It happens every year. I need a little motivation to start the new year. I’m not into New Year’s resolutions. They’re too easy to break and no matter what happens it seems you just set yourself up for failure if you’re unable to meet your own expectations. So, I’ve started a new tradition…buy new running shoes. There’s nothing like the smell, feel and unscarred sole of new shoes. They just scream “run in me.”

For the couple of years I was a minimalist. I ran in my Vibram Five Fingers and then into three pairs of Nike Free’s. Through the mileage in those shoes (or lack of), I have taught myself to run correctly and avoid the dreaded “heel strike.” Correcting my stride has paid off in spades and now I’m looking for a more cushioned ride. I’ve been having issues with my arches which in turn made running less enjoyable. The solution? The Saucony Triumph 9.

My sons and I went to visit my go to running store – the Red Rock Running Company. This was the first running store I bought my first “official” running shoes from and I won’t by a shoe anywhere else. No matter who is working at the store, their knowledge and love for running always put me in the right shoe at the right price. I also love the fact that they encourage you to take the shoes on a test drive. With a large parking lot and alley that runs behind the store, you’re allowed to head out the door and actually run in the shoes before making a decision.

I brought my current two pairs of running shoes for analysis and spent the first ten minutes retelling my running history, issues I was having and where I wanted to be. Not having any preconceived notions of what I wanted, I was brought three options – to start. It was sort of like the story of the three little bears. The first model has way too tight. I like my shoes to have a roomy toebox. The second pair was alright but it just didn’t feel quite right. The last pair was juuuuuusssssst right. I found my perfect match in the Saucony Triumph 9. While it’s a little more shoe than I’ve been accustomed to, the heal drop is only 8 mm and it has more cushioned feel underfoot. It’s also very light, weighing in just under 11 ounces. When you’re as big as me, every ounce counts.

While I may be departing my minimalist ways, these running shoes are what I need for the next chapter of my running career. Following my first training run in them, I can’t be happier with my purchase and I’m already looking forward to my second pair that are ironically the same colors as ORB. I guess it was destiny.

RMFR

First, let me say that I’m guilty. Guilty as the rest of you. From the minute I started running, I read the articles, scoured running stores and purchased nearly every gadget, gizmo and accessory I could get me hands on. When asked about gifts for birthdays and Christmas, I’m more than willing to ask for latest “need” that will enhance my running experience. So the culmination of all these purchases has now left me a “Running Gizmo”.

Think about why you got into running. For me it was easy – I didn’t need to have a lot of stuff to run. All you needed were a pair of shoes. That’s it. You didn’t need the latest breakthrough in footwear. Lace ‘em up and run. Period. As time wore on, you checked out the stores and slipped on the glass slipper that is now your running shoe of choice and you can’t imagine life without them. You run at night and need to see, so you get your head lamp. Don’t forget about hydrating on your 18 milers – put on your CamelBak. iPod’s, Garmin GPS watches, heart monitors, Shoe Wallets, braces, Road I.D. tags and even some protection to beat off dogs, coyotes and old ladies in walkers – they all serve a purpose.

As my running has progressed thru the years, so has my gear. Love it, hate it or come to terms with it. It’s what I am…a “Running Gizmo”.

Scanning the financial headlines this morning, one sort of leap off the page. “Hot in Recession: Chocolate, running shoes, Spam” is the name of the AP article and to me it came as no surprise. He’s an excerpt from the article that talked about “us”:

Those on the go are not shying away from footing the bill for sturdy running shoes. Sales increased 2 percent in 2008, said Tom Doyle at the National Sporting Goods Association in Mount Prospect, Ill.

“Runners aren’t going to hurt themselves to save a few bucks,” he said.

How true is this? Are you going to go with a pair of those cross-trainers for $39 or invest in your running health? Personally, I’d rather sacrifice the chocolate and Spam (not that it resides on our family’s shopping list) before my shoes.

I’m no Jim Cramer but as a runner, I’d be taking a look at those running stocks right about now.