Run Run Away

Question:

Greetings. Have recently lamented the poorly-timed demise of the shoes I had planned to run this weekend’s 10-miler in.  Failed to keep sufficiently accurate mileage records and the last several runs in them told me their time was up. Purchased new pair last week, same model I have run in for years and love (Saucony Shadow 6000).  I typically overlap and don’t usually need to break something in fast, nor does this shoe, which fits me well, tend to require more than a few tens of miles to feel nice and comfy but with full support. However, with only 12 miles on the new pair to date and now into my taper, a few tens of miles of break-in isn’t an option and they’re still stiff enough to be a distraction (dull pain after a few miles from working against the lack of give, etc.). I’m thinking I’ll at least wear them all week anywhere they’re not inappropriate, and certainly for the last easy 3 on Wednesday.  Anyone have any other ideas? Thanks, Kim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings. Have recently lamented the poorly-timed demise of the shoes I had planned to run this weekend’s 10-miler in.  Failed to keep sufficiently accurate mileage records and the last several runs in them told me their time was up. Purchased new pair last week, same model I have run in for years and love (Saucony Shadow 6000).  I typically overlap and don’t usually need to break something in fast, nor does this shoe, which fits me well, tend to require more than a few tens of miles to feel nice and comfy but with full support. However, with only 12 miles on the new pair to date and now into my taper, a few tens of miles of break-in isn’t an option and they’re still stiff enough to be a distraction (dull pain after a few miles from working against the lack of give, etc.). I’m thinking I’ll at least wear them all week anywhere they’re not inappropriate, and certainly for the last easy 3 on Wednesday.  Anyone have any other ideas?

You’re in a bit of a pickle with few options. Walking around in the shoes may loosen them up a bit, but we’re always told to not walk in running shoes–only run in them. Since the shoe is the same model as your old pair, you have better than 50% chance of success, so I wouldn’t sweat it too much. Typically, running shoes don’t need any break-in to speak of–not really like a pair of leather dress shoes–so if I were you, I would just put in whatever mileage you’re going to do this week and leave it at that. You should be fine. —