Winter runs/ shoes

A friend once told me that she lived to run during the winter.  I thought she was crazy! I am here to tell you there isn't too many things better than running in the cold.  I have found a new love for exercise. While running in the cold, I can feel the fresh air enter and exit my lungs. It is so nice and refreshing!  With the right running clothes on, it only takes about 5-10 minutes to warm my body up and then I feel amazing!  It's like no other exercise' and it beats the humid, stuffy gym!

For Christmas, my mom gave me "Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running" by Dangy Scott.  It reads that there is only two essential items needed to "dress like a runner" and the first is a good sports bra; second is good running shoes.  I really learned my lesson last week when I decided to try out my old shoes: I have recently bought two new pairs of running shoes (which I love), but my old shoes are just too cute to throw away and look great on the outside.  During that run, my ankle and the arch of my foot hurt tremendously! After looking and inspecting those shoes, I noticed that I had worn the padding and soles down.  Although, from the top, the shoes looked like "new" condition, they were definitely not! A good pair of shoes is vital for a comfortable run! I am still having a hard time parting with those shoes.  Any ideaw what to do with shoes that are worn, but look great from the outside?

Since I am talking about shoes, I have to note the two pairs I bought.

Reebok Force Flex

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these shoes!  They are PINK, light weight and extremely flexible, which allows the foot to roll much easier.  I heard the down side about these shoes is that they wear down much faster, due to the deep cuts in the soles.  I have decided these are my indoor shoes for the treadmill and any other aerobic class I take at the gym.  Not wearing them on the road will keep them from breaking down as fast.

Asics 1170

I also love this shoe (which has a much different feel than the Reebok).  It is also PINK and known for the gel in the sole which provides the foot more comfort.  I love the mesh because it allows the foot to breathe.  I use these shoes mostly for outdoor running and my strength-training gym classes.

One thing I learned while shopping for new shoes was that it is recommended to buy a half size larger than you normally would.  While running (especially long distances), your feet will swell and the half size bigger allows them to have more space when that happens, and the shoe will continue to be comfortable.

I was told that rotating between two pairs of shoes makes it easier on your joints and therefore makes them last longer.  My big fear was that I would wear through my shoes right before race day and then have little or no time to break new ones in.  So now I have these two fabulous shoes that make my workouts and runs more comfortable!