept my feet in place while I ran.  My only complaint about the socks is that they only come in black!  Once I found that they worked so well for me, I checked out the Under Armour site, and they are only offered in black.  The good thing is that the socks are the no show, low cute type, so you can’t really see them in my shoes anyway.  The Body Glide went on really easily.  It was not sticky and did not feel wet.  I am so glad I found this combo and even more happy that I don’t have to deal with heel blisters anymore! 

A dream is a wish…

--Amy

Spin…I mean Zumba!

Today, I went to a new gym, Strictly Fitness in York PA, for a Spin class that I signed up for at our township building. I was so excited to get out of the house and take a really challenging class. When I got to the gym, a really nice lady gave me a tour. My first impression was that the gym was nice, but it still felt very intimidating to me. There were lots of really fit people working out. I learned that tanning and child care are included in the cost of membership, which is a big plus!

So once 5:30 rolled around, I went to the spin room. There I found a class just letting out. I went back to the front desk, only to find out that the township had the time wrong. There is no 5:30 spin class! I was very disappointed. Scott, the man that teaches Spin, and the women that I had met early for my tour were great! They took such good care of me. Since the 6:30 spin class was full, they gave me a great alternative. They gave me a 20 visits punch card that will allow me to visit the gym 20 times, at any time I want. They got me into a spin class that starts in next week, and suggested I stay for a Zumba class today. Wow, was I impressed!

Since the Zumba class did not start till 6:30, I decided to spend a little time on the treadmill. This is my first timed experience on the treadmill since I have committed to the marathon. I did a walk/run combo for 20 minutes, with 4 minutes walks at 3.5mph and 2 minute runs at 5.5mph. It took me 14:45 to get in one mile. In my 20 minutes, I went 1.35 miles. I wish I would have had my new running shoes to try out. It is good to know I can easily do a mile in under 16 minutes. Now my task is to get faster and add to my distance!

My first in class Zumba experience was good. Zumba is a Latin-inspired, calorie-burning, dance party. It is a blend of red-hot international music that mixes dance and aerobics. The instructor, Maria, was very nice and keep the one hour class going. The class was a lot of fun, but I wish the intensity was higher. Being used to very high intensity Turbo Fire classes, Zumba was a breeze. It felt really good to have the others around me huffing and puffing, while I was sweating but still feeling really good. I really enjoyed the music and the choreography was fun. Would I recommend this class to other? Absolutely! Will I go back? Yes! Strictly Fitness was a great experience.

I can’t wait to try Spin next week. I will be back to let you know how it goes!

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

If you have enjoyed what you read, please click to the right to follow me!

I have a few extra princess bands! If you want one, follow me and comment below. I will send you one as a thank you!

Choosing a Good Running Shoes

This week, my mission was to find a good running shoe. If you remember, last week I wrote about these awful shin splints I got during my first run. I did some research online about shin splints and how to avoid them. What I found was a bit surprising. It seams I was wearing the wrong shoes! For my first run, I wore my Reebok Easytones. I have had these shoes for about a year and a half and have always liked them.

Once I discovered that my shoes may have caused my shin splits, I began researching about the importance of choosing the correct shoe when running. Wow! There is so much information out there about choosing a running shoe. From what I gathered, it seams that the most important thing you need to know when shopping for a running shoe is what type of foot you have. Foot types include:

Under pronating, or high arch

Neurtal pronating, or normal arch

Over pronating, or flat footed

Most running experts advise you to go to a shoe store and ask an expert in running shoes for help when choosing a shoe. So, that is just what I did.

I went to Dick’s Sports here in York, PA and met a really great salesperson who was very knowledgeable in running shoes. He asked me to take off my shoes and socks. He examined my feet and informed me that I have a neutral to over pronating foot. He then asked me if I can often feel the arch of my foot caving into my shoes as I walk. He was right on! The salesperson told me that I should choose a running shoe that offer really good arch support. He then recommended to me several shoes in many brands and prices. He showed me to look for a shoe with a two part sole, with built in arch support on the inside of the shoe and the outside. After trying on several pairs, I chose a winner!

My salesperson also mentioned the importance of finding a shoes that fits well…not to tight and not to loose. Trying a half size up in a running shoes was a good suggestion., so I tried on an 8.5 and a 9. He also checked to see if I need a wide width, which I did not. I ended up getting a pair of ASICS GT-2160 in a size 9. My trip to Dick’s was very informative and overall a great experience.

The last thing I learned about running shoes and wanted to share with you is that running shoes have a relatively short life. Most experts recommend you replace your running shoes at least every 400 miles. I am sure my Easytones have seen at least double that! Dick’s had an amazing pair of running shoes, the ASICS GEL KAYANO 17, but they were a bit out of my price range for now…but maybe they are just what I will need to finish the Marathon! Once I put some miles on my new ASICS GT-2160, I will let you all know what I think!

What has your experience been with running shoes? Is there any you would or would not recommend?

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy
　
If you have enjoyed what you read, please click to the right to follow me!

I have a few extra princess bands! If you want one, follow me and comment below. I will send you one as a thank you!