| Finally I went to a shoe store and somebody took a look at my run and recommended shoes based on that. I have been to numerous stores, including pure running stores and they ask me what kind of shoe I want. I ask them right back, "what kind of shoe do you recommend' and then they recommend a shoe to me (based on ?????).
Today I went to a store called Lukes Locker in the Dallas area. Great customer service from the get go. Went to the shoe area (upstairs) and first thing I see and hear is these employees giving advice and direction to customers.
I looked around for a little bit, then I picked up a shoe from the display, put a dumb look on my face and a KNOWLEDGEABLE person came to help me. :) This would be the first time that I was in a running store that somebody asked me to run. I was also asked what problems I was experiencing while running (calves, my calves, oh those aching calves).
It wasn't all I expected, I really wanted somebody to put me on the treadmill, videotape my running from 16 different angles and then play it all back in super slow motion in order to effectively analyze my running to fit me with the optimal shoe. Maybe even give me a couple suggestions on how to improve my form.
Nonetheless I was quite pleased and confident with the recommendation. I walked out of there with some Asics Gel Nimbus 12's. They are also a half size larger than I usually purchase, so we'll see how that goes.
I don't expect that a pair shoes is going to solve all my running problems; however I do have some expectations that some of my pain will be alleviated. I really want to push to the next level but it seems like I spend most my running time fighting to not lose ground that I have already gained.
I'll hold judgement on the shoes until I've put some mileage on them. Right now though, I give two big thumbs up to Lukes Locker in Dallas. |
