More on the barefoot craze

There is an ongoing debate in the footwear world about the benefits versus risks of barefoot running.
I often peruse articles to learn the latest thoughts about this topic.
Today I came across a new article discussing the foot injuries that this type of training can cause.  It has some great information about what type of feet are suited for barefoot or minimalist running shoes and which feet should have more support.  If you are interested in starting a minimalist running routine but need information on how to start and if you have the right feet, come in and ask us to help.  We can analyze your gait (watch what your feet do when you walk) and see if barefoot running would be a good addition to your exercise routine.  See you soon and happy running!

Check out the article I read here.

Running month

Have you seen our window yet this month?  It's all about running.


Running is the hottest sport going right now.  People are training for marathons, 10K's, 5K's ~ you name it and people are out running it.


A good running shoe can make or break any training program so if you plan to start hitting the pavement this summer.  Make sure your shoes are in good shape, are the correct shoe for your foot type, and will help you reach top speed.


At Sole Obsession Footwear we spend a great deal of time learning about proper fitting and support for various types of feet.  So if you're unsure about what you should be running (or walking) in, come by and let us watch you walk.  We can help you figure out the best shoe for you.



Here's a great article on the importance of proper fitting shoes and how to tell if your shoes are "worn out": Marines learn differences between good, bad running shoes 



Looking for a more technical way to calculate your running shoe life expectancy.  This fitness expert has come up with quite the formula: Calculate how long your running shoes should last


The bottom line?  Find out what you need to do to get out, pound some pavement, and feel great while doing it.  (Or at least as great as you can while running.)

I'm back at it...maybe

Since Sole Obsession had the big move I've been off and on the exercise bandwagon.
More off than on...okay not really on at all.

With the holiday season approaching and my fatter pants calling my name I decided I really needed to at least start with a little exercise.  Nothing over the top.  No races in this girls future.  But you know...put out a small amount of effort in my attempt at not gaining weight by Jan 1st.  I'm being realistic.  Loosing weight over Thanksgiving and Christmas is probably not going to happen.  (Especially since I'm going to my Mother in laws for Thanksgiving.  The lady knows how to cook.)

So my goal:  how about just not gaining?

I started out with bootcamp last Wednesday.  The ladies jeered and poked fun while pointing out how disciplined they all were for sticking with it but I persevered and made it through without crying.

Saturday I went on an afternoon run in the rain with the "trainer" (I've been asked not to call him the drill sergeant.  Apparently it has negative connotations.  Whatever...I thought it was cute.)  I was so proud.  We went for a 3 mile run and I actually made it.  We weren't running at record breaking speed but at least I made it.  And it wasn't nearly as painful as my first few days of training this summer where 1 mile felt like death had swallowed me.  I am very glad my summer of training did not all go to waste.

And this morning was bootcamp again.  The ladies were a bit nicer.  I think one of them even said hello.

So...I'm putting it out here as evidence and accountability.  I'm on the exercise bandwagon and hope to stick with it ~ at least until Jan 1.



*the bootcamp ladies really aren't mean...come join us if you want Mon, Wed, Fri mornings at 6:15am on the LCS track.

Woah Nelly!

Today I'm giving running a 2 thumbs up!

I did it!  Tonight I ran the entire 10K....I cannot even believe it.  My race is not for another month so I have a lot more training to do, but I actually did it!  Wow!

I can't say that I enjoyed it.  Tolerated and endured is more accurate.  But I'm definitely giving a 2 thumbs up to the accomplishment.

2 things that I am thankful for this evening:

1) A lyingly, patient husband ~ without the Drill Sergeant I would have never persevered this long and I would have never believed I could run this far.  He has been running slowly beside me each step of the way and is sooo encouraging.  I will forgive him later for lying to me tonight and telling me we were going on a 4 mile run.  Towards the end of the run he nonchalantly suggests we run to the stop sign and back and then I would have made it 5 miles.  I begrudgingly agreed.  About half way home I see a smirk appear across his face and he admits, "I kinda lied.  You actually just ran 10K."  I would never have agreed had he told me so I guess it was for the best.

2)  I'm so thankful for a FLAT town.  No hills have made this accomplishment a lot easier.  I hope the race is as flat as they say it is.  Otherwise I'm in big trouble.  Right now I think the incline up Bender is a hill.

So there you have it.  If I can do it, anyone of you can too.  Anyone joining me August 14th?

Working out is hard to do...

I'm on week 3 of my new summer challenge. I am working out ALMOST daily between bootcamp and running and I am feeling the burn. What's that saying? "No pain! No gain!" I'm feeling the pain, I promise.

My biggest dilemma in my quest to run the 10K in August is my knees. They are not happy with my new plan and they are letting me know. My knees really hurt when I run and then I do some weird overcompensation deal to relieve the pressure and my ankles start to hurt and then my toes go numb. HMMMMM...none of this is helping to encourage me to meet my goal.

Here's to staying the course. Wish me luck!

I promised I'd run...er...write

All I can think about is running.  Do I have to run today?  Why did I decide to run?  Should I run farther than yesterday?  Should I feign sickness so I can be excused from running?  So many decisions.

So here's the low down.  Since my first running post I have jumped from 1 mile to 2.  I'm also running a bit faster ~ about 30secs/mile faster than when I started.  So overall, I'd say I've improved.

I still hate it!  H-A-T-E!  Didn't my mother teach me not to use such harsh words?  I guess not.

To give homage to running's redemptive qualities:

#1 - I have more energy.  When people would tell me they feel better and have more energy when they exercise I would typically scoff.  Usually I can hardly put one foot in front of the other so how can I exert energy and exercise when I don't have a surplus to begin with?  While I hate to admit being wrong.  The myth is true.  You do have more energy when you exercise.  Although you wouldn't know it when you see me pounding the pavement.  I look similar to an elephant.  You know how heavy their feet appear when they walk?  Yep, that's me!

#2 - I do feel better about myself.  I haven't lost weight.  I don't look like the Runners World model yet.  But hey, I do feel better knowing that I'm exercising so that counts for something.

#3 - When I run, I don't have to berate myself for my lack of exercise.  Can you relate?  Usually I sit at work, at home, in the car, wherever and discuss with myself IF I am going to work out and what that will look like.  Inevitably I always come up with a great excuse as to why I can't.  And then when I go to bed I think about how I didn't do it.  That is such a downer.  I do enjoy not having that to think about.

So I'm still plugging away and hoping to enjoy running one day.

On another note:  I have started attending the Drill Sargent's boot camp on Mon, Wed, and Fri.  This kinda of exercise is definitely more fun {term used very loosely}.  But the gals are a blast and it's fun seeing my husband in action.  Come join us if you dare.

Wednesday's are Special

It's Wednesday again?
I just can't keep up.
It's time for another sale
And today you're in luck.
I want you to join me, to feel my pain.
So to help you I'm offering a great shoe that will lessen the strain.
If you're going to run you need a good shoe.
And do I have the one for you.
I wear it every day when I run my mile
It's the only thing that can make me smile.

Try it out today.

Regular $125 (Zappos has these priced at $140!)
Today's Great Deal $105


Saucony 'Triumph' ~ helping me cross the finish line triumphantly!
(before I fall down and die) 

Happy Running!

Day 3 of training ~ 2 Thumbs Down

I am going out for my 3rd run tonight.  I'm already dreading it.  And I'm only running 1 mile right now.  That's right, ONE MILE!!!!!  It is the equivalent of about 10 1/2 mins of exercise and I give it 2 thumbs down.

I have a lot of things to work through.  Not only is running physically draining, it is mentally draining to deal with so many thoughts that need to be weeded out.  Here is my list of issues.  It is not a comprehensive one but it gives you a glimpse into my terrifying mind.


{Feel free to not read any further.}


#1 ~ my confession of my distaste for running actually includes other types of exercise as well.  I really would rather curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book then get my butt in gear and exercise.
  

#2 ~ I am a terrible time manager and really don't have any alloted down time in my ridiculous schedule.  Reading a book doesn't happen all that often so exercise doesn't happen at all.  Time to rethink the schedule and make time.  This girl needs to move.  

#3 ~ Have I mentioned that I don't like running?

#4 ~ I am not a great self-motivator.  I have talked myself out of exercising in lieu of more sleep A LOT.

#5 ~ I think exercising my brain counts as exercise.  I'm confused or just plain ridiculous.

#6 ~ I have lots of books I would like to read and definitely need time to do that.

#7 ~ In a game of Scategories years ago the word "exercise" came up.  Under the letter 'M' I wrote "might".  My exercise rebellion is deep seeded.  

#8 ~ I can think of sooo many other things I need to do before I can exercise.  I need a priority shift.

#9 ~ I want instant results.  This whole hard work concept is really throwing me.  

#10 ~ I can barely run to the end of my driveway.  Hard work may be an understatement.

I hear the Drill Sergeant calling.  I'd better get it over with.  Wish me luck!

Running~but not for fun

I am not a runner.  I detest the feeling of running.  I don't like sweating or breathing hard, and I find it boring.
I even have an unhealthy amount of resentment toward people that run.  Especially when they tell me they like it.  How can you enjoy running?
The one thing I do like about running - the way runners look.  Yes, call me vain, but runners are HOT, look great, and make me jealous.  I want to look that way without the running.   Ummm, {enter reality check}, it ain't gonna happen.  I realized the other day that reality bites.
If you want to look good you have to work for it.  UGH!

So here is the ugly truth.  I have gained close to 20 lbs since opening Sole Obsession Footwear.  Working in 1000 sqft each day hasn't fared well for my waist size.  I finally admitted this hard truth to myself.  (I know some of you are thinking..."you just realized this now".  Come on, give a girl a break.  I was trying to be positive, and naive, and anything else I could think of to avoid reality.)

Me and the "Drill Sergeant' at the beginning of Sole Obsession 

Me (and my girls) now...with rounder cheeks.  More to love, that's what I see. :)

So here is my solution...
I have enlisted the "Drill Sergeant" aka my husband who is a personal trainer and fitness fanatic (I know it is completely ironic that the two of us ended up together).  I gave him the go ahead to work my fanny off this summer and help me get back in shape.

The Goal...
We are signed up to run a 10K in August.  Its do or die Ladies.  I'm committed.  Or maybe I should be committed.  I'll keep you updated on my progress and if you'd like to join me in my quest to becoming a runner, please do.  When I finally look like a HOT runner and run past you on Bender some day, please be jealous.  :)  (I'm trying the postive, naive, wishful thinking thing again.  Old habits die hard.)

Me after August 15th

How to know when it's time to replace running shoes...

Zappos had a great article on their blog about knowing 
when to replace your running shoes.    

If it's time for you to get into a new pair of running/walking shoes, let Sole Obsession help you find your perfect fit.  We are highly trained and I am positive we can get you back on the street or treadmill pain free and ready to tear it up!  
(Italics and strike-throughs are my doing ~ sorry Zappos.)

How To Know When It’s Time To Replace Your Running Shoes:

“Running pains slowing you down? Getting the right shoe for your running style is the best way to reduce pains, increase endurance, and make your runs more enjoyable. Lucky for you, Zappos.com Sole Obsession Footwear has one of the largest selections greatest brand of running shoes available! Running shoes need to be replaced between 350 to 500 miles of use. Your style of running, body weight and what surfaces you run on will affect how many miles you can get from a pair of shoes. There are a few ways to check for signs of wear in your shoes. Start by looking at your shoes from behind. If the outsoles are worn down on one side or the other, then it’s probably time to replace your shoes. Next, flip the shoe face down and check for wear areas on the bottom of the sole. Look for excessive wear and tear on the heel and forefoot. The midsole layer provides support and cushioning and is normally the first part that wears out. Alternating between two pairs is a great way to maximize the life of your running shoes. By allowing 48 hours between use of each pair gives the midsole cushioning enough time to recover their shock absorption properties.”