Shoes.

Okay, seriously.  It's a chick blog.  Did you think we'd get through the first week without mentioning shoes?

One thing that I'm learning on my journey is that running shoes are an intensely personal (and spiritual) decision   Some people are just fine with cheapie sale-rack Nikes.  Some people demand top of the line yak-leather-upper Eccos.  With me, I'm somewhere on the high end of the middle.

As the blog header reveals, I have a blown Achilles tendon.  More about that in a future post, but for now, suffice it to say that not only do I have a blown Achilles, I also have chronic ankle instability.  Again, more on that in a future post.  Anyhow, I need stability / motion control in my shoes, or you'll find me lying on the ground and crying.

Originally, I started with New Balance 1123 shoes (which have since been replaced by the 1540 model).  The rollbar technology helps keep my foot stable, but they are quite heavy, clocking in at 12 ounces (3/4 of a pound) for each shoe.  Plus, they're not the most attractive shoe I've ever owned.

I can stomp some serious cow pies with these!

When I started getting serious about running, my friend Mikaila suggested that I go to Fleet Feet and get properly fitted.  They put me on a treadmill, looked at my gait, and had a little giggle about how much I overpronate.  Apparently, my ankle really is all busted.

Anyhow, they came out with a few pairs, but I put on the Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 pair ... and I was home. They were light (just 9.7 ounces each!), decent-looking, and PINK!

Oh baby yoooouuuuuu ... got what I neeeeeeed ...

Easily, these were the most comfortable pair of shoes I'd ever worn.  I put them on, hopped on the treadmill in the store, and took them for a spin.  Heaven!  I will never question Fleet Feet.  Ever.

Finding the right shoe really does make all the difference. I highly recommend going to a running store and getting properly fitted for your shoes.