Run Tom, Run

Okay - so, I think I've come to the conclusion that I need a new running shoe. I've been running in the same model of New Balance for the last 5 years, but the time has come for a change (at least for the summer anyway). The shoe that I wear (The NB 880 - as seen above) is a more cushioned & bulkier shoe then most. Its good for minimizing the impact of the road and going on long-runs, but not so good for the Texas heat. I need a lighter-weight, cooler shoe. This can be tough to find though. I started using racing flats for the first time this year and I can't believe the difference you feel on the run. The flats are probably about 1/3 of the weight of my training shoes, but I haven't run more then a 5K distance in them - so I don't know how my body will hold up will the reduced support. I think Adidas has a shoe out that they designed for the heat that they will hit in Athens for the marathon this year. Its supposed to be extremely light and actually have ventilation on the bottom of the shoe. Might need to check that one out. I just never have much luck in finding new running shoes (thus me sticking with the same shoe for 5 years), but I'm thinking it might be time to branch out. The other problem is that there are no running stores in Waco. We have a couple of athletic stores here, but none of them carry a decent stock of running shoes/apparel and none of the employees have clue about runners. I don't know a lot about it, but I do know that heavy trail shoe is not a good option if you are looking for a race-day shoe for a 5K (which is what one girl tried to convince me of). So, that leaves me with a road-trip to Dallas or Austin to buy my shoes. I order my shoes online a lot, but you just can't do that when you are looking for a new shoe. You have to try them out. I like Luke's Locker for that. They have treadmills in the store and have you give the shoes a spin to make sure you like the fit. Either Run Tex, or Luke's needs to open a store in Waco. Surely there is enough of a running community in this town to support it!

Another thought - why can't I part with my old running shoes?? I ended up tossing a few when I moved back to Waco, but I haven't parted with a single pair since then. The right side of my closet is now starting to stack high with old running shoes. I think I probably have more then a dozen shoes stacked up in there right now. Somehow I just can't bring myself to get rid of them...