back into running

I couldn't figure out why my knees were hurting so bad when I ran. And I really wanted to be able to run. I was sure it was my form, or the fact that I was only running on sidewalks or roads, or maybe because I've put some weight on since having the baby. Over the past couple of weeks I've heard really good things about Brooks. I almost wanted to think that a pair of shoes could eliminate my knee pain, but I kind of brushed it off at first. Then last Sunday I was talking with a friend about running and she mentioned that she got a new pair of running shoes every 6 months. First of all I couldn't imagine doing that, but then again, I don't run every day like she does. I started thinking about my own shoes. When did I get them? Oh yeah, it was in Vancouver, WA.... Which means I got them at least 4 years ago... We did buy another pair of running shoes out here, but my toes were hurting (I guess I didn't allow enough toe room when I bought them oops). And since the pregnancy my feet have actually grown and those shoes don't fit me at all anymore.

I started talking with my brother, who is a hardcore runner and currently works at a running store. We started talking shoes. He explained some things to me about running shoes and found me a running store - comparable to the one he works at in Idaho. He found Running Wild. I went in Monday night and watched me walk. I had only taken 2 steps and they already knew what I needed. They told me that I over-pronate when I walk. They pulled out a few different shoes that were a good match for me - designed with a stiff inner border (medial aspect of the shoe) to keep me from over pronating when I walk. It makes great sense. I have really flat feet so I would be over-pronating. They had great customer service and I bought the shoes that felt light and the most comfortable. These happened to be Mizuno Wave Inspire 8.

I went for my first run on Tuesday - just 1.5 miles - but it was amazing. I was paying special attention to my knees and actually expecting them to still hurt. Previously, as soon as I began jogging or running, my knees would immediately hurt. So I couldn't believe I completed even that amount of a run without knee pain. Woohoo!!! I've been on a total of 3 runs this last week with absolutely no knee pain. My shoes were expensive, yes, but I consider this to be an investment toward my health and fitness. I've already started looking at races. Ultimately I would like to get up to doing at least a half marathon. I would like to do races along the way working up to it (not just running a half marathon when I can make it that long) because I want to be competitive and do well. My sister-in-law and I are hoping to run a race together this summer. Very exciting!!