Triathlon or Bust 3: Running Shoes
By far, the hardest thing for me to complete in the triathlon will be the running part (see my blog here). For sure I can finish the bike portion of the race, because I regularly ride the 16 miles without a problem, albeit not at a race pace. I can’t go the full half-mile swimming distance without stopping, but I’m semi-confident I can get there.
But the running–as I start this quest, I’m pretty sure that I can’t run even a mile, or half a mile, let alone three. When I’ve tried to run in the past, my shins immediately start to burn like crazy, and my heart rate zooms up. I don’t quite understand that, because I’ve been exercising at least three or four days a week, and I can bike for two hours and stay on the elliptical machine for an hour. But I’m dying after about 30 seconds of running.
I did run three miles once, when I was about 22 years old. I’m 39 now. Can I get back to what I could do, only once, at 22? There has to be a way. I’m not looking forward to it, but I’m stubborn.
So really, this triathlon is about me looking one of my lifelong bugaboos in the face. I know enough to start at the beginning before I start running: find a good running shoe. This is not procrastination on my part (well, partially), but an effort to put my best foot forward (sorry).
How to Find the Perfect Running Shoe
1. Go to a Running Shoe Store
All reputable sources tell you to go to a store that specializes in running shoes, at least initially. You might save a few bucks at a big discounter, but you can’t beat professional help from a knowledgeable salesperson.
2. Try on a Size Bigger than Normal
At my local Fleet Feet shoe store, the salesperson watched me walk and asked a lot of questions. Then she asked my shoe size. I told her 7 or 7 1/2. She promptly came back with three different shoes, sizes 8 and 8 1/2. When I told her she must have misheard what I said, she was already lacing me into a pair and said, no, I needed a size bigger, and particularly on my bigger foot. I have since learned this is pretty standard.
3. Fit and Feel
Your salesperson can recommend which shoes would be best, but no one can feel the fit except you. According to Runner’s World magazine, the shoes should fit snugly without being tight, with about a half inch room between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Your toes shouldn’t feel cramped or squished in any way. Your heel should not slip when walking or running.
I knew the second I tried on the third pair of shoes that those were the ones for me. They just felt right. I have more room than half an inch from the top of my toe to the end of the shoe on my smaller foot, but it feels comfortable.
4. Price
A good running shoe can run you $60.00 and up, up, up. I didn’t ask the salesperson the price of the shoe I chose, for fear it would dissuade me from the right decision. I ended up paying around $90.00 for my Saucony Hurricanes. According to my sales person they have the most cushioning and support for my shin splints. And they look and feel great.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll run.