Did what I should have done months ago and picked up some new shoes. My NB's were getting too worn down. On a few runs over the last couple weeks they just haven't had any traction on leaves or other wet surfaces. I was thinking I might add some screws to the bottom for my winter runs, but with almost 600 miles on them, they really were done. So, Hurricane Sandy forced my hand. There's no way I'd be able to run the Dirt Monster on Sunday without trail shoes, and the RD'd email last night confirmed that the course was a mess and that a few slight modifications would need to be made to go around downed trees, etc. Unlike last year, the leaves were not going to dry out and blow off the trail, so what is a pretty rough trail when you can see the roots, rocks, etc. will be even more difficult with a thick layer of leaves and mud. But fortunately, that will make for a softer landing when I bite it (so long as I miss the rocks and roots). So...praying for a sprain-free, injury-free training run/race. There's a relatively new running store in town, True Runner, so I decided to give them a try. I had a 10% off coupon, and since the Fleet Feet and Elite Runners weren't having any sales, I figured I'd give True Runner a try. They recently opened a second store in St. Louis, apparently. I called ahead and they have changing rooms with lockers. Since I headed out there during work hours, I brought my running gear just in case. The folks there were super friendly and seemed very knowledgeable. Their selection of trail shoes was pretty good. I tried on several pairs but with my orthotics, I have to be fairly choosy in finding a shoe that doesn't make me feel like my foot is only half way in to the shoe. They didn't have any New Balance since NB seems to change their models and offerings so frequently, but I was looking for a change anyways. From reviews and talking with a few other runners, I was focused on either Mizuno or Brooks. I like to be a little different, so I stay away from Asics because it seems like everyone wears them. I liked my NB's because they had some color to them, but were primarily grey so they didn't look dirty after my first muddy run and washing. I don't like white shoes - they look great until they get dirty the first time and then they just look dirty all the time. I'm also not a big fan of flashy/bright shoes because they scream "I'm super fast" and I'm not, so I've always avoided them. But, after trying on several different shoes, I threw that thinking out the window and went with the Brooks Cascadia 7s. I got them in the blue which is kinda between a bright red/orange, "These shoes show I kick butt, so take a good look at them from the front and sides now because you'll only be seeing the heels once the gun goes off" and my old grey NBs that just say, "I'm a runner...maybe I'm fast, maybe I'm not, but don't count me out." The blue is a nice change, I must admit. Some time ago, I had a coworker who's wife was a runner and swore by the Injinji toe socks. I wear a gel toe wrap product on one of my toes because I tend to get blisters under it from the next toe rubbing on it. I decided I'd pick up a pair of the Injinji's since I needed a sock that came up a little higher than my anklets to keep the mud/pebbles out. Anyways, enough of my adventures at True Runner. Jogged about 1/4mi at TR, then after work, hit the TM at the gym. Socks feel good, but I'm not convinced they're worth the $12/pr. They may just require a little getting used to, as they said they might. So, I wore them doing an interval workout on the TM going from 0% to 4% incline every 2 mins for 30 mins. Took it pretty easy, but it was a good workout. Then kicked it up to a 7:15 pace for a 1/4mi - shoes felt good, so I think I'll give them a go for the race.
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