first post

So here I am. I have been a competitive runner since 2005 . I was a high school runner and swimmer. I continued dabbled in triathlons, water polo, softball, basketball and weight training after high school. Each year I would do less. At age 36 I was 30 pounds overweight. It hurt to run. It was time to start running regularly again.

Needed to get started: Shoes.

A friend had given me a pair that weren't right for him.
This is cheap - it isn't the best thing.

I bought shoes from department stores. This saves money too but it is not smart money. If your shoes do not give you the proper alignment, cushion, and support you need then injuries are on the way. I was lucky- I got away with only shin splints.

Spending the extra money to get the right shoes from a professional running store will cost more up front but will save you money in the long run - you won't need another pair right away like when shoes you got from kmart weren't right, you will get more bang for your race entry fee, you won't hurt as much, you may save money at the doctor, chiropractor, and massage therapist.

Front Runner, Road Runner sports and Second Sole here in Columbus offer a good selection and the service needed to get the right shoe. Ask about discontinued shoes. Ask about other discounts for running clubs or teams.

You can save money on your SECOND pair of shoes by getting the same or similar shoe at a department store, closeout or online.

Here in Columbus you can get the SECOND pair at Sports Authority or Kohl's. You can save up to $50 a pair.

You need to get a pair from a real running store at least every 3 years.

Typical high quality running shoe from a running store: $80-$110
Life of a running shoe varies greatly on type of runner, type of running, type of shoe and more. A shoe should last at least 100 miles. I would not recommend ever exceeding 400 miles in a pair.

I wear mine about 300 miles (less for flats).

It is best to buy the next pair of shoes halfway through the life of the first. I rotate shoes until the first is at 300 and the second is at 150. Then the first become daily walking shoes. A new pair is rotated in. once that walking shoes get ugly they becoming the lawn mowing shoes. And the cycle continues.

I go through 4 pairs of running shoes a year.