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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

How much would you pay to be a runner?


One of my goals this year is to become a runner. The first part of meeting that goal is to run a 5k. I've been jogging on the treadmill and taking jogs around my neighborhood, but one thing that keeps getting in my way is the foot pain. Every time I go for a run my feet end up hurting, so I have to take a week off.

I knew the problem was in the shoes. I decided I needed new running shoes, so I bought some at a store known for the cheap deals. I (literally) grabbed the cheapest pair I could find and ran out because the store was closing. At $25 I got quite the steal, right? Wrong! I definitely believe you get what you pay for. Those things are not good for my feet.

Today I went into a running store downtown. I knew I could find an awesome, perfect pair, but it would require paying a little bit more money. Eric waited in the car with a sleeping Samuel and I took Silas in with me. Judah was with my inlaws.

First they measured the length and width of my feet. Then, they watched me walk barefoot and measured my feet again with all my weight on them. I tried on three pairs and they had me jog in them to see how they fit. The lady helping me told me I have wide feet and high arches. Because of the arches my feet were turning to the outside as I ran, which was causing the pain. They fitted me with the perfect pair of running shoes, specialized arches to help support them and keep them in the proper position, and special socks that prevent blisters and whisk away wetness.

I did notice one thing when I walked in, there were no price tags on the shoes. Weird.

So, I told them I'd go ahead and buy them. I was ready to start running hardcore with the perfect shoes. I went up to the register, they rang me up and I was expecting to pay around $100.

"That will be $195.98."

"Ummm, I have to go check with my husband....I'll be right back..."

Maybe this is the reason I never became a runner. It's too dang expensive.

When I got back in the car Eric said he didn't think I should buy them. I didn't want to not buy them, though, because they helped me out so much. I would feel bad for saying no. But, if I just left without saying anything I would be too embarrassed to ever go back into that store. And, what if I saw them at a 5k I was running? Embarrassing!

I decided to drive away. To drive away from ever setting foot in Runner's World* again. And, hopefully, I'll be able to find a cheaper, just as amazing pair of running shoes.

*Name has been changed
Written with love by Morgan at 8:31 PM
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13 comments:

  1. Good for you for sticking to your budget! There have been several occassions where I've been guilted into buying something because of the sales service...especially in botiquie little shops! Hope you can find a much better deal, have you checked out online stores now that you know what kind of shoe the store recommended?
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  2. at least now you know more about your foot and what sort of support you need. (or what brand of shoes you run best with). $200 bucks! yowza. i wouldve done the same. they are so helpful there, i know its hard to not feel obligated. don't stop running! i'm starting to run again, and danna is running too. maybe we can all run together in the park. we are doing the bay2breakers in may, its a 10K run/walk.
    did you try kohls? or famous footwear? or big 5?
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  3. that is pretty steep. we have found through joe's running, though, that a good pair of shoes solves a lot of problems. he wasn't able to run for 5 years, and now after getting a good pair of shoes, he ran a half marathon and is training for a full. his cost $90, which is a lot less than those. i would definitely shop around!
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  4. They are worth it. I use to wear a pair of cheap Nikes I had purchased on Ebay. My shins would hurt after every run. It would take days to recover and running was not enjoyable. I ended up at the store you went to I am sure of it. They measured my feet and made mention of my foot width. Then they had me test some shoes out and asked me how they felt. They felt springy. Is that a word springy. I had a bounce in my step. Well $110 and Nine months later my feet and runs feel great.
    I have a pair of Asics IGS GEL Cumulus 10 with Gel support. I heard if you are a frequent runner to change your running shoes every 3 months. However, mine seem to be fine but I'd love a new pair. PS. Check Ebay with the model number.Make sure the seller is reputable by checking there feedback. They should have atleast 100 feedback. I found the same style on Ebay for about 84.99 with shipping. A savings of about $40.00 or so.
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  5. if you're going to run often, I don't think $200 is that bad. I'm not a runner, but I would think it is something you would need the top of the line stuff for. if you're feet hurt, that pain will find it's way up your legs and into your back if you're not careful.
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  6. I had to laugh at your story because I would have done the same thing! LOL! Hey, the store did inspire you to run--you just ran right out! There's a lot of good info on line about how to buy the right shoes on your own. When I used to run, I always had the problem of getting jacked up toenails. (That and there wasn't enough duct tape in the world to keep all my parts from jiggling and flopping, but I don't think the right shoes would help that!) Good luck. Tell Berto that true ninjas run barefoot.
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  7. Yikes! Yeah, my husband definitely wouldn't go for that, either. I guess it's a good thing my family has bad knees - I never really attempt running because of that!
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  8. Well I'm a cheap person in general so I definitely wouldn't have bought them then. However over time I've learned that some things are worth the money. If I was going to run on a regular basis I'd save up and possibly spend that much.
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  9. The shoes you have in the picture are the one's I have. And they were not $200.SO, if those were the one's,you should look elsewhere for a better deal:)
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  10. No, those aren't the ones. Those are just a random picture I found.
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  11. They get you in there don't they! I just bought a pair of running shoes from there but not quite the price of yours and totally worth it because my feet don't hurt anymore. There is a No Boundaries program starting next week to get you running a 5K through Fleet Feet, you should check it out online. I am looking forward to learning the ins and outs of running Good luck with finding a pair of running shoes.
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  12. Hey! I occasionally read your blog and I am a runner with arch problems. You can get a decent pair of Asics (a great running shoe brand for just about any type of foot) for anywhere from $60 - $90. They last a long time if you are a runner like me (4-5 days a week, 3 miles each time). Also, I have bad arch problems, so I bought arch supports for approx. $20 at www.footsmart.com. Haven't had a problem since I bought those a year ago! Good luck!!!
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  13. My goodness, for $200 dollars those darn shoes better do all the work for you and then give you a deep tissue massage afterward! I have always wanted to be a runner. I have tried many times, it just never seems to stick. I have sorta resigned myself to just being a good walker. Pretty lame. Who knows, maybe you will inspire me!
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