Something old, something new and something extra

Every 6 months or 500 miles I buy new running shoes. I don’t get rid of the old ones immediately. I use them for other activities. Eventually they end up as a donation to the rescue mission.

The last 3 pair were all the same color. This time, even though they’re the same brand and model, I went for something different. Grandma with neon laces!


I broke them in slowly, but after a long run I noticed that I was getting a blister on my arch. Could it be the new shoes?

No. I wear what I call “industrial strength” custom orthotics since I’ve inherited “difficult” feet. They’re flat, severely over-pronate and even have an extra bone and “floppy” ankles.
The orthotics have kept me upright and comfortably running for over 25 years.

But this 2 year old pair has developed a problem. The covering has peeled back and I was running on the tough base. That’s the source of the blister.


Fortunately, my ortho guy can “refurbish” them with a replacement cover which will take about 1 week.

I’ve got an older pair. The date on the bottom says May 2010. With the new shoes they feel just fine, but I think this will be an unintentional “cutback week” regarding distance. My half marathon training has been going well and I don’t want to push it.

Now that something extra?
When I bought my new shoes, I got a free gift for trying on a new model, even though I didn’t buy them.

I remember “Astronaut Ice Cream” when visiting the Air & Space Museum. Now I can try it.



It’s freeze dried and not very nutritious, but I’ll try it anyway.


I’ll share it with DH. He’s an Aerospace Engineer.