A Shoe That Change My Life

 Two months into my marathon training I have determined that I need some solid running shoes. Not a pair of stiff Nike. Although, the Nike’s do create a much more stylish vibe to my training routine. The bright neon pink strip screams NIKE to anyone who sets their eyes on them. It is interesting how an artistic element to a product can be stylish but also effectively express a solid brand message.

Anyways, I went to Dick Pond.  Dick pond is a local running shoe store in Naperville, IL. They are known for their strong support to all marathon runners and wide range of running products. The wide range of product choices is not even the best part of this store. The best part is that they will find you the best shoe to make your training and running routine as comfortable as possible with an injury free promise. I walked right in and the conversation went like this.

Me “Hi! I need a pair of running shoes, I am training for the Chicago Marathon”

Worker “Lets find you the best shoes possible, congratulations in advance for running!”

SO NICE! Am I right? The first impression of the shoes I purchased began with the way in which I purchased them. We proceeded to the shoe section and the lady placed me on a treadmill to test my running pattern. She analyzed the way that my feet stride and provided me with running tips based on this analysis. While the running tips were helpful, I was more interested in the shoe she was going to “prescribe me.”

I say “prescribe me” because this was almost like going to the doctor! They asked you a few questions, understood your concerns, and they provided you with diagnosis. My diagnoses was that I had flat feet. Flat as a pancake.

What was the cure
you ask? A nice pair of Brooks running shoes.

Lets take a look- Now, these shoes are not as flashy as my original pair of Nikes. They are not anything special. At first, of course being a girl wanted the “pretty shoe” and then I realized… I am an idiot.

Let me tell you about these shoes… AMAZING. Literally one word, AMAZING. I put these bad boys on an hour after the purchase and felt like I was Speedy Gonzales. I was running on clouds! My feet felt so light, I honestly thought I could run the 26.2 miles right then and there.

I have been running with these shoes for about three weeks now and I have found an incredible difference in my running. The Brooks brand accommodates ONLY runners and the make sure to take care of those runners. I never thought that a gym shoe could change my lifestyle! If I were to recommend this shoe I would only recommend it to a runner. This shoe is not for a person who is not a dedicated runner. You should only be wearing these shoes if you are dedicated to the hobby of running.

All in all, I love these shoes. I love everything about them. Brooks has changed my life. In a short three weeks, Brooks has been life changing. My feet feel amazing and I have never been so confident to run 26.2!

Shoe or Accessory?

Think about the way in which you pick your outfits. What are you doing that day? What is your goal? What is the weather?

Going to the gym is not the most fabulous part of your day. It wouldn't make sense to pre plan your workout outfit, or apply makeup, and especially do your hair. This would be the logical way to think about this scenario. In fact, it even seems silly that a price on a pair of Nike shoes would even cost more than $100. Would it be silly if those $100 are spent on a product that is proven to enhance your running ability? This is a theory that I have been pondering on each day I train for the Chicago Marathon. The price we put on style is just as apparent in workout apparel. We purchase what makes us good even at our worst. Dripping sweat and panting like a dog is not pretty but hey, my outfit is great! More importantly, I have really cool looking shoes. 

What do you even know about those shoes? Besides the appearance? Probably nothing. 

As I train for the marathon I have to be careful in my training techniques. Most importantly, my foot wear. Would it make most sense for me to choice the shoe that has my favorite color and a design elements that turn a simple gym shoe into a fashion statement? No. For a lot of other people that is their first instinct. Lets take a look at the two images below. Now lets say you are a women and I asked you "which shoe did your eye go to first" you will probably admit the Nike.

Why though? Why was that our first instinct... lets be honest the Asics are incredibly boring. Now, lets switch you are a man and the color of the Nike's have switched from orange to blue. Before typing... I thought of course the guy is going to pick the boring one. But actually, as I put my thoughts in order I would say that a male might still find the Nike's more appealing. We love trendy! The Nike's are in fact, trendy!

What else is trendy?

Nike's website...

What isn't trendy?

Asics....

But what if i told you that the Asics are lightweight, provide more support, have been seen to provide longer comfort than Nike, and last longer. It may or may not change your mind BUT it may have told your brain to stop and think about your decision a big longer. Maybe all we need in this world is to THINK A LITTLE BIT LONGER. We make decisions on such an impulse. Advertising and social media has developed our sense of urge to pick an item based off of image, not reliability. Once you put yourself in an activity or a scenario when you are forced to choose reliability you realize how little we know about certain products. It is amazing that our sense of seeing is such an incredible impact on the way we live.

Something that caught my eye even further was the website differences for both brands. The Nike website is designed with impeccable artistic elements. The color scheme is eye catching and the way they use visual effects with slide show images and pictures makes the consumer want to purchase right away. Nike makes their consumers excited to shop.

The Asics website was much more simple. The colors were prominently white and blue. Key words like "light weight" "amazing support" and "natural" were used to express that the shoe was made to help you succeed in your run.

Unfortunately society will continue to be persuaded by flashy images. In the end, we will continue to judge a book by its cover.

Find A Cure With A Hobby

In 7th grade a friend of mine invited me to join the cross country team. I accepted the invitation with hesitation. I remember the first practice like it was yesterday. The 2:50 end of the day bell rang and I slowly walked to the gym. I walked up to the coach and he said "Oh Gina they changed the bus line today, you can go to the west gate for your ride home." I looked at him and said "oh no... I want to join the team." I have never seen such doubt in someones face. I remember thinking to myself... this is it, I am going to prove everyone wrong. Since that day, I have turned the sport of running from a nightmare to a hobby. 

Years later, I have decided to take this hobby and put it to good use. On October 12th, 2014 I will be running the Chicago Marathon. I am running for the Christopher Reeves foundation to help raise money for spinal injury cure. My brother is a victim of a spinal injury caused from a malpractice in 2007. I am running for him and all those that have suffered from the same injury. I am scared, nervous, and excited to be a part of such an incredible event. In 188 days I will have accomplished a task that I never imagined my strength and mind could handle. 

I realized my joy for running could be pushed in the Chicago Marathon when I felt the intense sense of accomplishment at the end of each run. The moment I finished I felt proud and ready for the next challenge.  Although the number of consistent running is nothing near 26.2 I am ready to be challenged. I am taking my hobby and using it for the better of his community and I will continue to update on progress. For all those that ever doubted their ability to accomplish something, please take my story as a push to try. Running was a enemy, now, it is my biggest inspiration.