Saturday, March 31, 2012

My Glass Slipper

Today Jason and I went to Big Peach Running Company so that I could get fitted for a proper pair of running shoes.  As soon as we walked in we were greeted by Todd, one of the sales associates.  I explained to him why I was there and he got me started on their Fit Process.

First thing he had me do was stand on a pad that scanned my feet to tell us about my arch, center point of balance and where I bear the most weight.  He said my arch was normal (which really surprised me considering I'm an avid flip flop wearer about 90% of the year).  My center of balance was a little to the right, which was no biggie, and I put more weight on my right foot than on my left.

The next thing he had me do was jog for about 10 seconds on the treadmill.  They use what is called a Video Gait Analysis.  They record you as you jog to get a better understanding of your pronation tendency.  He told me that only around 30% of runners have a neutral/normal pronation.  He then had me watch two other videos before we watched my video.  The first was a runner with a neutral pronation - the ankle stays fairly straight and the back of the shoe is level with the ground.  The second was a runner who over pronated.  We then watched mine, where I learned I have a neutral pronation.  I was in the 30% - woo hoo! :)

I really liked the neutral stability shoes he had me do the analysis in.  They were the Brooks Ghost 4.  They had a good bit of cushion and felt nice when I ran.  I was going back and forth between them and another shoe.  And the shoe that won is...


The Mizuno Wave Rider 15!

It's a more firm shoe but I felt good in it when I jogged around the store.  I may also get a pair of the Brooks for some variation.

If you're in the market for a new pair of running shoes I highly recommend Big Peach Running Company.  Their exchange policy is also great - Todd told me that if I took a run in them and decided I did not like them that I could bring them back!   Can't wait to take them out on their first run.

They have tons of other products for runners that I came across while deciding which shoe I liked best - apparel, socks, energy supplements, even stuff for your dog.

So, needless to say, this soon to be princess has found her glass slipper

3 comments:

  1. Saw you started following my blog so I came over for a peek at yours. We are going to be running the Princess Half together, YAY! I am 31 and 26 weeks pregnant with our third baby, but that isn't going to slow me down!!! Looking forward to checking in on your training too. Hugs Princess!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Jen. Love the new shoes. I am going to have to find a running store around here to get fitted next time. We have the same goals for the Princess 2013. I am also doing the C25K. I am on week 6. Can't wait to read more.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank goodness you went and got a proper fitting. THe appropriate shoes are so important in your running journey. The right shoe can help prevent injury and keep you more comfortable. I am also a neutral and I have been very happy with the Nike Pegasus line - it's great when you find something that feels good!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments make me smile :)