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Fresh Running Shoes: A Runner’s Essential Guide
Yesterday was shoe day!! Shoe day is like one of my favorite days. Shoe day used to mean fancy, designer heels. The click clack kind. The higher the better, my feet could totally go numb and I wouldn’t care. Now in my athlete era, shoe day is different…shoe day is new running shoes!
Winter/Spring training season is closing in and now is the perfect time to grab a fresh pair. The treads on my current pair are worn, which they should be after this last season. Every 400-ish miles is the typical life span for shoes. I go by that, feel of the shoe and the look of the tread. I usually start with a new pair at the beginning of a training season. Then grab a fresh pair before my goal race.
I have learned over my journey as a runner. Having the right shoe is way more important than having the cute shoe. I started out with the cute shoe and ended up in a boot for 5 weeks with a stress fracture. Part of me loved the idea of the cute shoe. The other part of me didn’t realize the right shoe was essential. It was the key to my running success.
Where to start? Finding my right shoe in the beginning felt overwhelming. That is when Fleet Feet Columbus came into my life. The staff and their knowledge fitted me with a just right shoe and have now been fitting me ever since.
Stepping into anyone of the three locations here in Columbus feels like home. Many of the staff are now friends, running partners in crime, family to me. My experience yesterday was top notch. I have not had a true fitting for a few years, so I was due for one. A full out fitting should happen once a year…I have been popping in for new shoes. Not checking to see if what I purchased was really what my foot needed.
A fitting includes a full 3D foot scan and measurements. Working directly with a staff member, results are analyzed right in the moment and possible shoe options are discussed. I am now a very open shoe human, not stuck to brand, color etc. I just want the best fit. Which will give my body the opportunity to do all the running things I am asking it to do.
The best options were brought to me to try on. 3 different brands, styles…one being the brand and style I have been running in for a while. LOVED trying on new options, each brand different in its own way. One of the brands I tried was a first for me. As I walked around, I easily understood why I have not tried it before. Part of the process of a fitting, staying open to new and different options-you never know unless you try.
In the end, the “just right” shoe for me was the shoe I have been running in forever! The foot wants what it wants! The best part is that the pair that I brought home is a SUPER FUN color this time. My last two pairs have been bland-not super exciting. Which as I have said above color is never my priority. I get what I get…and this time I got the fun color!! Oh and an added design feature…they GLOW in the dark! WHAT!? Ahhhhhh…like seriously?!
If you are a new runner/walker or a seasoned one always make sure you are properly fitted. Crazy to think how much the right shoe plays into your performance as well as injury prevention. Take the time and invest the funds to do this sport and yourself right!
Standing in my power with my new GLOW in the dark shoes,
Torre
For more information on Fleet Feet Columbus click the link below:
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Stay Warm: My Winter Running Outfit Guide
On the subject of winter/cold weather running, walking etc…it is what you do before you walk out the door that will keep you warm-ish, safe and feeling like a rock star!🌟
Layering is key. When I started running I was a “cold” runner-which in my world meant LOTS of layering…like too much layering. I never wanted to feel cold. Clearly, we all now know I have a complete dislike of the cold. I, at the time didn’t take in the 20 degree rule. As you run/walk plan on feeling 20 degrees warmer than it actually is.
Each winter training season I have refined my gear situation. I have become less of a “cold” runner and more of a “smart” runner-ok with being chilly before the activity actually starts. Being small, it is important for me to streamline what I wear, I feel bulky in layers. I like layers tight to my frame so movement doesn’t feel difficult.
This is my current WHAT I WEAR during WINTER TRAINING SEASON:
Layer 1: 32 Degrees Heat base layer long sleeve. LOVE these shirts!! I have a ton of them in black, white and gray. They come in packs of two I think. Every fall I grab a pack or two at Costco.
Layer 2: A thicker long sleeve. Depending on temps it could be crewneck or turtleneck. I have a ton, different styles, thicknesses, colors. Nike, Under Armor, Lulu, Lulu Dupes, Athleta. My main requirement is that it fits sleek to my body.
Top Layer: Depending on temps, a vest. I LOVE vests! Marc thinks I have a problem 😂. I seriously have a vest in every color, several are of course monogramed.🩷 If the temps are super cold, I will wear a running jacket. My favorite is a New Balance black jacket we received as our MIT Coaches jacket a few seasons ago.
On my head: I am a beanie hat human. I have tried head bands that cover my ears-yep they never stay put. I have a kid sized head, no matter what brand head brand I try it never works. I now have a great collection of beanies that are colorful and fun. I love a beanie that has a great pom on top.
On my hands: I usually wear gloves unless it is really cold- I also have a pair of gortex mittens. My gloves are I think Head running gloves, purchased at Costco. I use them more as I carry a hand held water bottle. I am starting to research heated gloves…they may or may not be on my Christmas list.😉
On my legs: I wear running tights-one layer. I have tried the 32 Degrees Heat base layer under my tights and they were bulky and uncomfortable for me. My legs don’t seem to bother me as much as my arms. I am loving black tights. I have tried several different brands but right now, I have multiple pairs of tights from Gap Factory Fit.
On my feet: Balega socks-I have worn them for years and years. I LOVE them! Of course, my running shoes! Right. now I am running in Brooks Adrenaline. I need to hop over to Fleet Feet Columbus in this off season to get re-fitted. The staff is AMAZING!! They analyze the heck out of your feet, your stride etc. Always making sure you are in the best shoe for you. Should be doing this at least once a year…it has been longer than that for me. It is time! Honestly, I can’t wait to get over there to do it!
This is my basic list…I do change things up all depending on what Mother Nature brings us. I may change my beanie for a baseball hat, gloves/no gloves, two base layer shirts vs. one. I have learned flexibility and can now change my outfit on the fly.
This is my list, each runner/walker dresses differently. I have friends that will run in shorts all winter long, I can’t imagine 😂🥶 but it works for them. I keep trying different combinations of gear to see what works best for me. Anything I forgot to add? What would be an item that you could not live without during the cold season?
Oh and on another level-SPECTATORS! Cold weather sports spectating is a THING! I was completely unaware until Tuck started playing baseball, then football. As girls tennis is always in the fall and finishes before the cold hits. Now that Marin is playing college tennis…the main season is January-April so I am adding to my cold weather spectating gear!
CLUTCH ITEMS: a BIG, LONG crazy warm winter coat. I am now also seeing super cool “sleeping bag” type coats made just for this purpose. Heated gear-they are all over Amazon! I learned from a football mom about heated vests…OMG life changing! Beanies for sure, hand/foot warmers. Blankets and a Yeti full of HOT coffee!☕️
HAPPY COLD SEASON Y’ALL! Hope you find this helpful!
Standing in my power,
Torre
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Get Out of Your Comfort Zone This Winter
It is for sure winter here in Columbus. OMG it is freaking COLD!! I am not a winter human at all…I so don’t understand people that are. You maybe one of those winter lovers. Tell me why you love it, help me understand. I LOVE the warm air, the sun beaming down on my skin, my toes in the green grass, you get it. I don’t even mind the crazy humidity of an Ohio summer. Bundling up in my massive head to toe winter coat to go out in this frigid weather is its own sport-I totally feel like the kid in the movie A Christmas Story!
With this said, I have challenged myself this winter…to get comfortable with the cold. In order to make that happen I have to get uncomfortable first. As a runner that lives in Ohio, I MUST train in the cold. Each winter season has felt colder and has become more of a challenge for me. During this off season I am pushing myself out into the cold for short miles. One, to acclimate to the winter climate before the next training season. Two, to experiment with layering-jackets, hats, gloves, base layers etc. Three, to push outside my comfort zone.
Number three being the most important. Getting outside of that cozy zone, where it is so easy to live. It’s kind of great in that zone, isn’t it? It is great but growth and true living doesn’t happen there. I have been hanging out in comfort for a minute or two recently. Now is my time to get uncomfortable once again. It doesn’t always have to be a big uncomfortable, it just needs to be outside of that zone. Think about it, what is your uncomfortable at this moment? Are you sitting in the comfort zone-waiting? Get up, let’s go…time get bold maybe even a little scared. Trust me it will be worth it.
Standing in my power,
Torre
