Today was a milestone day in my life.
For the first time in all my years of running, I finally broke down and bought a real pair of running shoes.
I went to Second Sole in Mentor where Doug helped me pick out the perfect pair.
He started by measuring my feet. I don't think I've had my feet measured since I was a little girl trying on shoes at Januzzi's in downtown Lorain with my parents many years ago.
After Doug figured out my size, he checked out my feet to see what type of support I needed.
Then he patiently brought out pair after pair of awesome running shoes.
Since the last pair of shoes I bought were worthless Reebok EasyTone running shoes (on sale at T.J. Maxx for $24.99), I was super impressed with the service I was getting.
Honestly, it was a nice change of pace to try on so many styles.
We narrowed it down to a cool light blue pair of Brooks which fit every category I was looking for - good support, cool design and light weight.
The bargain basement shoes I blogged about a few weeks ago were making my feet numb by the third mile of my runs. At first, I thought I tied the laces too tight. But even when I loosened the laces up, the shoes hurt my feet.
That's what you get when you buy cheap shoes.
Now I don't have any excuses.
I will have to go out and put these new Brooks to the test.
The good news is, I can return the shoes if I'm not satisfied. But I doubt I'll be doing that. The shoes felt like a pair of slippers in the store. I'm sure these babies won't make my feet numb after the third mile.
I can't wait to try them out.

-Theresa Neuhoff Audia

I was desperate for new running shoes today so I went to my two favorite stores, Marshall's and T.J. Maxx.
Obviously, I am not a running shoe connoisseur.
I am too frugal to shop at a running shoe specialty shop. But I may start treating myself.
On my first stop at Marshall's, the selection was slim.
Being the frugal shopper I am, I started looking in the clearance section, but couldn't find any running shoes in my size. Then I went to the regularly priced area where there were plenty of gray and black shoes, but no cool white ones.
Cool white shoes with highlights of color are a priority for me. Shoes that have a lot of cushion are also a priority.
Again, I am no shoe expert.
When I couldn't find what I liked at Marshall's, my next stop was T.J. Maxx.
Sitting there on display were cool white shoes with pink highlights.
The price of $24.99 was right so I tried a pair of Reebok EasyTone shoes on. They fit, but I felt a little off balanced when I stood up. But how could I go wrong with these shoes, they have "moving air technology," - whatever that means. Also, they were the only cool shoes available in my size (with lots of cushion).
So I bought them.
But now I am rethinking my purchase.
When I did a quick search of Reebok EasyTone shoes, I came up with a website that linked me to the Federal Trade Commission.
Oh, this can't be good.
According to the FTC report which was released Sept. 28, 2011, the shoes were at a bargain price for a reason.
"In its ongoing effort to stem overhyped advertising claims, the Federal Trade Commission announced that Reebok International Ltd. has agreed to resolve charges that the company deceptively advertised "toning shoes," which it claimed would provide extra tone and strength to leg and buttock muscles. Reebok will pay $25 million as part of the settlement agreement."
Being the stubborn woman I am, I am going to keep the shoes and try them out.
Really, how bad can they be?
They have to be better than the old worn out New Balanced shoes I have now (which I bought on clearance for $35 at Marshall's by the way).
Maybe one day I'll learn and go to a real shoe store.
For now, I'll take my bargain and run with it.

-Theresa Neuhoff Audia