Week 8 – Tuesday – 3pm

Warmup: 5min rowing
Stretch
Core
Shoulders/biceps (yes, I have an ego)

Michael has suggested we run 10k on January 1st to start the year off on the right foot (that’s figuratively, given that we’re both left-handed). This wonderful idea forced me to bite the bullet and cough up the money for a new pair of shoes. Up to now I’ve been using my Saucony Triumph 5’s indoors only, but I’ve known for a while that by April I’ll need to get the gear to make race day as easy (and safe) as possible.

My quest began at the mall. I made the rounds at the shoe stores and ended up at the athletic “big-box”. The retail jockey gave me some pointers about running in this type of weather (polyester is desirable over cotton whenever possible):

• -15 to 0 degrees – Long sleeve t-shirt, breaker, hat (covers ears), shoes, “wicking” socks, light pants, light gloves
• -15 and below – Add some tights and layer a bit more.

He said he runs 100 miles a week and competes internationally. He looked the part so I guess I’ll take his word for it. That said, I’ll need a wind breaker, some fancy socks, and a pair of light pants by April. Oh, all that and a pair of shoes.

I don’t really appreciate spending as much on my shoes as I pay to heat my house, but it’s done. I walked into the local (good, no the big-box) running shoe store. Here’s (roughly) the conversation I had with the retail guy I’m assuming runs a lot more and a lot faster than I do:
Me: I need shoes. I have these Saucony’s and I like them.
Him: Ok. How about this $160 pair. They’re what I’m wearing now and they’re really good.
Me: Hmm… are all the shoes here good shoes?
Him: Yes.
Me: I’m cheap. What’s the difference between the $160 shoes and the $90 shoes?
Him: …(Shoe technology talk)… “… but I’ve worn shoes with that feature and haven’t noticed the difference… it’s really just personal preference”.
Me: Ok, I’ll have that $90 pair of shoes, please.

As far as I understand it, shoes are like cars.

1. Every year the shoe companies release new models of shoes and the old models disappear from the shelves.
2. As soon as you wear a shoe outside it loses 30% of it’s value.
3. Leaving aside fancy space age technology, brand, and personal preference, there’s no difference (except for 100 mile/week guy and similar competitors) between the $90 shoe and the $160+ shoe.

Still, $90 is a lot of money. It really is more than my average monthly gas bill. I was ranting to Michael and asked him why they’re so expensive…

His answer: Michael Jordon.