New digs

  I should really start by saying that I'm sorry for not blogging last night. The down side to working a full time job is sometimes, you actually have to work. I'll try and make up for it here.
   Eight miles was a great build up for today's run. I was coming back after a not so good day on Tuesday, (I have a huge fear of getting sick so I was scared to push) so for the run to feel that good was amazing  I felt strong, I ran comfortably, and I was right on time. I decided to finish the day by treating myself to a nice new pair of shoes.
   As my training has progressed, I've gradually invested in better equipment. The first investment was getting nice running shirts. The wick-away breathable fabric makes such a difference in comfort. Next, I decided to try out shorts made of the same material. The difference was like night and day. So much lighter, so much more comfortable. Next I moved to head wear. I wear a visor so my head doesn't get as hot. But boy, by mile six it's soaked and there is nowhere for the sweat to go but down into my eyes. Not a happy feeling. So I moved up to better material there too. With all of this knowledge about how much of a difference good equipment can make, it seemed silly that I was running in not just old shoes, but ones that are "standard". By that I mean off the sale rack in the general running department. So I decided to take the step. I went to Road Runner sports and did a foot test. Yes, a foot test. It was amazing. They start by asking you all sorts of questions about your routine and usage. Then they measure you for accurate size. From there, they scan your foot. Using this scan, they show you all the pressure points and arches. It's interesting how one foot is so different from the other. It also tells you if you lean to one side or the other. Then they show you in 3D! It's so cool! There are things that you've never thought of before that are effecting your movement. Then they have you jog on the treadmill and they video your steps.  Next they play it back for you in super slow motion. This lets them know if you run toe-heel or heel-toe, if you turn your foot as you run, if your arches collapse. Wow. I had no idea this much thought went into it. After making a mold of your foot, they send you over to a rep to now sell you a shoe that is designed to help you correct errors in your step; a shoe that will last longer and feel better. To top it off, when you have found the shoe you like, they come to you with an insole molded for your foot. It just doesn't get any better than that.
   So with a new pair of shiney digs, I'm feeling great about twenty miles!