If there is anything I am addicted to nearly as much as fitness, it's running shoes. After reading the book, "Born to Run" (which I highly recommend, by the way), I was converted to minimalist thinking. It influenced my purchase about a year ago of Vibram FiveFinger shoes. If you've seen my recent race photos, you'll know I've been rocking the FiveFingers as much as possible, and I swear by them. They feel great.
However, they do take some ramp-up time to get your body used to them and to toughen up your feet. I've been gradually upping my mileage in them, hoping to transition entirely to FiveFingers, even on my long runs. However, I've hit a wall at about an 8-mile run. Any more than that, and my form starts to fall apart.
So I took a trip to Fleet Feet -- a.k.a. Running Mecca. You know I am desperate when I go to Fleet Feet, because I CANNOT leave that store without spending $200. It doesn't matter if I go there for socks. I usually find enough stuff I "need" (a few gels, ooooh these shorts are nice, oh yeah I need a new set of speed laces) to make a few odds and ends drive up the total of my purchase. Oh well.
I went there in search of a middle-ground running shoe. A minimalist shoe that would let me run long without breaking form. So I left with my new purchase -- some Newton running shoes! Already did my first long run in them and I am in love. They are designed to direct your foot plant onto your fore/mid-foot area so that you are running most efficiently. Plus they are super light. After doing 16 miles, my feet felt great. Plus, they look cool. And if you look cool, you'll run fast. It's a known fact.
If you ever need to find me at a race, just look for the girl with the weird shoes. That's probably me!
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