"Money, it's gotta be the shoes"

So, I bought new shoes.  Twice.

Let me back up.

After my bout with plantar fasciitis following the Freep marathon in 2008, my podiatrist recommended I try some motion control shoes.  For any non-runners out there, motion controls shoes are heavier, sturdier, clunkier, and in some cases, more expensive than regular running shoes. 

And, they are for heavier people.

When us non-skinny runners plant our feet, we have a tendency to over pronate, meaning our feet "roll" inwards.  The thicker sole on the shoe prevents the foot from rolling inward.

From January 2009 until now, I've only had 2 pairs of running shoes.  My first pair of motion control shoes were the Brooks Beast.

Then, I tried the New Balance version.  I forget the name.

 

 

 

Can't tell from the pics, but they weigh about twice as much as a normal shoe.  Clunky, but I haven't any any problems with my feet.  Except for some blistering when I run outside.

 

I know, I'm wearing them too long.  2 pairs in 4.5 years is too long.  Read my profile, I'm an Accountant and these things are $120-$140.

 

Anyway, I went to Running Fit in Northville.  I tried on several motion control shoes and I thought I'd go back to the Beast, but they didn't have a size 12.  So, I went to the Novi store and bought them, along with 2 new pairs of overpriced socks.

 

I tried them out at the gym and ran 6 miles on the treadmill.  And got blisters.

 

Damn it!

 

Went back to Running Fit and stood on some machine that measured how I distribute my weight across my feet.  Based on that reading and watching me walk, the AWESOME manager at Running Fit dialed down my prescription from a motion control shoe to a stability shoe.  Turns out, I've been using the wrong shoes for the past 4.5 years and getting blisters when running anything longer than a 5K.  Thanks, Podiatrist!

 

After some trial and error, I settled on the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9's.

 

 

They weigh half as much as the Beast.  And were $25 less.

 

Tried them out at the gym on Sunday.  6 miles on the treadmill and nary a blister. 

 

Tonight, I broke my indoor PR for the 5k by 2 seconds, now set at 23:30.

 

"Money, it's gotta be the shoes!"