Gear

Every six months or so I have to replace my running shoes.  Being a person with low arches sucks.  I not only have to replace my shoes but I need arch support.  So I have to break in not only shoes but arch supports.

The first few days are not pleasant, so I try to use my old shoes for as long as possible before I finally admit that my old pair are totally run down and useless.

Things get worse when the old brand that you have grown accustomed to is either no longer made or has fallen off in quality.

An athlete (and I am in no way claiming that I am one) has a mental state to maintain as well as a physical state.  They have to make sure that everything is right otherwise their performance will suffer when they’re in the middle of a competition.

Similarly I have to feel that the gear I use will work as intended and that it works with the other gear I have.  Now I don’t go as far as some athletes.  The last time I bought new shoes I had to wait because the previous customer wanted his new shoes to match his sunflower yellow running shorts and the staff was going nuts looking for the appropriate shoes in the stock room.

Fashion is the last thing on my mind on the running trails.

So finally I have my new running shoes and I am going through the awkward breaking in period.  Some discomfort, but with every step I feel my feet becoming accustomed and accepting the new shoes.  In a month or two I won’t be able to imagine running in anything else.