Bye, Bye Running Shoes

Good morning everyone! Only four more days until the weekend! If you haven’t noticed yet, I live for the weekend.

Within the last month, my runs have been killing me. There have been a lot of shin splints and my hip has been bothering me again.  The first thought was that my pain was a result of increasing the intensity of my workouts. But thinking about it, I hadn’t increased them by that much and, if anything, I decreased my mileage.  Then I realized that in October, it will have been a year since I’ve replaced my running shoes. So I did some research, just in case my pain was connected to old running shoes. Yep, it totally was.

Signs you may need new running shoes? Mileage and pain.

In the past, I’ve replaced my running shoes once a year. But at the same time, I was not working out 5-6 days a week, or running as many miles. They say that running shoes should be replaced ever 350-500 miles, which is every six months if you run at least three miles a day, four days a week. My workout does not normally include three miles a day four days a week, but I’m sure I run about six miles a week. Sign one I needed new running shoes.

For me, it was not just the numbers/mileage, it was the pain. They say that shin splints and pain in your joints are a sure sign tell that your running shoes need to be replaced. Reason number two I needed new running shoes.

Sooo farewell old running shoes {waving hand}!

And why hello, new running shoes AND new cross-training shoes:

This time around, I decided to roll with two pairs of shoes. Breaking the bank, yes. Worth it, you bet ya! The idea of two pairs of shoes came from Livestrong.com. I read that:

One way to avoid having shoes that are too new or shoes that are too worn out is to have at least two pairs of running shoes, and alternate them with each run. This lets you extend the life of both and help avoid injury while still having comfortable, supportive shoes.

There is no reason this should be any different when it comes to running and circuit training. Now I use my running shoes when I go for a run and cross training when I do circuit training, elliptical, spinning, Hour Blast or classes – basically, anything where I’m not just running. Honestly, I’m OBSESSED with my cross training shoes. There is definitely a difference with squats, lunges, jumping jacks and jumping rope. Very pleased with my decision!

Where to get new running shoes or cross training shoes? It depends. Do research. Know what works for YOU.

For the running shoes, I went to Southern Runner, here in New Orleans. They look at your feet, ask what you need in a shoe, etc. so that the shoe you buy is the right one for you. The choice to go to Southern Runner was based on going before and the fact that they carry Asics. Other options (which, of course, I did not learn about until after? Varsity Runner and Louisiana Running Company). So far I’ve only run once and I love my new shoes! There is definitely a difference, though. These new soles are so much more stiff, which come to find out, they are supposed to be.

For the cross training shoes, I rolled with NIKE. Lately I’ve read and heard things in passing about how their shoes are good for cross training, so I had to check them out! I asked the associate for the very best cross-training shoes, put on the shoes he suggested, jumped and fell in love. These shoes are the bomb.com. I’m in love!

If you are still struggling, don’t have any stores in your area like Southern Runner, or the NIKE associates are not helpful when you go in, this article on FitnessMagazine.com has some pretty awesome suggestions. Shoes are worth the research, y’all. They are your support for these next few months, as you work your butt off!

On another note, Sydney insisted on showing (off) her new collar to y’all …

Her name and number are embroidered into the collar! Love it. Orvis allows you to choose the size, color and color of embroidery. How fun?

Have you ever learned the hard/painful way that it was time for new running/workout shoes? How often do you change out your workout shoes? Do you own more than one pair?

Well I’m off to enjoy this amazing breakfast! Looks like a chocolate milkshake doesn’t it? Jealous? What if I told you it’s actually a pretty healthy shake? Hmmm? Will share deets tomorrow!

See y’all tomorrow morning with my first WIAW (What I ate Wednesday)! But before I go, I wanted to share some exercise articles that have caught my eyes recently. Get sweaty, people!!

10 Exercise Machines to Avoid

Quick Tips for Lean Abs

10 Gym-Free Workouts

Tags: Bichon Frise, circuit shoes, cross training shoes, Exercise Articles, fitness, New Workout Shoes, running shoes