Around lunchtime today, I drove to South Boston on a mission: buy new running sneakers.
When I arrived in Southie, I parked my car on West Broadway right near my old apartment building, which looked like it got a little face lift. (I actually sort of miss my old stomping grounds.)
So, a couple of weeks ago, I bought a new pair of sneakers, and, since then, my left knee has been really bugging me. After I run, I feel an annoying soreness at the top of my knee, so I ice it, stretch, and take a little time off. It gets better in just a few days, so I have a feeling my new sneakers are to blame””at least I hope that’s the only issue!
The last time that I had a nagging injury (in my foot), Billy, the owner at the South Boston Running Emporium, saved the day by fitting me for a new pair of sneakers that gave me the support I needed. Since then, I’ve run a marathon and three half marathons in those sneakers, so I visited him today for his expertise.
Billy remembered the Mizuno Wave Inspire 6 sneakers that he put me in back in December, so he recommended a similar moderate-support shoe: Mizuno Wave Alchemy 10. They seem like a good option and felt great on my feet. I really hope these babies do the trick! I have a 5-mile Tempo Run on the agenda for tomorrow.
I can’t go to South Boston without stopping by P.S. Gourmet for an iced coffee.
So that’s exactly what I did!
Blondie iced coffee + new sneakers! Derp.
Ok, so I really don’t know much about finding the right pair of sneakers, but here are two pieces of advice based on my own stupidity personal experience.
Tip #1: Don’t buy sneakers online without trying them on. Additionally, don’t trust the customer service representative on the other end of the phone, who says the Mizuno Wave Inspire 7’s are the same as the Mizuno Wave Inspire 6’s. They’re not, and he’s just trying to sell you a pair of sneakers! Major duh on my part.
Tip #2: Go to a running store and ask a sales associate to help fit you for sneakers. They will watch you walk and suggest shoes based on how your foot lands. Then, try on the recommended sneakers and keep testing them out until you find the perfect pair. For me, it’s all about feeling support along my entire foot. Of course, this is personal for everyone, but finding the right pair is totally worth the time and effort. (I’m still annoyed that I wasted my money.)
Lunch
Once I returned home from my adventures in Southie, I made a quick lunch: Ramen “Noodles” made with spaghetti squash. I sprinkled half of a packet of chicken flavor seasoning over a big bowl of spaghetti squash with flax oil drizzled on top. My gosh, it was amazing! I actually sort of want another bowl right now.
Lunch also included two Sandwich Thins with sunflower butter and chocolate-covered sunflower seeds on top. I also ate a banana on my drive to Southie, but I never snapped a photo of it.
After lunch, it was time to take the pug for a walk.
On our walk, Murphy and I enjoyed the beautiful sights and sounds of spring in the neighborhood.
And, as always, Murphy stopped to check out The Donkey, who, apparently, really embraces the spring.
Murphy had no words.
OpenSky Winners
Sorry for the delay with announcing the winners of my various OpenSky giveaways. Without further ado, here they are!
Camera winner:
- Erin Howley
Book winners:
- Tami Merritt
- Keely McClain
- Sarah Franklin
- Kelly Slaghk
- Kathleen Manis
Congrats, winners! If you haven’t sent me your mailing address yet, please email me at tina@carrotsncake.com. If you have already, you should receive your prize in the next few days. Enjoy!
89 Comments
I SO need to get new runners! Mine have been through a marathon and its training and my upcoming half on Sunday….so I think after that I’ll get some new ones….I’m loving the zig tech Reeboks I have now though.
My boyfriend just went to a running store the last time he bought shoes and got professionally fitted. He said it was the best decision he ever made. 🙂
my feet are too wide for mizunos. I like that the running store has a foil blanket as part of its display (the sign of true runners)
i’ve always assumed that my lupus makes me a lost cause for ever being a successful runner, but getting outfitted for proper shoes might be the best way to go!
Completely agree with you on your tip to go to a running store. I used to run in whatever I found on sale. I started getting weird pains and decided to get fitted. The guy was awesome and spent over 30 minutes helping me find the perfect pair!
I think that investing in good sneakers is so important. It isn’t worth it to save a little money and end up with an injury. Glad you found a new pair that make you feel good!
I need new running shoes too! I never knew the store keepers could gauge what shoes you need from your walk! HOW COOL!
Thank you for showing a picture of chocolate covered sunflower seeds. How have I never seen those before!?
My long run today took me down summer around Castle Island and up w broadway. I’ve actually never run in Southie before!
I definitely need a new pair of running shoes and this time I’m going to Running Room and getting fitted by a pro… I sometimes get sore knees after a long run, so I’m hoping a good pair of shoes will help.
Yes — get fitted. I fell into the “they are the same shoe, etc” nonsense and I had the same thing happen to me — knee pain after a run. Now I go to my local running store and they always take good care of me!
The last time I went to buy sneakers I was totally overwhelmed by all the technology involved – they had me run on a treadmill w/ a camera filming how my feet landed and then played back the footage in slow-motion to figure out what kind of support I needed! I think it worked though because I used to get awful shin splints and so far I’m injury-free this year.
Looks like you had a great day 🙂
So true about going to a running store! They really get the best shoes for you. It’s so important to try them on and test them out!
Yay for Southie! I live there and also bought my shoes from the Running Emporium. Its the bessttt (said in a Nacho Libre voice. Anyone?).
I finally bought some new shoes a few days ago…I was having some knee and hip pain and one side and realized I’d run more than 500 miles on this pair, so had to grab some new ones!
Great advice about selecting a pair.
🙂
I swear by Mizuno. I’ve used them for my past 3 pairs of shoes.
Sneakers are too important to order wether you walk or run. My boys love ramen! Perfect cheap easy meal!
Of course the Mizuno 6s are not the same as the 7s otherwise they wouldn’t have two different names.
I know the representative was just trying to be helpful, and usually the newer models are similar to their predecessor, but the shoe companies always make changes and they never feel exactly the way the previous model did.
I actually have both the 6s and 7s and they are definitely different. The 7s have a more narrow toe box, but I like how they fit my heel better.
Nice new sneakers!
I totally eat chicken-flavored Ramen Noodles when I’m sick, despite being a vegetarian. Nothing is the same! And DON’T even think of using the low sodium kind… ick.
Excellent post with excellent advice.
We have a few things in common, I currently wear the Mizuno Wave Inspire 6’s, LOVE, and I’m coming off of a knee injury. I’m so nervous about my knee that I’m not sure if I should register for the 1/2 in RI in August.
Do you find yourself thinking/worrying about your knee when you’re
running? Would you start a training program now with your knee acting up?
Just Curious.
Melissa
@Melissa: Yes! ALL of the time! Probably a little too much, actually. As far as training, I’m just going to see what happens with the new shoes and go from there.
You had me totally fooled with the ramen photos! I thought for sure you had the real thing, hahah. I was so confused for about 2.3 seconds.
@Sarah for Real: Ha! They are so good!
bwahahahah Murphy and the donkey gets me everytime! Too hilarious!
I’ve been debating getting a shoe fitting and then comparing prices online. I keep finding great deals for shoes online but do not want to deal with injuries if they aren’t the right fit.
Great shot of Murphy! He’s such a sweetheart 🙂
I love my Mizuno’s – but I always hesitate to tell people what I run in because every foot and gait is different! I am so paranoid about my shins (and their splints) that I won’t even order shoes online. I go to m store and try them on everytime I buy them (like I need an excuse to go to the running store anyway). I’m dreading the day that they redesign my current shoe!
Wow, I never knew that the process of buying running shoes was so…careful. Is this recommended for casual runners as well?
And by casual, I mean 1-3 miles per run, probably once a week at best. I have that same knee problem and I’m too young for that to get worse! 😀
Sell your shoes in eBay
I got a different type of mizenos and I did not like the. At all even though I had been running in them for years
I sold them on eBay (used) for 10$ MORE than I paid for them!!!!!
I definitely make sure to get over to Marathon Sports to get fitted. I love the attention and expertise they have.
And I am loving this warm weather! I hope it’s here to stay for a while!
Shoes are definitely the most important piece of equipment for any runner. I ALWAYS recommend going to an actual running store and getting fitted every single time.
HAHA Murphy and that donkey crack me up!!
Looks like a great afternoon!
Congrats winners! I am SO jealous.
I just (finally…belatedly…) got new sneaks too and WOW what a difference! haha!
ahh i’m itching to buy new running sneakers!
I disagree with your #1 tip. I bought my favorite pair of sneakers that I am wearing right now online and it was worth it. Many sites have a return policy if it doesn’t fit and if the timing is right, you can get a better deal with coupon codes than in the stores which may not have your correct size. I got free shipping too and I didn’t even need to leave my house!
I agree-buying shoes online for running is SO not worth it! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Lucky winners!!! 😉
I have those shoes as well for running!! They are the most amazing! They help with my bad knee and hip and they are perfect for long distance! I hope they work out for you just as well as they have helped me!
Ramen squash?? That’s innovative! I think those seasoning packets can make just about anything taste amazing, lol.
I agree! Getting fitted for shoes made a huge difference in my run!
I love pics of Murphy and The Donkey! The latest hyperbole and a half is about the blogger’s dog’s flight from a stone horse, which totally reminds me of The Donkey: http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2011/04/wild-animal-simple-dog-goes-for-joy.html
If you feel bad about spending the money on shoes you don’t/can’t wear, is there any way you can donate the shoes to an organization or even to a person you know who might be able to get use out of them? Just a thought 🙂
Spaghetti squash ramen idea is genius! A quick fix to craving some asian food!
I have a feeling you will LOVE the Mizuno Alchemys–I wear them (basically everday) and I LOVE them. I swear by those puppies. haha.
Hope it works out for you!
Going to a running store to get fitted for shoes was one of the best things (exercise wise) that I’ve done. I couldn’t believe the difference!
I just have to say this…it might help some people.
I have small feet. I wear a size 6 in womens. I always felt priviledged because I could buy kids sizes, they would fit perfectly and they would be half the price! I totally score when I go to buy vans, converse, etc.
Two weeks ago, it was time for me to get new runners. I saw that they had a similar pair that I liked in the kids section, so I opted for those. Duh, they were more than half off!
Well…I’ll never do that again. Apparently, kids don’t need the support that adults do? I can barely walk in those suckers, forget running! Just 10 minutes of jogging and my feet, knees, back, everything was killing me!
I’ll stick to the kiddos vans and highly suggest you fellow small-feeters don’t go for the mini runners!
Wait. There are chocolate-covered sunflower seeds in the world and I did not know this before??
So agree on the shoes — don’t buy the newer version thinking they are the same shoe! I wore Mizuno Wave Rider 12s and since I’ve switched to the 13s my feet have been a mess (although, I do feel like a REAL runner losing 3 toenails).
What a fun variation of ramen! I have the same pair of Mizuno’s and I LOVE them. So light and airy – nothing does it for me like Mizunos!
The spaghetti squash sounds sooo yummy! Great idea 🙂
I love the sound of spaghetti squash ramen!!
I bought back a tub of Trader Joes’ sunflower seeds and fell deeply in love with them. Alas, we don’t have any here in Australia. Sob!
I second the need for good running shoes. It really makes a big difference.
glad you had a good experience getting fitted for your shoes today, tina!
i work for the running room (100+ stores, in total) and appreciate the shout-out and recommendation to get fitted in person at a specialty running store. very true that we take the time to listen and find the right shoe.
i’m interested to hear your impression of the alchemy – they are more supportive than the inspires, so see what you think!
choc covered sunflower seeds?! outrageous!! have never seen!
That squash sounds delish, how did you cook it? I have one sitting on my counter right now and I don’t know what to do with it!