I’m trying not to be upset with myself for not sticking to my training plan. The reason why I couldn’t is because I’m resting up from an injury, basically. And while I know it’s better to recover than to push myself, at this point I’m only a month out from the half marathon and I’m finding it frustrating.
Around Thanksgiving I bought new running sneakers because it was time. I tried on several pairs and went with a pair of Adidas. For the most part they were pretty comfortable, but I felt like I was constantly adjusting the laces – they were too tight and my foot hurt, or they were too loose and I didn’t have enough ankle support. When I got into the longer distances of training the pain was longer lasting – even after my runs I felt it. Last Friday I did an 11 mile run and my left foot hurt for three days afterward. Then I tried to get on the treadmill on Monday for a run and couldn’t last more than three minutes due to the pain.
At that point I decided something had to be done and I went back to the running store. The guy there was very helpful – I tried on some new shoes and he let me exchange the old ones for the new ones. I just want to give a big shout out to All Kinds of Fast in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. They’ve been wonderful to work with. It’s so hard to know when you buy new running shoes if they will really work for you.
These new ones are New Balance, which was the brand I always got before the Adidas. And looking at them they look wider. They have a little more support than I had previously. So I’m hopeful they will be good. I did one 3 mile run yesterday to test them out. My foot still hurt a bit but I think that was leftover from last week’s run. Hopefully by Monday everything will be better and I can get back on the regular training plan.
Glass Slipper Challenge training: Week 13
Good shows are so key! I have really flat feet and splurged on some Asics last time. So worth it! Even though I’m not training for any marathons or half marathons, it keeps me pain free whenever I can get out and jog with my dog. Hope all goes well!
I’ve heard good things about Asics! I’d be willing to try them out sometime but for now I’m liking my New Balance.
Good shoes are a life saver! I’ve never done a distance as long as a half marathon but, even with a 5K, I am glad I had my Brooks! They are expensive but, for me, they are worth every penny since I have flat feet with no arch. Good luck with your new shoes and your half marathon!
Brooks are another one that I’ve heard good things about. At the running store they told me I have a “flexible arch.” So I’m trying to find something with some support but not too much cushioning.
I’m currently struggling with this! I hope they work out.
Good luck Greta! I hope you find the perfect shoes for you.
I’m always on the look out for the perfect running shoes. I have 2 or 3 brands that are my tried and true but now I think it is time to try out a running store and get fitted and hear their expertise. I’m sorry you are fighting injury. Listen to your body but you got this! Good luck at your half-marathon!
Yes, I highly recommend the running store! I didn’t even realize that I was wearing shoes that were too small for me til I went there. Even though I’m an 8 in regular shoes, I need a 9 in running shoes.
Fingers crossed you found a better pair of shoes! It is amazing how the wrong pair of shoes can affect the feel of your runs!
Thanks so much! It really is crazy how a bad pair of shoes can just ruin everything.
Hope these work out for you! I went to a running store and they fitted me with new balance, but I ended up needing custom orthotics as well – but then I was able to run my first half marathon completely pain and injury free so that’s a bonus. It’s nice to meet you and I hope that you enjoy your weekend!
I’ve been curious about orthotics too – I don’t know if I’ll need them but definitely keeping that in mind if I still struggle to find shoes that work. That’s amazing that you were able to run your first half without pain – congratulations!
I got a gait analysis done at my local health and wellness center, but you can get them done anywhere. Just because a shoe feels comfortable after walking 20 feet, doesn’t necessarily translate to 13 plus miles. Megan and I have vastly different feet. She has an excellent stride, but is extremely high arched. There is currently no shoe made that matches her arch so she had to buy special orthotic insoles to make up what the shoe could not. Other than that, she got a shoe with a lot of support to further try to make up for her arch. I, on the other hand have a mid arch and am neutral, with my only problem being that I am prone to heel strikes while running. So for me, I use a new balance 860 and that, coupled with the right sock, helped me finish the WDW marathon without a single blister. Try going to any specialty shoe store or running store and see if they can do a gait analysis for you. It only takes a few minutes and they should be able to provide a nice sized list of shoes to fit you in. Just remember that companies upgrade their shoes every year so what works for you now, may not work in the next couple of years.
I’ve been favoring minimalist shoes because anything with too much cushioning or support gives me blisters, so matter what the shoe type. So I haven’t dealt with blisters in quite awhile but these tight shoes were something new to me. It seems like if it’s not one thing it’s another! I haven’t had a gait analysis done at the running store but maybe I’ll ask about it next time I go. He was able to look at my feet and tell me that I have a flexible arch, so that’s one piece of information to work with.
I have not ventured into minimalist shoes, but I hear it takes some building up to get used to them. I also don’t use a lot of cushion in my shoe, just because my feet are so neutral, it feels like too much for me. It’s a good thing about your arches, but I still highly recommend an actual gait analysis. As I said before, every person is different and all running shoes are corrective. Think of them as braces for your feet. Plus most shoes will run you at least $100 unless you get lucky, so might as well have the right ones. And lastly, make sure you have the right size. automated machines are good, but usually only for one brand and they guess another brand of shoe. When you buy shoes in store, see if they have brand specific shoe sizers. Ok, that’s the last thing, I think I’ll write a post about shoe sizing on Megan’s blog haha.
Oh yeah, I definitely want to have an actual gait analysis done before I buy shoes for the full marathon. I think you should definitely write a blog post about it, you are full of great information!
I actually wrote one last night, look for Megan to post it this week
Perfect, I’ll be on the lookout for that!
I have never needed running sneakers before, but was always a fan of Adidas throughout high school. I hope the New Balance ones work great for you!
Oh gosh, I did wear Adidas all through middle school and high school. Getting those shoes with the different colored stripes were so exciting!
Buying the wrong running shoes is something I am familiar with. 😉 It’s so annoying and super disappointing when the new shoe exciting leaks away and the wrong shoe pain begins.
I had to change out my last new pair of shoes but the new ones are great! Just broke them in with a 12.2 on Sunday. I hope your new New Balance sneakers work out! Feel better!!
I’m glad you found a pair of shoes that works for you! I did a run yesterday without pain so I’m taking that as a good sign and hopefully it will continue to be that way!