MANAYUNK

I don’t consider myself a runner.

I say that a lot, even though I run enough to make that a very false statement. When I say it, I think I’m crudely trying to convey that I’m not a good runner, or a happy runner. I know people who run long distances and for them it’s competitive, habitual, and medicinal. They get lost in a run and reach some sort of euphoric state, brought on by endurance and discipline. They describe it and all I feel is jealously. The closest I’ve ever come to feeling like that is after about 3 miles, there’s an inexplicable silly smirk that appears on my face. For a split second, I feel accomplished and like I can roll on. Unfortunately, it’s a fleeting grin and I can’t hold onto the feeling.

Currently, I find myself training for my third consecutive Broad Street Run. How I completed two previously (and poorly, might I add), I’m not quite sure. I trained as best I could and just went for it.  Twice. But this year, I genuinely wish to beat previous run times. My goal was clearly set; I will improve over last year, even if by seconds (but hopefully minutes – I’m not that lazy).

Fortuitously, Philadelphia Runner has recently opened up on Main Street. Before they opened their doors I had already decided that I would finally invest in a pair of running shoes that were right for me. I had this thought every time I walked by the Coming Soon sign on my way to Volo for an AM red eye. Over the last two years I would resist the notion of getting fitted and just hedge my bets on last year’s model or anything on sale. I was never “serious” about running because “I don’t consider myself a runner.” Maybe, just maybe, investing in the process will help me move past that stinkin’ thinkin’ and finally improve. Maybe.

I walked into Philadelphia Runner on a random weekday, around 5PM. I wasn’t sure if I needed to make an appointment or pre-fill out something. For all I knew, it was a daylong process with electrodes, heart monitors, and stress testing. I’ve known some runners to be serious about their gear, so I wasn’t sure just how involved or strenuous this process was going to be.

The store manager, Neil, and his trusty sidekick Evo greeted me when I entered the store. Both gentlemen were laid back and ridiculously knowledgeable. After only a few questions, they had a pretty good handle on the kind of runner I am and what my goals are. Now came the fun part.

“Take off your shoes and roll up your jeans.”

Neil measured my foot both sitting and standing and deciphered the right size. He then absconded to the back and came out with a pair of black and white Nike Free Runners and asked me to put them on. At this point, I’m kind of thinking, “that’s it. Just measure sitting and standing?” Not quite. Neil gave me the Nike Free Runners because they are minimalist shoes and he’ll better be able to see where I strike my foot when I run. Makes sense… Wait. Run on what?

I look to the dreaded treadmill in the middle of the store. A part of me knew that this was coming, but I’ve let the denial guide me this far. I’ve not had much luck on treadmills, having wiped out viciously about 6 months ago. This would effectively mark the first time even touching one since. Only now with a guy crouched behind the treadmill observing my stride. Images of taking him out when I inevitably stumble flooded my head. It didn’t matter, though. This had to be done, so on the treadmill I went.

After about a minute of running, Neil informed me that I have a neutral strike, meaning my foot hits the ground mainly on the outside, middle of my foot. I also have a natural gait (which is the manner with which I walk). You hear that, world – I’m normal. With the right size and running style identified, Neil disappears to the back of the store and comes out with three pairs of shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 18’s, Nike Pegasus 31’s, and Brooks Glycerin 12’s. They were all neutral shoes, with only the level of heel support being the major difference. Throughout the whole process I didn’t ask, nor wanted to know the price of each, just in case it were to subconsciously effect my decision. Who doesn’t want a bargain?

I tried each pair and went for a run. I was uncomfortable by the stiffer heels of the Brooks, but torn between the Mizunos and the Nikes. There was a little more support with the Mizunos, but it just felt a little off. I couldn’t decide if it was something I would get used to or not. Seeing me waffle, like the darn genius he is, Neil suggested I take to the treadmill with a different shoe on each foot. Trying both simultaneously, I knew immediately that the Nikes were for me.

I ordered my shoes that night, only 40 minutes after walking into the store. Being picky resulted in my having to order a style of shoe that was out of stock. So sue me for not wanting another paid of black and white shoes and thinking that running shoes should have at least a little color. I had to wait a little over a week, impatiently mind you, but when I got the call to pick up my shoes, it was like a little Christmas.

I’ve run about 12 miles in my new shoes at this point. They’re still early in the life of their use, but I can’t help but be happy with my purchase. There’s no room for buyer’s remorse when you’ve tried and tested your options. It’s a comfort and a relief.

The staff of Philadelphia Runner continues to be friendly and wave when I (literally) run by the store. I was admittedly skeptical of the whole process, considering it only for “real” runners and how is it any different than just reading about running online. I’m glad I did and would highly recommend it to every level of running enthusiast. Even the bad ones like me.