Out With the Old, In With the New

On Tuesday afternoon, I finally sucked it up and purchased a new pair of running shoes. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7. Doesn’t that sound fast? It’s a shoe for mild to moderate overpronators with long-lasting cushioning and a glove-like fit. I’ve been running in this model since my old favorites were discontinued by Nike about a year ago. I always put off buying new running shoes as long as possible. I dread dropping $100 on a new pair. But there comes a point when you’re on the verge of an injury and you know the only thing standing between you and an injury-free season is your damn shoes.

I conducted my shopping spree at Berkely Running Company, Madison’s newest local running store in Shorewood Shopping Center on University Avenue. My good friend Brodie is the manager there, and he’s doing a great job of running the place and seems to be finally happy at his third job of the year. To the great relief of Lauren (his wife, my good friend), I'm sure. The store is really nice, centrally located, and very well-organized and clean. They’ve also got some great apparel from some of my favorite brands like Pearl Izumi, Craft, Brooks, and New Balance. I did wonder why it was called Berekely Running Company, because it’s locally owned and not a chain. Apparently the owner believes that the Bay Area town and Madison have a similar passion for the outdoors and fitness, and that they’re kind of like sister cities. I’m not sure this was the best name for the store, because I definitely didn’t think “locally owned” when I heard the name. And I think that’ s a major selling point for the store.

Wednesday morning was the first run for my new little shoes. Most experts recommend that you slowly break in your new running shoes by alternating between your new and old pairs for a few weeks. I see no logic in this reasoning. My old pair are dead and if you’ve got new ones, why not use them? Immediately and exclusively. So, I went out in the new pair to do intervals and they felt wonderful. I love it when you buy new running shoes and even concrete feels springy. Boing.