Stick With What Works

I'm changing jobs. I'm changing cities. My children are changing schools. My family has more changes upcoming than I can anticipate. What made me think I needed to change my running shoes?

The truth is, I'm a sucker for fashion over form when it comes to my running shoes. Who wouldn't want a pair of neon green running shoes? My first few runs in my new shoes were fantastic. My new shoes are super lightweight and low to the ground and my body simply wanted to run fast as soon as I slipped them on. Only, they are radically different than the shoes that have nearly molded to my feet by now.

I hate those "I knew better" moments. I got caught somewhere between impulse and self-control and when I set out on just my third run in my new shoes, I knew better. 3, 4, 5 even 6 miles in a different shoes wasn't a big deal. But an 11-mile run without enough time to allow my body to adapt to the form of the new shoe was just, well, stupid. And the truth is, about 2 or 3 miles into the run, that exact thought occurred to me. Now, at that point I could have turned around and headed for home where I might have changed into my normal shoes before heading out to finish the run but I'm far too stubborn for that.

Slowly, over the week following that run a certain feeling started to develop in my left foot. Now I'm fighting through tendonitis in both my left shoulder and my left foot and I've retired my new shoes before I've even logged 30 miles in them. And if my foot worked properly I'd probably kick myself. So my training has been reduced by 2/3- no swimming, no running. Now, I don't want to tempt fate so, for the time being, I think I'll keep my bike on my indoor trainer. At least if I fall it will be on carpeting.

This bumps in the road are indeed part of the journey to the starting line of an Ironman. And indeed, they are a metaphor for the journey of life. Things don't always go as planned. There are inevitable surprises, hurdles and challenges. It is our ability to confront them with wisdom, patience and grace that help define us. In the mean time, I'm going to stick with what works and return to my trusty, old Mizuno running shoes.

Now, can anybody recommend a good acupuncturist?