Hello, people in my internet! Today is my second housiversary — two years ago today, I closed on my house. Let’s celebrate with a mortgage that far exceeds my property’s current value. Huzzah!
– Actually, I’m not all that miffed about low property values. It’s just a number on imaginary paper, after all, since I have no plans to move soon. I’m a long-term investor, me. Anyway, we decided to have a quiet day together, my house and I, sipping glasses of tap water and convincing ourselves that the back bedroom does NOT need to be painted, especially now, right before holiday cheer explodes. Even if there is a new computer on the way, one that would look nice in a crisp, white room.
– Speaking of the computer, you should have heard my sigh of relief when I got the e-mail yesterday that it had been shipped. I was getting angrier and angrier with myself for not having gone to a store to buy it (I wanted certain specs, but mostly I just forgot that there are Apple stores in the real world). And since the projected delivery window was the 18th-22nd, I was filled with anxiety over the idea that I might have to stay at home all weekend and ON MY BIRTHDAY, waiting for it to arrive. I couldn’t even say that out loud before, lest it come true. But now it’s on its way, to be delivered before I start my holiday celebrations.
– A question: Can anybody recommend a really good (but not reeeally expensive) running shoe? It needs to have amazing arch support (I have very high arches, and I also had plantar fasciitis earlier this year), plus lots of cushion for the balls of my feet, particularly in the big-toe region (if that makes sense). I’ve recently realized that I have no natural padding on that joint, and since my current shoes are pretty worn out, the result is that the balls of my feet start to go numb after a while. Perhaps I’d be better off finding a good insert rather than wishing for the perfect shoe.
– Whilst on the topic of running and such. . . as part of my gym membership, I receive their monthly magazine, Experience Life. I’ve been really surprised at its quality, actually; there’s always something interesting to read. This month, they have an article about high intensity interval training, so I’ve been (sort of) following their training chart. I’ve got pretty strong legs (to compensate for a noodle-like upper body), but I’ve been surprised how doing sets of sprints can make my muscles feel weak the next day. It’s good.
A good friend of mine suggested that I go to a good running shoe store to be fit for a pair of sneakers, although I’m NOT a runner! It was a great suggestion – the salesperson actually watched me walk with just socks on to see how my feet turn, and then put me in the right kind of sneaker for MY feet. It cost ~ $100, which wasn’t too bad for the service & great fit!
Kohl’s always has pretty good prices on running shoes. I prefer New Balance. I have really narrow feet and high arches and they are awesome!
I’m not a runner but the commercials I hear for the New Balance shoes make it sound like that would be a good place to go. Their shoes are in the $100 range, I think, but would be worth it if they fit well. Much better than the shoes I paid that much for at a local department store and which I can’t wear because they’re not the right size.
If you can wait just a few days, this place – Marathon Sports on 50th and France, is sending you a gift certificate good towards new shoes. They have custom fitting for shoes. Happy Pre-Birthday!!!!
.M
I highly recommend Saucony. I was running in Nikes for awhile, but I tested some Sauconys and they were great for me, as they provided the stability I need. I do not recommend going some place like Kohl’s (sorry Sarah). Go someplace that will allow you to go for a quick little sprint/jog in a few pairs. Hop across the river and try Run N Fun http://www.run-n-fun.com/ They are not a chain, like the Running Room.
I LOVE Rykas. Love ‘em. Want to marry ‘em.
Your feelings about your mortgage just about mirror mine. ; ) *fingers-crossed* of course.
I suffer from some of the same problems as you and I over-pronate. I have to agree that going to a good store where they watch how you walk and run makes all the difference. I ended up with a shoe I never would have picked off the shelf (Mizuno) but now – no more numbness!
I also over-pronate, but what helps me are Dr. Scholl’s athletic shoe gel liners. A podiatrist I randomly met on the bus recommended that to me. Hope that helps!
I am a New Balance girl all the way–even though I have the opposite problems as you. I have wide, flat feet…but New Balance offers several widths and arches in all of their shoes. They say that the best time to try on shoes is at the end of the day when your feet are the most swollen…
We have a store in the Madison, WI area (a whole lotta help that is to you) called Moving Shoes. They let you try on shoes and run around the block or on an in-store treadmill before decided whether or not you want them. You can take them home and run with them for a week and still return them if they do not feel right…find a shoe store run by running enthusiasts.
Hi Anna,
I want to throw in my vote for New Balance running shoes! I use the 800 series for trail running, but if you’re looking for comfort for your high arches, I think the 900 series will be good. The NB staff will fit you according to your needs!