Cleaning out my closet

           I cleaned out my closet yesterday. I normally do not have these many shoes. BUT, they discontinued my favorite running show, Brooks Pure Connects. So I went on a hunt on Ebay...no, I've been hunting in Ebay for weeks and weeks finding every decent, size nine, women's Brooks Pure Connects I can buy. Then in this mix are the shoes I ran special races in.....like my first marathon, my first (and only so far) Ultra. Then, there are the shoes I bought during my uber minimalist stage, which sadly, did not last long, but it did dent my wallet quite a bit. During the cleaning I DID get rid of most of my heels by the way. I went through a stage of wearing sexy shoes with my sexy dresses, not I still wear sexy dresses, but sandals are the only accompaniment to those outfits. In the winter it's sexy dresses and boots. Below are some of the shoes I am getting rid of, if interested and you wear 8.5 women, write me, I will send you the Ebay links where they are listed. 

 

My new running sneakers!!

I am actually too chicken yet to try these out running....what I do know is that they are super comfortable and I've been wearing them everywhere. But being summer it forces me to really care for my feet everyday.....pumice, lotion.....pumice, lotion after every shower....

Runner's Birthday Loot....am I not the luckiest birthday runner?

Pearl iZUMi Women's W EM Trail M 2 Running Shoe

I had to return these for they came a bit tight at the toes. I am normally get 8.5, so I returned them and am waiting for my 9 to come soon. 

Womens Yurbuds Inspire Sport Earphones

I tried these out last night while watching a movie and they do stay in place. I was a bit annoyed at how deep the stuff goes in, but I think I can get used to them. Will try them out on my run tomorrow. 

Under Armor Semi-Fitted lavender top....

I cannot have too many of these tops. Seriously. They are so comfy, so well fitted, they do not fade, they really do absorb sweat (not after 2 hours). I sometimes wear them as regular t-shirts just b/c the colors are so bright and the shirt so well done. 

Zone Bars for those long runs

These are for my long, long runs every 2 weeks. I tatsed it and it was super chicolatey, just how I like them. 

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Things I bought myself for my birthday: 

A Nathan's Intensity Vest for women and a 24 pack of chocolate GU. 

Loving My New Balance MT1010 Trail Shoes

                    I am loving my new trail shoes. They are fairly minimal compared to my Brooks PureConnects, which seem to have a bit more of an arch support. Needless to say, adjusting to new shoes is always difficult, no matter how RIGHT the new shoes are for you.  But overall, I have had relatively zero issues so far. The race is in 2 days and I am still debating whether to not to just go in my road sneakers since I am very comfortable on those already and if it does not race, it will not be technical trail run at all. I have also worn my new trail shoes to work as a way to see if I can anticipate any areas that might give me issues, so far none. It does feel quite liberating for someone with wide feet who has always gotten used to having tight fitting toe boxes, to suddenly be able to wiggle my toes; this takes a little time to adjust.

Trail Shoes.....a search...(part 1)

     I am looking for trail shoes that are minimalist and come with a wide box....started with a question posted to Runner's World Forum and got some really good suggestions. Here is what I have found out so far....I am leaning towards Altras and/or Pearl Izumis based on these YouTube reviews. Check them out!!

NEW BALANCE MINIMUS TRAIL RUNNING

On Serious Running.com these were some of the positive reviews listed about this trail shoe:

* The midsole is very flexible which allows the shoe to bend like your foot does
* The toe area also seems to be wider than than the New Balance Trail 100s
* The upper is a synthetic mesh which keeps the New Balance 101 Minimalist Trail Running shoes dry and breathable


                                                    PURE GRIT WOMENS

INOV-8 TRAIL ROC Teaser

SKETCHERS GO BIONIC



ALTRA WOME'S LONE PEAK


PEARL IZUMI PEAK II TRAIL