Alright… James definitely wins the “most creative” award for the topic of “the next post” (ie this one). Running an Easter race dressed as a chick? Haha… that would be AWESOME! Minneapolis readers – you fill me in on an Easter race in the area, and I’m down!
But no, that was not the plan for today. It wasn’t too much of a stretch to figure out that it was NEW SHOE time! The baby chick… long story short, some customer bought it for me when I was working my very first job at a grocery store when I was 14. Awkward experiences = story of my life. Throw that in the “adversity training” category. 
ANYWAYS. New shoes! Trust me… it was time. It was past time. If you haven’t noticed, I haven’t really mentioned any injury/pain lately. Before you just say “Maybe that’s just because you haven’t been blogging a ton lately…” (my bad hombres), I’d stop you and say that for the most part, it’s true! No real injuries so to speak of. Hip is feeling as solid as it ever will, I’m strength training like it’s my job thanks to my awesome Model Per4mance team, and I’m taking good care of my body! My weekly running mileage is also half of what it used to be, but I’m swimming and cycling and cross training to make sure I’m the best damn triathlete I can be!
But you’re right.. I said for the MOST part. Twice now since the new year, I have been out on a run with my guys team, and been having a great run. Both times in the last mile (coincidental) I have had this sudden feeling in my right foot like it was going to snap in half… an action that is most definitely not Dr. TriRunner approved! Why the last mile? Why so sudden? Who knows.. but the pain would stick around for more time than it was welcome. Both times I took about a week off of running, and eventually the pain went away. I used to have one of these sweet Trigger Point Quadballers that would have felt amazing under my arches, but sadly in my move from Boston to Minneapolis, it was lost in the shuffle. 
Sometimes I feel like I’m “barely running” in comparison to my 65 mile/weeks of the past, so it was easy for me to forget that my shoes are still racking up mileage. I can say with about 97.6% assuredness that my foot pain was due to (cue scary movie music…)
EXPIRED shoes
solution!!
I bet many of you have heard/read at least ONE recommendation telling you a time/mileage frame when it’s time to drop money on a new pair. The Run Happy folks would say that to keep running happy, you wanna change up your shoes every 300-500 miles, and that is very consistent with most recommendations out there. Depending on how far/often your run, that could mean new shoes every two months, or only twice a year.
If you’re on the more frequent end of that spectrum, and also happen to be on the broke-college-student end of the spectrum, you might feel exasperated hearing that “guideline” because hey, running shoes are $$$! So what is a broke college kid (or just a cautious spender) to do?
Here are my best tips to saving money and keep on keepin’ on with a smile on your face:
- Know your running stores: many smaller independent running stores have a customer loyalty program or something along those lines. Get on their mailing list, and a lot of times you can score coupons for up to 25% off!
- Know your running stores.II: in respect to ^ stores, I have found many that offer a discount when you donate an old pair of shoes. My local running store has a shoe recycling program that gives the shoes to those in need locally! You save money. You do a good deed. Everyone wins.
- Be OK with wearing last seasons’ model! I know that the 2150s just came out.. and I know that they have some sick designs and colors… but truthfully (aside from colors) there often isn’t a big change from one model to the next. Do your research to make sure you’re not missing anything thats truly “improved”, and if not, try and score the last seasons model, along with some extra change in that pocket.
(My “last season” model still has this awesome tat on the tongue!! Haha – you guys are going to start to think I really DO color coordinate all this…)
- This tip comes to you via the mens XC team at the gym. Have a “fall jar” – any time you fall while out running or walking around, or even come close to falling, put $1 in your jar. Although the $$ typically whet to adult beverages items other than shoes, this could definitely be your shoe piggybank. Also, if you have the balance of a tight rope walker, I think it would be good to use this as a “negativity jar” … any time you find yourself whining not looking forward to a workout, or skip a workout, drop in a dollar!
- Run/walk/bike instead of drive when possible. Gas isn’t getting any cheaper, and you can knock out a workout while checking items off your to-do list!
- Make sure you’re wearing the RIGHT shoes. How much would it sting to figure out three weeks in that you don’t like these shoes, or this model doesn’t have enough arch support.. but its too late to return them? Burn.
- Online? If you don’t have a good running store near you, or no customer loyalty programs, nada, online shopping brings those options right to your doorstep. I have had ridiculously AMAZING customer service with Zappos.. and I know they’re not even running or athlete specific, but they have a lot of options AND also typically have the last seasons models left over. Especially if you’re like me and have baby feet and stores don’t stock your size… online is the way to go!
Brooks also say that replacing your running shoes is a lot cheaper than replacing your knees. Or foot. Or HIP. Amen to that! These are Asics 2140s (the 2150s are the current model), and I basically always run in the 21XX series. I’m not saying I would never run in a different brand of shoes, but if you know me, you know I’m an Asics girl at heart. If you think about it, it’s sort of funny how we develop certain brand loyalties. Initially I started running in Asics because when I first became a runner, everything I knew I learned from my mom and that’s what she wore. Thankfully, that was also the shoe that was recommended when I was like 12 and went to be “fitted” at our local running store. I’ve tried two other brands, but Asics are my LOVE.
Because I tend to get a little OC with the photos… I might as well share these with you, right?
el pollito was curious -//- i let him break em’ in for me
I decided that red on white would bring out my tan. -//- don’t argue. hard core.
haha you probably can’t tell the diff. between the dirt and my moles -//- don’t argue. hard core.
READER QUESTION TIME:
- How often do you change your shoes?
- Where do you buy them?
- Are you particular about the brand you wear, or do you try out different companies?
- Do you also have blindingly pale legs but could care less Have you broken out the shorts yet?
OK chiquititos… it’s 5:00, it’s 37°, it’s RAINING, and it’s almost run time. Hmmmmm. If I weren’t meeting the guys, would I be going out in this weather? $1 in the “fall jar”!! Haha, I might be getting new shoes sooner than I think! Peace out.
-E
p.s. psh…. of course I’m running. What kind of a question is that!
I do not change my shoes nearly enough! So I’m loving your tips. A lot.
Oh, and no shorts for these pale, hairy, dry legs yet. (Did I just say that outloud???)
.-= Joanna Sutter (Fitness & Spice)´s last blog ..Soup Kitchen =-.
yayy!! that makes me so happy to hear
your “eat slow and enjoy it tips” are deff. my best of the week though!
glad you aren’t having pain from injuries right now! that’s awesome. proper footware is so important when it comes to running
.-= Stef´s last blog ..the scenic route =-.
Great post… & cute duck!
1.) I change them every 300-350 miles. Id rather not think about how many weeks that is…
2.) I buy online. I know what brand, shoe & size Im after, so I constantly keep an eye out and invest when I find good deals! I also take a 1/2 size which is tricky to get instore where I live, so online is best all round. I definitely dont bother about wearing an old model, or even a yucky colour
3.) Ive always stuck to Asics for shoes.
4.) Ha, YES I have whiter than white legs! Im also wearing shorts
Glad to hear the injuries are behaving themselves! I love strength training! Id love to hear more about how you are incorporating it into your schedule
My last two pairs of Asics 2140′s crapped out at exactly 375 miles. I could instantly tell that they felt flat and got rid of them. You are totally right, it is way easier to replace some bad shoes than a bad knee. I totally skimp on t shirts and shorts whenever I can get ‘em on sale, but I always go with the best and most comfortable shoe. That isn’t always the most expensive one though. I only ask about the price AFTER I’ve tried on at least 3 or 4 pairs of shoes.
Oh, and I only buy shoes from an experienced running store (or directly from the manufacturer if I’m just replacing an old model). Smart running shoe salespeople are essential.
I try to stay pretty brand neutral, but I always lean towards Asics or Saucony.
I have been fortunate enough to break out the shorts twice so far this year, but my legs aren’t any less pale.
While my shorts are pretty short, you definitely win that contest. Do read chicrunner.com’s blog? I think you both have similar obsessions with booty shorts.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..Present from the UPS man =-.
sooo here is another ( unconventional ) way to save some money. Since i am in podiatry school, i get offered the brand new asics catalog any shoe any color- for about 40-50 percent off depending on the shoe. Next time i am going to make an order i can let you know if you want to jump in and snap up a pair. ex i just got these –>http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240012874&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001552&PARENT_CATEGORY_ID=250001547 for about 50 bucks!
let me know if your interested and ill try and let you know next time i get the order form!
great tips! i rarely change my shoes. i tend to wait until i’m on the verge of injury (so bad i know!!) and the advice i always get is “well just buy new shoes”….ummm with what money?!?! so thanks for sharing some money saving tips. i definitely hadn’t thought of some of them.
1. when i’m almost injured
2. i used to buy at walmart (well before my first marathon) now i buy at runningwarehouse
3. new balance baby. i do have a pair of asics but only because they were on sale for dirt cheap
4. the shorts have been broken out for a long time. and my legs are so pale that it’s almost embarrassing. i’m hoping the recent sunshine will cure that though
.-= Karyn´s last blog ..Intervals With A Twist of Lemon =-.
you should totally get the baby chick a friend at squishables.com (no, they don’t pay me, but it’s squeal-worthy cute)
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Week 9.6 and 9.7 =-.
I am breaking out capris for work tomorrow! And I am the whitest white girl EVER. If I was currently running, I would totally be in shorts! 50 degrees and higher is shorts for me!
I Love Brooks…I replace my shoes every 300-400 miles but use my older ones for regular non-running workouts. I always get mine at the local running store.
PS- I just ordered triggerpoint stuff- cannot wait for it!
Hey Chica!!!! I LOVE your chicky…he is soooo damn cute! I try to replace my running shoes every 3-4 months…(about every 550miles)…random number because it’s usually based on the months ive been running in them. I am a HUGE Mizuno Fan!!! I used to be ALL about the asics…but have been converted after finding they fit my feet better and provide me more support while stompin’ the pavement. I LOVE your new shoes…the orange is Bangin! I usually buy my shoes online from the best sale running shoe store I can find…(saves so much money compared to FleetFeet!) I have been wearing the SHORTS like a crazy! and a few times just shorts+sports bra!
I hope you’re having a great week!!!
p.s. I FOUND OUR FAV FLAVORED COFFEE’s!!!!!
xoxo!
.-= lizzy´s last blog ..…JUMPin back in! =-.
ERICAAAAAAA! hiiiii missssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssy miss miss.
I’m glad to be home too
I know if I ever started running I would come to your for advice. Too bad anything more than 30-40 minutes once in a blue moon is a lost cause!!
love mr. ducky! and that SHOW TONGUE IS SO COOL
.-= glidingcalm´s last blog ..Short Trip with Mama GC =-.
Yay for no pain!! And that chickie is super cute…especially in a pair of running shoes!
1. I change my shoes about every 400 miles…around 325-350 they get sent to only shorter run duty, but they still do the trick.
2. I usually buy my shoes through Running Warehouse (dot com!)…once the new models come out, last years models are super cheap so I but a pair…or two…or three. Free shipping, too! I’m also a Brooks ID member so I can buy cheap from them as well.
3. I’ve been wearing Brooks since my junior year of high school…so that’s like seven years? Love my Brooks Adrenalines and I see no need to change!
4. YES. LOVE THE SHORTS.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..making it official =-.
Hey there! Your blog makes me miss Minnesnowta – but I like it, so I’d like to jump in and answer your questions
1. I change shoes roughly every 3-5 months. I’m poor and small.
2. Despite belonging to a running store team, I buy through Zappos. It’s cheap and fast.
3. I’m not particular, per se, but I’ve been wearing Asics for years and haven’t been burned yet.
4. Capris only. But only to prevent drivers being distracted by my blindingly white legs.
.-= sarah´s last blog ..Back on track =-.
200-400, it help getting a sweet discount
No brand, although liking Adidas
Try the 1100 series. The new 1150 are pretty nice. I find they are better then the 2100 series and are about $15 cheaper.
I broke out the shorts this week and thought of you!!!!!!!
I change my shoes when I get stress fractures. JK. Although that’s why I got my newest pair
Chick with sneakers=very cute!
I change my running shoes about every 500miles.
My most recent pair was purchased from roadrunnersport.com
Love their VIP discounts.
I was an Asics girl from the beginning and always will be. I plan to return to Asics once I retire my current pair. Another 200+ miles to go.
The boyfriend gifted a pair of Nike+ running shoes along with the nike+ system three years ago. Prior to that I didn’t even know Nike made running shoes. I thought their specialty was Basketball shoes. Guess I was wrong. But, I do miss my Asics.
No shorts yet, but I did run in Capris last night.
Hiiii!!!…I did a lil FRIDAY CONFESSION!….can’t wait to read yours!
hope you’ve been having a great week and are ready to HIT the weekend! xoxo!
.-= lizzy´s last blog ..Speechless…. =-.
i wear gt-2140s too!!! i love your color! I have 2 pairs- purple and light blue but orange wins hands down haha
.-= christina´s last blog ..TGIF =-.
Hi! I’m new to your blog. I have been having on my “to-read” list for a while, ever since i first read about you on the edible perspective blog (i think). Well, i’m a junior in college and ran a half-marathon last November. the whole experience from the training up to the race was just amazing and i am eager to do a full marathon one day, but i hurt my knee from so much running. The doctor said it was chondromalacia, which is runner’s knee. it still hurts periodically and i really havent been able to run much lately. when i do run, i wear an ace bandage or just ride a bike. this semester has been pretty hectic so i havent been getting in nearly as much exercise as i would like (try 2x a week compared to 4 and 5 last semester!)
Anyway, the point of this comment is that i was wondering what you think of Vibram Five Fingers and if you have ever tried them… i have read lots of review about them and most of the people who had back or knee injuries and started using the VFFs claim that their pain is gone. just curious as to what your opinion is.
I tested The adidas Enduro Bounce II TR Cross Training Shoe few months back and i am very satisfied with the shoes. In my opinion, these shoes are the best ones ive ever purchased. Would greatly recommend these shoes if you’re serious about buying a pair of Cross Training Shoes.