Yes, that's right. Yesterday, I ran five miles with my new shoes and it was great. I shouldn't have doubted the saleswoman; she was "spot on" about the size and I could definitely feel the difference in the new shoe as far as cushion and support. True, it might be a false comparison since my old shoes had literally worn a hole through the sole, but holes aside, I could feel a difference. Plus, I bought two new pairs of socks yesterday with the shoes, and I could tell the difference in the sock as well.
I've read about how a good sock can influence your running (they can offer their own kind of support and can reduce blisters, rubbing, and even foot sweat), but I always dismissed it as one more thing the manufacturers of running goods wanted us to buy. But it's true: The sock matters.
I still had shorts issues -- damn things are either bunching or riding up on me (I asked the saleswoman about that and asked if she had a shorts recommendation, but she said that shorts are an issue with every runner and the only way to completely avoid the extra fabric issue is to go really short; bikini bottom short, like what Olympic runners wear, and let's just say I'll never wear that) -- and my MP3 player actually quit on me about two minutes before I finished. The battery died, which was too bad since I had just downloaded four new songs. But overall, I had a really good run.
Today is not a running day; it's a break day and I am certainly busy at school -- literally piles of student essays to read. At this point in the semester, it's a never-ending river of work to read and grade. I'd best just get used to it; we still have 11 weeks to go. Ugh.
Really should never let your shoes get that bad, and yes, socks are very important. I have been running regularly for over 35 years and very obsessed with both shoes and socks. Please check out my Running Forum at www.Running4Ever.com
ReplyDeleteI have compiled my thoughts of over 30 years in a book. It includes my running log program. I hope you will check it out, but more importantly share with me your best practices and tips in the running forum. You can reach me at jharrell@running4ever.com
I just got into running... well seriously at least 4 months ago.... got my first marathon in sunday and have been checking out blogs! I laughed that your blog started out with a comment about socks! I told my runner friend that I was going to start training and she sat me down and in her small list of advice "the sock matters" came up a few times. I really didn't get how a nice soft cushion-y athletic sock was so bad... and then I bought a pair of running socks! I'm enjoying your blog! Glad you kept up the running... I plan to as well!
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