Shoe Saving Measures

Now with all this talk about saving money – let’s focus on our shoe allowance.

Two important Questions:

How much did you spend on runners last year? And how long did those shoes last?

"The rule of thumb is usually about 500 to 700 miles is a good distance to replace your shoes."

The life of your runner depends on:

• Your body weight – I’m a bantamweight.
• How many miles – I’ve got 43 miles on pair #3, 477 miles on #2 and 460 miles on #1.
• Your foot strike - So far I have no issues.
• The type of shoe – trail runners versus flats.
• What surface you usually run on. I run on a mixed terrain and avoid cement.
• Keeping them clean. I have been known to throw them in the washer on the gentle cold cycle when I want them to look spiffy for a race. I also sweep them off with this Whisk.

Tips on runner care:

• Spray on a Waterproof spray before you take them outside. (I have never done this!)
• Shoe cleaning foam?
• Replace the insole after 100 miles. Sounds like a good idea.
• Make sure you facilitate the drying of your shoes! If they are wet, tilt them over and place them somewhere warm. I’ve even stuffed them with newspaper to absorb the moisture. [I think shoe dryers are for the rich and famous.]
• Rotate your shoes. I really believe this accounts for the long life of my runners.
• Did I mention throwing them in the washing machine?

How do you extend the life of your runners?

-----

Ways to Avoid the Rain

This time of the year, I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to avoid running in the rain. If you live in the Northwest, you know what I’m talking about.
I get cold and miserable! I have to keep wiping off my glasses so I can see the path. My long ponytail ends up looking like a rat’s nest.

Possible:

• Keep an eye on the radar screens at Weather.com or AccuWeather.com. Wait for those large clusters of dark green or yellow to pass.
• Overdress in rain gear. Every time I do this – it stops raining.
• Lather on the sunscreen. (Reverse psychology...)
• Run at the gym. (My very last option.)

Impossible:

• Click your heels three times and repeat, “It never rains when you run.”
• Cancel your run.
• Wager a bet with your runner partner – bet that the rain will stop.
• Don’t run in the Winter or Spring.
• Run with a Rihanna umbrella.
• Move to Tempe Arizona

Eugene, Oregon Rainfall:

-----

FALL Running Gear

Often, in the Northwest, there is transition from summer to fall – a gradual cooling with the shorter days. But this year it seemed too happen overnight.

My Checklist for Fall Gear:

1. Waterproof top and pants.
Today, in the pouring rain, I wore poly shorts and a technical shirt. These fabrics are not as bad as cotton, but I still felt heavy wet. (They do however dry faster than cotton.)
2. Waterproof holder for the iPod.
I ended up slipping my exposed played into my back pocket. It stayed relatively dry. (That’s how fast I run : )
3. New Gloves
I’ve yet to find a rain proof pair. I usually just pull down my selves in an attempt to keep dry.
4. A Bright Cap
A cap with a big brim to keep the rain out of the eyes. Just till winter – then I switch over to a headband.
5. New Socks
Still looking for a sock that keeps the feet warm while running – but are not too THICK.
--
Looks like I’ve got a lot of shopping to do. I would love to hear what everyone else is buying this Fall.

“There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story.”
- Linda Hogan
-----