Friday, August 28, 2009

Heading Into 21-Day Territory

Research supposedly shows it takes 21 days for a new habit to stick. Which must mean that after 21 days it's also hard to break that new habit, especially when it involves getting good sleep and getting things done, right?

I always intended to take it easy in August and try to finally heal my achilles tendinitis once and for all. As a result, this will be one of my lowest mileage months in years. And the ankle still hurts.

I'm considering switching to a different running shoe. My Mizunos have held up well for the past three years, but I can't help but think they now play a part in my very slow recovery. Our bodies and our feet change; so should our footwear. In the course of my research, someone sent me information on this shoe. It's called the Ambition Powerbounce and it's black. Here's how it's described:

The newest Ambition PB™ release combines style and fashion, along with the latest evolution of PowerBounce technology.

Developed in association with adidas elite athletes, the upper has TPU welding inspired by Techfit PowerWEB apparel that the adidas elite team wear when competing, which compresses their muscles giving them explosive power, acceleration, and endurance.

Another shoe highlight is the midsole shape that consists of individually tuned cell structures that provide both cushioning and support for all different types of runners and athletes. The cells have an eye-popping highlighted centre bar and provide excellent support, especially for runners who over-pronate.


I've never seen a black running shoe, have you? Maybe once I switch to cool-weather tights it wouldn't look so bad, but that's not until December. And until then I have this image of me running in black shoes and white socks and shorts. It's not pretty. What do you think? Have you run in black running shoes anywhere but on a track?

13 comments:

Mark said...

I had a pair of black Asics given to me...I wonder why? I never ran in them... sounds like the new shoe can help.

AnthonyP said...

21 days...have you seen Jess's blog "21 Day Habit" ?

GeorgiaSnail said...

I think black shoes with black running socks looks great...

Stephanie Gehrsitz said...

A shoe can play a huge part in an injury. I ran in the Asics Kayano while living in SD and had constant calf issues. It was way too soft for my feet. I also believe that feet change over time; I can even see it with my eyes. Doesn't matter what color a shoe has as long as it lets you run pain free.

Irene said...

I've always heard that if something hurts or isn't getting any better (as far as running goes) is to change the kind of running shoes you're using first.

The cool thing about black running shoes is that they won't look so bad after a trail run!

I hope a different type of shoe helps!

Backofpack said...

I'm not a fan of black shoes, but I've seen plenty of people wearing them, usually with black socks. Or you could go with the footies so no sock shows. Really, it's a matter of what works best for you and fits your foot best. I'd go to a reputable running store and have a gait analysis before making any decisions.

Donald said...

Wow. I'm going minimalist, you're going maximalist. It should be fun to see who gets injured first.

The black isn't such a big deal to me, but I imagine they could get a little hot in the SD heat. But if they work for you, who cares what they look like?

Meg Runs said...

I love my husband but he just bought the new Nike shoes and they are black with, get this, orange soles and an orange swish. Day glow. I would love it if they were just black! Maybe black is the new neutral this fall!

Glenn Jones said...

Asics makes their shoes in black. Now - I'm not sure I'd own a pair...

I'm sorry to hear that your tendonitis doesn't want to resolve. I can't imagine how frustrating that must be. My son was a baseball player and suffered frequent bouts of tendonitis. The only recourse for him was *complete* rest for a couple of weeks followed by some PT. But, with him, there was usually some kind of mechanical problem that needed to be tweaked. Has anyone looked at your gait?

Good luck! I hope your able to get your ankle better!

kara said...

When I find a shoe I love - I never want to change...

I better look into this "21 Day Habit" philosophy...

christine said...

good luck with the research. who cares what the shoe looks like if it works right?

Runner Susan said...

I had a black pair of Nike's once. I loved how they looked but they didn't hold up!

Terri said...

I actually have never worn black shoes to run in - I know I'm catching up on your blog, so have you decided yet - did you buy them?