Conference turris::womannotes-v3

    
    You should probably post this note in the NAC::RUNNING_CLUB
    notes file for input.  There are similar notes posted in there
    already.
    
    I have been a runner for the past 7 years.  There are many good
    sneakers on the market today.  For myself, I've had very good
    luck with New Balance.  You could probably purchase a middle-of-
    the-line pair for about $50-$60.  Just a word of advice for your 
    neice.  Tell her it's a good idea for her to log her miles daily.  
    Once she reaches up around 500 miles, she ought to consider purchasing
    a new pair of sneakers to prevent unnecessary injuries, regardless 
    of the condition of her sneakers.
    
    Good luck in your search for sneakers!
    
    Paula

    Lillian and I have been running on Brooks for years. I'm also
    fond of Saucony. As -1 mentioned, whatever shoe is chosen it
    is a good idea to keep track of mileage. 
    
    I find the Brooks are better for road running and the Saucony 
    for cross country.
    
    Jim C.
    
    

    
    I have used Nikes and Etonics.  I buy my athletic shoes at Kangaroo
    Crossing on Main Street in Worcester, and they can generally recommend
    one that not only suits your sport, but suits your feet (wide or
    narrow) and your style (for instance, my feet tend to rock back and
    forth left to right when I run more than some, so there are shoes that
    can help reduce this, etc.)
    
    The newest running shoes seem to have split tongues, which feels weird
    but I guess it does something for the way the shoe fits your foot.
    
    -Jody

    My daughter started out with bottom of the line nike crosstrainers 3
    years ago.  Then went to Saucony's for a year, (improved her time by 3
    minutes the first time she ran in them) to asic gels, and is back in
    the new top of the line nike air crosstrainers.  I get her run out
    shoes for walking after she pounds them to uselessness for running,
    anywhere from 2 to 4 months.  This is the only way I save money on
    shoes ;-).
    
    Best bet is to find a running shoe store, where they encourage you to
    take the shoes out for a test run, and find out what feels best.  We
    also take her blown-out pair so the sales people (also runners), can
    look at the wear pattern and recommend changes on brand and type when
    it's needed.  Rule # 1.  Even if they seem outrageously expensive, the
    shoes that runners wear, are critical to the health of legs and feet. 
    The shoes are abosorbing over 300 lbs of force on a 120 pound runner
    every time her foot comes down.  Good shoes will save her from multiple
    problems, including jogger's toe, strained flexor tendons, sore arches,
    shin splints, bad knees and sprained ankles.  $120 dollars invested in
    shoes, can save multiple trips to the sports injury clinic.
    
    Meg

    
    I used New Balance for 6-7 years, with great satisfaction ( I have
    narrow heels and wide toes... quack, quack)  The last time I went to
    replace them, the salesperson told me the New Balance line had had some
    manufacturing quality problems.  I got a pair of Saucony Shadows, and
    they're great.  To show how different feet need different care; I've
    tried to use Nike's several times over the last 12 years. Each time,
    from the old Nike's to the new Air trainers, I get knee pains after about
    two weeks. change shoes, and the problem goes away. 
    
    I'll support .3 and .4.  Shoes are important and personal. Take an old
    pair (even dress shoes will indicate something!) to a store dedicated
    to running, and find a clerk that you feel comfortable with, that will
    take som etime to fit your niece.  And change shoes like tires on a
    car. They're no good if they're too worn.
    
    
    Running shorts (with a built in panty) are comfortable and nice to
    have.  A matching Jog-bra is fun, and adds to the comfort.
    
    ('course, when I started running, being acccessorized meant you had a
    grey sweatshirt and REAL running shoes.)
    
    Jamd

    
    Great suggestions.  I don't want to spend $120 for shoes but I will, 
    if that's what it costs.  I realise that they are very important.  
    Now, can any of you suggest a good store in the central/eastern Mass. 
    or Southern NH area?  (I'm willing to drive an hour's time in any
    direction from Stow.)  I was just going to go to REI in Wakefield, but
    it sounds like I should go to a runner's shoe store.
    
    ChristineQ

    Christine -
    
    I don't know running, but I know teens and sports.  Have your niece ask
    the top runners on her team where they go for shoes.  She'll also
    undoubtedly ask what shoes they are wearing.  Go to the store that the
    other kids go to, and then let the sales person handle the "which
    brand" issues.  You will substantially improve the odds that the money
    you spend will be appreciated, and the shoes won't be discarded
    prematurely because they aren't the "right" thing.
    
    I learned this lesson the hard way for high school soccer cleats.
    
    Alison

    I don't know if "Runner's Roost" is a nationwide chain or strictly
    Colorado, but here they also give the kids a 10% discount when
    participating in school team sports.
    
    Meg

	New Balance use to have a factory outlet - in Lawrence, maybe...

	Good prices!

    
    Nike Air Maxx - swear by 'em..

    When I used to run, I wore Avia, Nike or New Balance, and was happy
    with them all.  
    
    Although you really have to try them on to find out what fits and feels
    best based on your posture, foot and leg conformation, etc, I buy all
    my athletic shoes now through a catalog that advertises in Shape
    Magazine.  They have a few of the biggest names in athletic shoes: 
    Avia, Reebok and Ryka for aerobics, Nike and a few others for running,
    etc, and their discounts are up to 20% off what you see in the stores. 
    I've been ordering my aerobics shoes from them for over a year, and
    have had no quality problems.  I'll try to remember to post the name &
    number next week.
    
    Cheryl

    The most important factor is the fit of the shoes (IMO).  Take the time
    to have her try on many different styles and walk around, jump up and
    down etc to understand how the shoes will feel.  I have tried AVIA,
    Saucony, New Balance and now have a pair of Nike Air Pegasus.  I have
    bad arches and these shoes have an arch insert which does wonders for 
    my feet (legs, back etc).
    I usually shop at Lechmere (Massachusetts) as they seem to have a great
    selection.  
    

    Saucony has an outlet in Peabody.
    
    An important factor, as important as the shoes themselves, is that they
    not be used for bumming around.  If they are used for everyday use as
    well as running, they will die a lot faster.
    
    ed

    
    For this first pair, I'll be taking her to a shop that caters to
    runners, where a knowledgable sales clerk will help her try on 
    shoes and check the fit.  For subsequent purchases, we can hunt for 
    the best price.  I wonder how long it will take to rack up 500 miles?
    (25 miles/week=20 weeks=approx, 1 school year?  If I'm lucky, that's 
    2 pair of shoes a year.  That's not bad.)
    
    Thanks to whoever said not to wear the shoes to bum around in.  Makes
    sense (and that's what I used to do when I ran), but I don't think I 
    would've thought of it.
    
    I'm sure her coach will have lots of good advice, too.
    
    Thanks, keep it coming,
    
    CQ

    From the Curmudgeon's Dictionary, this definition:
    
    jogging, n.  A masochistic practice whereby the average person can
    improve the condition of his heart and lungs while at the same time
    pounding the rest of his body to bits.