Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Since the kids have been in bed, I've been trying really hard to research and shop for shoes while watching The Bachelor at the same time.  Yes, there you go, I admit it.  I do indulge in watching The Bachelor.  It is my little mindless treat for the week.  And now, add online shopping to that!  Good Grief, what has happened to me?!  Seriously, I'm not a big shopper.  And I've certainly never been an online shopper.  Until now.  Reading all these running blogs about great running shoes, gear, and gizmos has got me thinking of all kinds of things I'd love to have to support my running passion.  For now, I'm just shopping for shoes and trying to control myself from buying all the cute lil' tanks and shorts that will probably make me run faster on race day.  They do make you run faster, right?  I'm convinced that I would run a 18:30 5k or a 1:29 half marathon if I had this Nike Long Y Back Black and Mega Blue Tank.  It's on sale too!  I think I need to go back and get it (see, this is not the normal Amanda talking...what have you done to me blog world?!).  

My online shopping tonight was really all about shoes.  I think that after 18 years of running that it is about darn time that I start figuring out what kinds of shoes I like and what works for me.  
Here's where I am at with shoes:


Saucony Kinvaras 
I recently started having some lower/inside hamstring pain and I was thinking it had to do with my over pronation and running in my Saucony Kinvaras.  However, I'm thinking now that my biggest problem with these shoes was that I didn't ease my way into them like I should have.  I probably should have been using them for shorter easy runs here and there until I slowly moved my way up to longer distances.  I will still try this in small steps.



Stability Shoes
I do know now that I have been running in a stability shoe for most of my running years and I didn't know it.  Over the years I've worn Nike Pegasus, Addias Super Nova, Addias Boston, Nike Elite 4, and now the Mizuno Inspire 6 (which I like). 


Transitioning/Neutral Shoes
I would like to try out some different kinds of shoes that might run more in the neutral category without totally giving up my stability shoe.  


Racing Shoes
I'm interested in having a road racing shoe that will be good for 5ks-Marathons.  I'm sure this doesn't make a huge difference for a runner like me but there is something to be said about having a special "fast" shoe that you get to take out just for race day.  Makes racing seem extra special no matter how slow or fast I am.  


Here's What I have coming to me in the mail soon:


Addias Adizero Mana 5 
This is a light stability racing shoe.  It can be used for speedwork and longer and shorter races.  


Mizuno Wave Rider 14
I am currently running in the Mizuno Inspire 6's and wanted to try to alternate with a more neutral shoe so I thought this one would be a good one to try out since I like the Inspires. 

Mizuno Inspire 6
These were on sale so I decided I might as well order another pair since I like the ones I'm in.  I'm just a little confused by the width measurements...I don't know if I'm in an A or B.  I ordered a 7.5 B so I'm hoping it is the right size. 

And last but not least, I'm thinking about ordering these to try out:

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the Nike LunaRacer +2? 

So there we have it!  My online shopping is officially over and I am going to go back to being the non-shopper that I am.  Well....I did see some Saucony Shorts that I liked too.  I might just have to go back to teaching to support my new obsession with running gear.  Either that or I need to start writing some really awesome blog reviews so companies just start sending me free stuff to try out and then convince YOU to Love it!  

What kinds of shoes do you run in?  

Do you use a racing shoe for race day?  

Do you have an outfit that you consider your "race day outfit"?  

I'm a big believer in feeling good on race day..physically and mentally.  I think what I wear is important to helping me feel good and run faster.  After all, if I look and feel sleek, sexy, and bad ass then perhaps it will help me run faster.  I think so.  That's just me.  But I have not run in something "sleek, sexy and bad ass" since our speed suits in college.  Since then, I'm pretty frumpy  looking so I would love your favorite racing outfit suggestions.  

Come on Chris K, I know you have some favorite little manly bun huggers that you wear with your Newton Shoes and a tight spandex tank that shows off your muscles!

Amanda


P.S.  My husband just read this and he's across the room laughing and saying "You'd really call your college speed suit sleek and sexy?!  It was like running in a bathing suit!"  Hey, I felt sleek and sexy in it!