Shoe Shopping + a 5K? Moi?!

Shoe Shopping

So, do you remember when I got new shoes last week? As I was saying on the post about the previous shoes, it's hit me recently that I really need to start taking better care of myself. I had a good run with my current shoes and they lasted me well at about 5+ years, but running shoes they are not. With all the walking/jogging I've been doing lately, I need some shoes that are going to support me well. It was time for new shoe shopping...yup...again.

I decided to take my search to the place where hubby got one of his pairs of sneakers - Charlotte Running. I went there because they have this nifty method of computing your "gait." I don't know what a "gait" is but it seemed like they'd be able to help me pick out a great pair of shoes to give me the support I needed.

It looks like I'm wearing shorts, but they made me roll my pants up so they could properly assess my gait.

They give you shoes to wear, put you on this treadmill contraption, have you run/jog at your "normal speed" and they analyze your steps and how your shoes hit the treadmill. It was pretty cool to see the results, which we reviewed on the laptop the lady was using. Turns out I'm a pretty "neutral" person, running wise. After trying on a couple pairs of shoes, I came home with a new pair of running shoes and I have to say, after waiting about 5 years, it's about time!

My goods!

I got these shorts on the half-off rack. Since I'm trying to make myself like running, I may as well look the part...or at least be comfortable.

And here are my new shoes...tada! I got the Saucony Progrid Triumph 6 W in blue. I almost got a pair of orange Nikes, but decided on these because I was pretty equally torn between both options but these were more my color and $5 cheaper. I also got a coupon for $10 off the shop's web site!

5K? Moi?!

As for the 5K...I'm thinking of trying out the Couch to 5K program. I know, I know...I told you guys I hate running. I pretty much do, but I'd really like to like it. I've done a wee bit of jogging before over the years, and I've always felt better for it - more energized and stronger. I feel like running/jogging can help improve your performance in other sports/exercises, too.

If nothing else, I think the shoes will still be a good investment since I have been walking/jogging a lot more on my own. I'm going to have to think about the 5K program some more because once I commit to something, I commit 100%. I am not a quitter, so if I go for this, I go all the way. I've already looked up some local 5Ks that I can sign up for, so we'll see.

Have you ever run a 5K or 5K+?

Comments

[Melissa]

It's so nice to know that I'm not the only one with the attitude of "I hate running. I pretty much do, but I'd really like to like it" that totally sounds like me. Would you like a "Couch-To-5K" buddy?

[Melia]

Couch to 5k really is a good program. I attempted it a couple years ago and was doing pretty good with it. I never finished it, but that was because of my busy schedule, not because of the program.

I am also in the same boat- I hate running but I want SO bad to enjoy it!! It is still something I would like to try again. Maybe you will inspire me ;)

[Thimbleanna]

Very Cool Diana -- I love the new shoes. I heard the other day that we have a shop like that here in town -- I'd love to do something like that. I'm pretty sure I'd love running too, if I could really get into it -- my problem is that is scares me. My dad was a runner and he just had to have a knee replaced -- that's something I wouldn't wish on anyone. I've walked a 5k -- does that count LOL?

[Toki]

Love the new shoes and shorts.

Whenever I pass people jogging, I feel a combination of jealousy, respect and bewilderment. I hate, hate running/jogging in any form and I wish so much that I could love it like those crazy people. When it becomes almost meditative and zen-like. Which trust me, is not what's going through my head when I'm jogging ... more like "I hate this, I hate this, I hate this... I hate this".

I think you should try the Couch to 5k!! Maybe you'll motivate me to give running another shot. Maybe.

[Whitney]

I have run an 8k, and 3 5ks. I used to hate running too but training for races really is fun. Sign up for a 5K right now and then you have to do it!

Running is always crappy (atleast for me) for the first 10 mins or so, but once you get into the grove it really starts to feel good. Try just doing 30 mins at a comfortable pace and see if you can feel the good feeling kick in.

I am doing the 8K again at the end of March and I just signed up for a training program to run a 10 mile at the end of May...eek!