Negative Head Run

One of the worst experiences I have in running is when I have a negative head run. This is the run where you have a lot of negative stuff in your head, and as you run, you go over it again and again. It usually happens for me when I have a lot of difficult things going on, which at present I do. I can't go into what is going on, instead I just want to talk about what the run is like.

Yesterday my goal was a 2 hour run. It was a dreary day, with threat of rain - my running arch nemesis. Off  I ran on the Monon. I think the dreary day didn't make my head feel any better. I ran, but I thought about the stuff I am coping with.

When this happens, it's very hard to think about your run. Whereas I had a terrific run earlier in the week, this one was not as terrific. Don't get me wrong, my time was fine, and I was pleased with it. I just didn't enjoy the run. I was too busy thinking about what I need to do to turn things around in my life.

Ironically this is what I like about running - planning things out in your head. It just wrecks your running concentration when it's a pile of negative. Yuck! In short, you aren't mentally in the run. The good news is it wasn't race day.

I wish I had answers for how to overcome a negative run. Correction, how to overcome it while it is happening. My decision was to only run for an hour. I thought if I had to be out there for two hours with my head, I would have become a basket case. The smart move was to cut it short.

The thing to do now, is work on the issues, and hope the next run is a bit calmer.

Charlie

Dyad 7 Review: An Amazing Run

At the end of last week I finally got a pair of Brooks Dyad 7s. This is a slightly retooled shoe, which I had been advised might not work for me. As you know I tried a New Balance shoe with less than wonderful results - the shoes broke down after 7 runs. So this morning I laced up the new Dyads and headed to the Monon for their first spin.

Weather was PERFECT! The temperature was in the mid-40s and sunny. Ahhhhh Fall. Off I went. Trying a new shoe is like going out on a date. It can be awkward at first, but if it clicks you know. If it doesn't, then you have to decide how to proceed. Off I went.

The shoe feels like it always has. I was told it was fitting narrower. If it is, I didn't feel that. Brooks has added the DNA cushion system to this shoe. DNA is some substance they weave through the foam and rubber for extra cushioning. Everyone feels it differently. Where ever you land first is typically where you will feel it soft. To be honest, I didn't notice any difference in the cushion of the shoe as I ran. The fit and cushion were fine.

Brooks is changing the platform of their shoes to give it a caterpiller look. What this means is there is constant contact on the ground, no gaps where you might see the arch of the shoe. More contact means a better flow and transition. This comes from the barefoot/minimal movement. I noticed it made the shoe more flexible for me.

So the shoe was fine, but how was the run? The run was simply awesome! I RAN today. You might have seen dust behind me as I was leaving anyone behind me in it. A combination of the cool temps, the new shoes, and feeling great, contributed to a 4 mile run in 52:41. It's been over two years since I ran that fast. I would have to check the logs, but since I have been averaging 56-58 minute 4 mile runs, this was stunning to me.

I didn't get tired. I didn't need many walk breaks. I felt terrific. I say we chalk it up to the new Dyads! :-)

Charlie

Two Weeks Until Mo'Cowbell

Two weeks from this moment I will be running through St. Charles, MO in the 2nd Annual Mo'Cowbell Half Marathon. You might be wondering how I am doing at this point. So far so good.

What is different about this training, is how I went about upping my base miles. Earlier in the year I was running an typical run of 3-4 miles. Since the Holy 10K my goal was to make my normal run 5-6 miles, and add a longer run of 7-8 miles.

I think this has made a difference for me. For starters, it has allowed me to focus on the first half of the race, and get a pace and groove down. I always think the first half of a half marathon is crucial. Tactically, you want to figure how much energy to save, what kind of pace you want, because that helps you through the finish.

At this point I know that on a flat course I can run 6 miles in 1:20 - 1:25. For my fitness level, that is pretty good. I also know I can run 8 miles in under 2 hours. This is ideal for finishing a half in sub 3:30.

The course for the Mo'Cowbell is flat for the first 10 miles. I am pretty confident that I can do the 10 miles in 2:25. The next 3 miles are the challenge. Miles 10 and 11 are uphill - and I mean UPHILL! Obviously there will be some walking. This though is where my running the 5 mile rolly course I found comes in handy. At this point I know how much I can run/walk on a hill, and how much I can walk.

Once I get past mile 11, it flattens a bit, and then the downhill begins. A downhill is always deceptive, because it means you can go faster, but you want to be cautious running downhill. It can wreak havoc on your legs. I do go faster on a decline, but I make it a point not to go crazy.

The goal is to finish strong. If I can finish in 3:15 I will be pleased with this run. To be honest, I will be thrilled to finish after the debacle that was Chicago.

There's the plan. Now I enjoy two weeks of running until the race.

Charlie

Fall Fun - Random Thoughts

Yesterday was a wonderful Fall fun...yes FALL! Remember when I wanted Fall to come. It's here, and I was running. Some random things from the run.....

- I felt great out there. I was moving well. I was breathing well. I ran the 4 miles in 56 minutes and change. I nailed the run.

- The was a police officer walking the trail. I made a point of thanking him. Indianapolis police are stretched thin due to the stupidity of our current mayor(doesn't want to pay them more). So I made sure the officer knew I appreciate his helping to keep the Monon safe.

- I came up with a challenge for the rest of my life. It's interesting, fun....and I will talk about it soon.

- I was happy knowing this was my last run in the old shoes, because later in the day I got.....

Yes my new Dyads came. I got TWO pair. I'm good for a while They look sharp. No more orthopedic looking Dyad. Look fast right? I could set course records with those shoes.

- Feeling excited about the Mo'Cowbell. About two weeks away. Have one more longer run planned. I like how this training has gone, and am thinking how to convert it to a marathon training.

Today is National Run at Work Day. Of course....I think it should just be a National Run Day....and anyone can have a great run.

Welcome Fall!

Charlie

Contemplating Life and Death

This is a different post from what I usually I write about. The inspiration for this post came from the latest Phedippidations podcast. Steve Runner read from the late Dr. George Sheehen's book "Going the Distance: One Man's Journey to the End of His Life." Sheehen was a doctor, runner and philosopher. In the last chapter of the book, Sheehen examines what death means to him, his perception of Christ, and what life is. It was what I listened to during my 5 mile run today.

This last year I have struggled through what I call a mid-life crisis. I have thought about my life, and what death means to me. So where in the heck does running fit in all of this?

Running, when I took it up, was a method to prolong my life. At the time I was pre-diabetic, clinically obese, and most likely on a fast track to dying. As my running life has gone on, running has taken on a new role. It allows me to think, relax, meditate, grow physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What about my running as I get older? I want my running to be a legacy I leave behind. I want people to learn from what I have done. I want people to know that running helps you gain confidence in life. Running makes you a hero(on this Sheehen and I agree).

By hero, I am talking about going from an ordinary life and turning it into something special. When I lace up my shoes, I head out to tackle what the road has for me. There will be twists and turns. There will be nature's elements I have to overcome. I just need a cape and I am flying life Superman.

I want my legacy to teach people that running is a positive benefit. Whether you are a child or a senior, or someone in between, running makes you feel good. I mentioned confidence in life. Let me tell you, after an 8 hour marathon, I feel I can handle pretty much anything life can throw at me.

In my 40s I was reborn as a runner. I turned into an athlete, and I will die an athlete. I will die knowing I had a fun successful running career. When I die, I make no secret, I want to take my medals with me. Yes, I'll be haunting people with the medals around me like Jacob Marley did to Ebeneezer Scrooge with his chains around him.

I can go deeper into my non running thoughts and life and death, but let's save that for another time.

Charlie

I Got More Cowbell

Yesterday a regular customer of mine asked how things were going training for the Mo'Cowbell. I told her how I felt pretty good, but joked that I needed a cowbell so I could train in race conditions. The noise from the bell would give me an idea of what to expect on race day.

Today she came back to the store, and gave me a cowbell. She went home after our chat and dug out a cowbell. I told her I would attach it somehow and go for a run. Maybe not the long run this week. Though, the idea of running with a cowbell is funny, and probably a nuisance at the same time. At least everyone would hear me coming.

Charlie

The Races We Remember: The Moments

A friend of mine was talking to me about a triathlon he did last week. His overall performance was so-so in his mind. He finished 6th in his age group. He was coming off a calf injury. In the end though, he told me this was a half ironman he would remember, because of how much fun he had during it. He enjoyed talking to fellow triathletes, and the whole atmosphere.

The races we tend to remember are not always the one we got a PR, or did our worst. They are the ones that surprise you. There are moments in a race which stand out, and make them memorable.

Here are the moments which stand out for me during my running career:

- Finishing the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, next to last, but three wonderful kids(friends of mine) running with me at the end.

- Running through the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium, and coming out onto the field.

- The moments I have called my sister Anne during a marathon for encouragement.

- Seeing Mark smiling at me at countless race finish lines.

- Running with Mark at the Indy Mini Marathon.

- Thanksgiving Day Races.

- Running in the 2006 Gay Games.

- Running with Kris at the Geist Half Marathon.

- Happy to see Marshall half way through my first marathon.

- The woman in the dreaded Chicago Marathon who tapped me on the shoulder and recognized me as the guy who sold her a jacket at the running store.

There are many more, but those are the ones which come to mind. The point is not one of those moments involved a finish time. Of course I remember those too.

Charlie

The Body Talks to You

I have covered this many times before, but I think it's an important lesson to revisit from time to time. Your body talks to you, and you need to listen to it, or you can do some damage running. My run today reminded me of this on a personal level. Following my 8 mile run the other day I was feeling tight in the legs, but I thought I could run for about an hour today.

I started off fine, just trotting down the road, minding my own business. The road I was on today is the border of Carmel and Westfield. It's a bit rolly. I am choosing rolly paths to help with the hills I will encounter in the next half.

My legs were telling me they were really tight as I was on the incline of the rolls. It started in the hamstrings, but I also felt it in the calves. Still I went on. As I did, I noticed more aches, not pain mind you. Just aches. This was the body saying, "Hey Charlie, keep this up, and I will really make you hurt." Runners are a determined bunch(a.k.a. stubborn), we push on. Not today. I didn't push on.

After 2.5 miles I began a walk. I decided to finish with a walk as opposed to a run. This was not power walk. I just took it easy back to the start point. I'm glad I did.

Running in general cause muscle tears, strains, and many other issues. A long run can only make those more likely. After a long run like I did the other day, today's shorter run was actually the way to go. My brain wanted to do one thing, the rest of the body said no.

I encourage you to really listen to your body when you feel an ache. You don't want an ache to get worse, and neither does your body, or it wouldn't give you the heads up.

Charlie

Let Lance Run

Lance Armstrong is an icon. He won 7 Tour de France races. Of course the cloud of drugs was always around him. Still he defiantly stated time and time again that he did not use drugs. For the record, I have always believed he used, as did most of the riders of his time(through today). We now know Armstrong has been banned from international competition.

Armstrong has won the non-biking world over with his battle against Cancer, and his Livestrong Foundation, which helps millions affected by the disease. Since his retirement, Armstrong has remained active in various races, from triathlons to marathons to bike rides. He uses these events to raise awareness and money for his foundation.

I get it though, he is banned by the USDA. Shouldn't that apply though to the sports he actually could win? Yes, ban him from cycling, but why not let him run a marathon? He isn't going to win. He just wants to do his best like so many other runners out there. He is not threat to the Kenyans.

The Chicago Marathon announced last week that Armstrong would not be allowed to run this year's race, due to the ban. I understand why. Chicago is part of the World Marathon Majors, and they don't want to piss off the USDA or USTAF. Cowards. His running the race is an attraction. The common runner guns for him. It's fun. I have met a lot of people who have been in the same race as Armstrong, and they have told be how they "beat"him. Who wouldn't want a chance to beat the great Lance Armstrong?

Chicago, you blew this one. You played politics, and you played it safe. Bad call. I say let Lance run.

Charlie

The Long Run

With under a month until the Mo'Cowbell, today's long run was an important one. The goal was to run for around two hours. I thought if I could do 8 miles within that time, I would be doing well. I headed off on the Monon through Carmel.

I did the first half in 1:00:36. I felt good on this portion of the run. I wanted to try not to go out too fast, and I didn't. The challenge was going to run a negative split. For those who don't know, a negative split is when your second half is faster than your first half.

At the midway point, I was determined to crank it up a bit. Typically in a long run I'm slower the second half. Still I started the return trip and I pushed. At mile 6 I could tell I was a bit slower, but I was still pushing ahead. I felt good physically, and I wanted to be sure I left everything on the trail. I didn't want to feel like I could do more at the end.

I'm pleased to say that the second half was a negative split and I finished the 8 miles in 1:58:15. I was done physically at the end. I left it all on the trail. I was exhausted on the trip home. I'm really pleased with today's run, and it gives me a lot of confidence as I get closer to race day.

Charlie

Another Shoe Rant

Yup, you get to read another shoe rant of mine. This time....there is no shoe ranking.  Sorry there is no USA Today Coaches Poll of the top 25 running shoes. No one voted the Asics Kayano #1 this week. Yet, there seems to be a growing number of people I encounter who ask what is the top shoe.

This week I had to explain this a few times. Seems there are people who don't like it when I tell them this is no best shoe. Saying a shoe is the best, is like once and for all saying what the best flavor of ice cream is. You can't.

One woman was determined that her daughter would have the best shoe. I nicely explained by fitting properly, we can figure the best shoe for her daughter. Nope, not good enough. She wanted to know what was the best. Sigh.....

I totally get we want the best of whatever, but that best is not everyone's best. Look, if a panel of coaches and writers can't really give a good accounting of which college is the best football team, why would you think a panel would agree on the best shoe?

There is also no best brand. I know, I know, you're co-worker, sister, uncle, or next door neighbor have told you that Nike/Asics/Brooks/Whatever is the best. They say that because of their experience. For many people who try on what so and so said was the best, they don't get what that person sees or feels.

Everyone is different. We all experience shoes differently, because we all have different feet. So understand....there is no best shoe.....except the Brooks Dyad. :-)

Charlie

Belittling Marathoners

Over the course of a few weeks I have written about cheating in a marathon and a slight jab at Paul Ryan's claim to be a sub 3 hour marathoner. Since Mr. Ryan spoke about his blazing fast run in a race 22 years ago, the internet world has been a buzz about this. Who knew that Runner's World magazine would become part of the 2012 presidential campaign?

Since the world found out that Paul Ryan is not a fast marathoner, this is what the Republican Vice-Presidential candidate has said, "I hurt my back when I was in my mid-20s, so I had to stop running. And so obviously, my perception of races and times was off,” Ryan said. “I thought that was an ordinary time until my brother showed me a 3-hour marathon is, you know, very -- crazy fast. I ran a 4-hour marathon."

On this he is correct, running a 2-3 hour marathon is crazy fast. People train very hard for this. People train very hard for a 4 hour marathon. I train hard to accomplish whatever time I run in a marathon. 

As a runner, I feel what Mr. Ryan said and did with his lie belittles what runners do. Now I know he didn't mean to do it. He just gave an answer to a question. Why not just tell the truth though? Why exaggerate? The problem with politics is the minute you say something, there's some geek out there who has to Google something just to be sure what you said was correct.

I don't believe Runner's World had a political ax to grind. I think whoever heard the interview thought, "Wow! I wonder which marathon that was?" Runners do this. They hear about someone's run, and they check it out. When my friends run I check their times. How confused the person must have been when they couldn't find any stats initially. I did this, and could not find a running record for Mr. Ryan. They dug deeper than I, and found the 4:01 marathon time.

Training for and running a 26.2 mile race is difficult. For some of us, personal lives are put on hold as we train. So for someone to make up something, and then call it an ordinary time is a bit insulting. For the record, less than 2% of marathoners finish in under 3 hours.

In the long run, it doesn't matter what Paul Ryan said from a political standpoint. I'm not going to talk about that. From a running standpoint though, it hurts a bit that he lied, and then added insult to injury. You may disagree, and that is fine.

Charlie

You Are a Runner

This is a conversation I have often with people, and I find it odd initially. I am told at least once a week by a person I am helping that they aren't really a runner, because they don't really run well, or they run and walk, or they just do a couple miles at a time. Horse Hockey!

Let me explain running in some simple terms - left foot, right foot, repeat, or right foot, left foot, repeat. Either way, it involves one foot in front of the other. It doesn't matter if you run like a Kenyan, or like a penguin with their pants pulled down(Rod Blagojevich). Who cares if you run 1 mile, or 10? Run/walk runs are as much a run as running full on.

I get that coming into a running store can be intimidating, so I will break it down to make it simple and non-threatening. Running is a hobby for all, but those who compete in the Olympics. Ergo, the running store is your hobby store. We help you with your hobby. We don't judge. I've never judged...except for Rod Blagojevich.

You are a runner, whether you run for your health, or for medals. If you want to call it jogging, that's fine, but it's still running. It isn't complicated. It's one foot, then another, with repetition(like the re-phrasing?).

If you are a regular reader, and you aren't a family member, chances are you are a runner. Be proud, and keep on running.

Charlie

Sub 3 Hour

I remember the day I ran my first sub 3 hour. It was a warm Indiana day. It was the Sunburst in South Bend. This is a race which runs from the College Football Hall of Fame to the 50 yard line inside Notre Dame Stadium. Those who know me, know of my love for Notre Dame.

The race started right after the sun came up. My sister Anne was there to cheer me on. Off we went through the streets of South Bend. I ran past buildings I remembered from my youth like the South Bend Tribune, the old Wyman's and Robertson's stores. We ran along the river, and I remember the course going uphill pretty steeply around mile 4.

Just past the halfway point, and I mean JUST past, there was Anne cheering me on. She wanted to be sure she cheered me on for the last half. She was afraid that if she saw me sooner, I might just quit.

As the course drew closer to the stadium, I thought about my later mother, and how she always encouraged me in life. I got emotional. Tears began to form as I saw the stadium. I got chills, and I still do when I think about heading into the famous tunnel, hearing the Notre Dame Victory March playing.

When I came on to the field, my name was announced. This was where my heroes of the gridiron came running out to battle USC, Michigan, and any other foe who ventured to South Bend. I crossed the finish line in 2:59:05. My goal was to finish in under 3 hours, and I did. My first half marathon was in the books.

I know that time. I have always known that time. While I may not always remember the seconds, I remember to hour and the minutes I ran. Runners do that. We do that, because we know those are the standards that we want to hit again and again, or beat again and again.

I know my PRs. I know what I have done, and I know what I want to do.

In mentioning this, I am not talking about politics, though that would be an easy thing to do. I am talking about know what you have done, and what you are capable of doing. The clock is designed to be your opponent in a race. It is also what keeps you honest. I love the fact time keeps us honest. It doesn't serve any runner well to cheat with time.

Charlie

Waiting to See a Friend

Training for a marathon can be lonely at times. I think every now and then we like to have a bit of encouragement out on the road. My Saturdays offering water to my store's marathon training program gives me the opportunity to be that encouragement. I get to be that friend.

This was brought home to me today as I stood under threat of rain for the runners to come by, so I could give water and some encouragement. An older man in the group(62), told me that he appreciates me there each week. He said, "You are there when I need that lift." That's what a friend does.

So maybe I should change my job title to professional running friend?

Charlie

When It's Good

There are some runs you just feel are working on all cylinders. Yesterday's long run was one of those. The goal was to run for about 1 1/2 hours. I knew that would have me at around 6 miles. I headed to the Monon Trail, and got going.

I knew I felt great at the start. I took off slow and easy. This, of course is the advice I give people all the time. The long run should not be about speed. It's about getting the miles in, working on your endurance and form. About 1/4 into my run, a cat ran out onto the trail, looked back at me, as if to say, "Come on, let's go." I did. My first mile was a 14:59 pace.

In a long run, you start slower, and then begin to pick up speed. I picked it up the next 2 miles. 13:33 and 13:54 min/miles was picking it up. I felt really good at this point. I worked on my breathing, my pacing, and I felt it was coming together.

When things come together, it's easy for your mind to think about the race you are training for. I imagined myself at the half marathon feeling good and running well. I want to have that same feeling on race day.

Yesterday I ran with the iPod, no music though. I listened to Phedippidations, the episode where Steve Runner tells us all about the Walkers of Prince Edward Island. What a great episode, where he takes us on a journey into the past and how his family started in the new world. Excellent show. If you haven't listened to the podcast, head over to www.steverunner.com and listen.

My goal at the end of the run was to finish strong, and I did. You don't want to feel spent as you are heading into the last mile. You can feel spent when you are done, but not going into the last mile.

When the run is good, you feel on top of the world. You feel like you have accomplished something good. That was yesterday's run - a good one.

Charlie

A Better Run

Not that Sunday's run was bad. I just didn't like what the shoe was doing to my right foot. Today was a different run on many counts. I was on a flatter route on the Monon. The shoes were an older pair of Brooks I had. The result was a run I felt better about.

Of course I was faster, the flatness of the route made sure of that. I now understand on a more challenging route, I can expect to run like I do on a flat route. I know that seems like a DUH moment, but it's a mental thing I have to overcome.

The shoes were another story. These Brooks are probably 4-5 months old. Now, for most people that is still the prime of a shoe, not for me. I am good to get three months out of them. These felt ok. I could tell there was less cushion, but my right foot didn't feel like it was being pulled to the outside.

As for the run, I focused on a speedier run. I only had one mile at a 15 minute pace. The other four were under 14:30 or thereabouts. I felt tired at the end of the run, but to be honest, I bet I could have gone another couple miles.

Thursday I am thinking of a 2 hour run as I get ready for the half in October. I want to know I can do this one strongly.

Feel pretty pleased with the day.

Charlie

When a Shoe Goes Bad

I have been running of late in the New Balance 840. So far I have run 6 times in the shoes. I was advised that the changes to my Brooks Dyad should maybe lead me to another shoe. While I wait my pair of Dyad 7's, I have been trying the New Balance equivalent.

The Dyad works for me, because it is wide all the way through, and had a sturdy heel. It usually take me a couple months before the heel breaks down. Just a reminder, I supinate, so I roll incredibly to the outside of my feet when I run and walk. A soft heel is no good for me.

This brings be to the 840. The heel on the right side has practically collapsed and is very worn. The left side is holding up ok, but I can tell it is a matter of time before it collapses as well. Remember, this is after 6 runs - about 40 miles on those shoes.

As I run I feel my right foot being pulled further to the outside. In time this will cause all kinds of issues. I feel it especially as I go up hills. My biggest concern is I will get an IT Band issue.

So now what?

Well the Dyad 6 is almost impossible to find, so I am waiting for a Dyad 7 to come. Hopefully I won't be running in the 840 much.

In the meantime I have found a challenging 5 mile route which is very rolly. This will help get me ready for the Mo'Cowbell.

For now....I wait for me shoe.

Charlie

Not a Doctor

At least once a week I have to explain to a customer, "I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV." The role of a shoe guy is complicated. You not only have to know about shoes, but you have to know a bit about medical issues. This is the point where I flashback to my junior year in high school, where I tell my younger self, "You actually WILL use this science stuff later in life."

On a daily basis people tell me about their medical issues, as it pertains to their feet, legs, hips, and various other portions of the body. I use this information so I can make informed decisions on which running shoes to recommend. The problem is when a runner says something like, "My foot hurts between the big and second toe, what do you think the problem is?" I remind these people I'm not a doctor, and their ailment could be any number of things, perhaps they should check with their doctor. Most won't. They are looking for a Google like diagnosis from a lay person.

We shoe people also walk a fine line with what we see, and why a doctor may have sent someone to see us. The classic example is, "My doctor tells me I have flat feet, and I need to get a Brooks Beast." Before I tell you my response to that, let me detail what I do. I ask people about their running. I ask about their injuries or issues going on. I ask if they are training for anything. I look at the shape of their foot, including the arch. I go over the size of their feet. I also do a gait analysis which shows me how their biomechanics are working. That's a lot of stuff. A flat foot does not require a certain shoes. There is no ONE shoe for someone. ***The following is my personal opinion*** a doctor who tells you something like that is being lazy, or "paid" by a shoe company to give a shoe recommendation.

There are times a podiatrist sends someone to me, telling them to get a motion control shoe(which is for people who severely roll to the inside of their feet as they walk or run), and after my analysis, I see they roll to the outside. I don't get into disagreements with doctors. I tell the person I am not sure what the doctor is seeing, but this is what I see, and we take it from there. I don't want a customer to go to their doctor and say,"Shoe guy tells me you're wrong." No no no......I let the person know I'm not a doctor, but here is what I observe, and I let THEM decide what to do.

I also can't diagnose an ailment. I know what Plantar Faciitis is, and why we get it. If someone asks me if they have it, I tell them it's possible, but to be sure go to a medical professional. I also know what Achillies issues are like, but I won't tell someone they have ruptured it just based on a discussion about shoes.

The person at the running store isn't a doctor. They know a lot, but they aren't a doctor, nor should they be confused for a doctor. If they are acting like a doctor, suggest they enroll in medical school, and stop playing one on TV.

Charlie

In-Store vs Online

This morning, I read an article at Runner's World's website about shopping online versus going to your local running store.

http://news.runnersworld.com/2012/08/21/in-store-or-online-what-decides-where-you-shop/

According to the survey cited 43.7% of shoppers admit to going to the store to look things over, and then turn around and shop online. Yes, this is something I deal with on a weekly basis.  Someone will come into the store to let me know they plan on buying online. Usually they tell me after I have gone through a fitting process with them.

Is it frustrating? Yes. Do I get mad? Maybe for a minute. I'm getting better at letting it go.

I have a vested interest in what I am about to say, but it is also common sense.

When you go to a local specialty running store, you aren't just buying shoes, socks or apparel. You are getting advice, information, encouragement and community. That's a lot packed in to your $110 shoe purchase.

The sales person will be able to talk to you about changes in your shoes - online won't. They will be able to determine if a shoe has the proper support or stability for you. Online fails there. They will encourage you, and in some cases offer training for your next race. Online sells you shoes. All of a sudden that $110 is an investment, and not just a pair of shoes.

A local running store really can't price match Zappos, Road Runner, Dick's or whoever is offering a shoe at 20% off. If they did that all the time, they wouldn't be in business long. Local stores don't do the volume the large big box or online stores do, so how could they match prices like that.

Another thing to consider....shopping locally. That local running store is owned locally, and employs people in your community. They are your running resource. Online is heaven knows where, with people who, quite honestly, don't care about your running. You are supporting your local economy when you shop at your local store....and I don't mean the Dick's Sporting Goods at the mall.

I am not saying you shouldn't be concerned about price, especially if you are going through two pairs of shoes a year. I am saying, you need to think of the shoes as an investment in your health. I have beaten back Diabetes thanks to running. The costs saved there will keep me running for years to come.

Again, yes, I have a vested interest, but this is also good sense. Knowledge and service are included in the price of the shoes at your local store. You can't get that online.

Charlie