Feeling Like a Real Runner...

Why do cats enjoy your smelly shoes?...

In adding to my pre race fears, my body has felt like complete shit this past few weeks.

My feet, and my knees have just started to seriously hurt. Not the usual, I've been running more, so of course I'll experience some discomfort. I mean, just walking kills my knees, stairs are the worst, and my toes have been feeling numb on runs, and ache constantly.

Knowing my body, I knew that it was unusual to experience this onset of pain, and I pinpointed it to the purchase of my last pair of running shoes.

I was dreading long runs, so..I finally bit the bullet...er, I mean credit card, and went off to my local running specialty store for an evaluation.

I knew I wouldn't be paying $60-$70 bucks for shoes, which I am use to. Frugal me hated the thought. After all, I have already shelled out a pretty penny for the race, and my plane ticket, and my fun money.

But the me that wants to not cause permanent damage to my body, and finish my half marathon, said "go for it, mastercard don't mind, and you are worth it".

First things first. My running shoes...are not even running shoes.

Upon evaluation of me, it was decided that I over pronate. This caused my big and second toes pain, because they were doing all the work, and the shoes I was wearing did not stabilize them properly.

I'd have never run around like that in a department store, I'd likely wind up on YouTube. At a specialty store, you feel right at home with all the other running "nerds".

They told me that the store is the "Cheers" for runners, and to come in any time to talk about running.

After my consultation, I left with a new pair of shoes that felt like I was running on clouds. I instantly had to test them out, even though I had gone to the store after my trip to the gym.

I'm so attached to them, that they will be boarding the plane with me vs. riding in the underbelly with all that low-class luggage.