Thursday, August 23, 2007

R.I.P. - Leana's Blue Asics GT-2100s

This afternoon I made it back safe and sound from Red Deer so I was able to get my super quickie run in before BBC tonight (2 mi to be exact). As we were supposed to be pretty close to Confederation Park I opted to hit the pathway there and run through Queen's Park Cemetery. Honestly the rest of the pathways through Confederation Park are sort of ho hum on the excitement scale, but the short clip through the cemetery is always interesting. It is super quiet, and a little bit eerie. Sometimes I wonder if people take offense to there being a bike/jogging path right through the middle of it. It is, however, a pretty spot and I like the quietness of it for a little bit of reflection. Part of today's reflection was over the life of the somewhat dirty and blue Asics GT-2100s on my feet. I've been faithfully tracking the mileage on them and know that they are nearing retirement age. But I didn't think they were there yet. Earlier this month I started noting shin pain down on most occasions when I ran in them, but the pain would always subside after a bit. Today both shins hurt, the knees hurt, the arches hurt...and I realize I have been running a lot, but I'm pretty sure I can attribute this to my shoes above all else. So at 263 miles it is time for the Asics GT-2100s to put in for early retirement for leisurely walks with the dogs and trips to the supermarket and nights of bingo. (OK, maybe not bingo, I'd have to go to bingo for the shoes to go to bingo.) These are the first ever shoes that I was fitted for and purchased at a running store - thank you Roger Soler's Sports in San Antonio - and they were the first shoes I tried on that day. I bought them one week before my ankle turned into a cankle and I found out about my stress fracture. They waited patiently for the days when they could see the pavement and the sunny skies and I was ready to return to running. They saw me through the CIBC Run for the Cure, the St. Patrick's Day 10K, the Go Red for Women 5K, the Minnie Marathon 15K and countless training runs. They were good sneakers.

7 comments:

pengo said...

What do you consider retirement age?

Angry Runner said...

Now be like me and buy 2 new pair of the same and 1 pair of the updates. Then cry when your credit card bill comes in...

Run Fast.

Lauren @ mostly i run said...

I usually get to about 240-250 before I call it quits. I'm an Asics girl too.

I started with the 2090s, but didn't like the 2100s. The 2110s are what I'm using now, and I bought three pairs once they went on sale after the 2120s came out.

Still, loved those 2090s the best. It was hard when I finally gave away my favorite pair (you only need so many 'retired' running shoes!)

Runner Leana said...

I've read 300-500 miles is the typical range for retirement, but that you really need to go by feel and not by number. I actually have a pair of 2110s that I have been rotating in, plus I have another brand new pair of 2110s to throw in the mix now. Angry, I did almost exactly as you said - bought two pairs when they went on sale. I'm going to look for a pair of Kayanos when I'm in Seattle and see how the bigger price tag compares to the shoe. Those run about $200+ here (sheesh this country is expensive), hence the purchasing in Seattle.

TNTcoach Ken said...

Smart Runner Gal to go on feel. Your body will tell you when enuff is enuff! I even have a pair of Black 2120s, which I love to wear with black socks.

Marathon Maritza said...

Awww...I love getting nostalgic over shoes. It's fun to think about all they've seen you through. Are you going to rebuy the same ones again? Stick with what works!!

Before I'm 35 said...

Goodnight sweet GT-2100s!

My Saucs are getting ready to retire.