Maybe I Need New Shoes?

Here are my 3rd pair of Newton Neutral Trainers.  Prior to this pair, I had the first generation Yellow Neutral Trainers.  I also have a hot pink pair of Neutral Racers which I reserve only for 'racing'. 

Now, the past few weeks, my feet, shin and calves have really started to ache.  Ok, well not just ache but hurt.  Mostly after a run but also in the morning when I take my first steps.

I usually replace my shoes every 6 months and I only got this pair in July so I figured I couldn't need a new pair already.

I love my Newtons but I was starting to think, maybe they aren't the shoe for me.  Why am I getting all this pain in my lower legs?  Why are my feet so tired all the time?

I even went so far as to try on a few other brands of running shoes when we were shopping for new shoes for my son.  Boy, regular running shoes sure feel weird after wearing Newtons for over a year.  Could it be the shoes?  Maybe I should try the new Sir Isaacs?  The thought of changing running shoe brands again after a year was exhausting.

That is when I had the bright idea to see how many kms/miles I had on my current pair of Newtons.  Funny thing happened...turns out (thanks to my Garmin 405 data) that I had run 720kms or 600miles on these trusty pair of runners.  I ran the data report another time just to make sure it was correct.  It was.  I then sent a message to all my Tweeps asking after how many miles they change their runners.  Turns out, most change between 300-500 miles.  A couple of people even changed theirs every 200-300 miles. 

After inspecting the bottom of my shoes, I also discovered this split in the lugs.  Who knows how long that has been there?  I run on a crushed gravel trail most of the time so I guess a rock must have split the sole.

You would think that after all the training I did this year, I would know when to replace my shoes.  Well, guess again.  I have never really trained or run at the volume I did this year and never needed to change my shoes more than once every 6-8 months. 

As most of you know, Newtons are not cheap.  Good thing my husband is running the RNR Las Vegas this weekend and Sir Isaac will be there selling at the expo.  I can buy them locally or on-line but they are about $20 more expensive that way. 

For now, I will train in my hot pink racers that have less than 100kms on them.

At least running shoes are cheaper than race wheels or bike parts.

Happy training!