Ouch .... Legs Hurt!

A few weeks back my legs started hurting after my runs. Most people would think that if you ran 10 miles you should expect your legs to hurt, but there is a big difference between pain and sore. After a run it's ok to be sore, but if your in pain something is wrong. Looking back about four months ago, I had a similar issue.

I had been running for about four months and logged around 300 miles. My runs averaged three miles, but with one long run once a week and running five to six days a week. Toward the end of my fourth month with my new shoes, I started getting shin splints. Soon to follow, I started feeling like I was running with concrete in my shoes and every stride hurt more than the last. At the time, I was thinking my problem was due to increased mileage, but with some research on the net, I quickly found that my shoes could be DOA.

I proceeded to pick up a new pair of shoes at Fleet Feet in Chesterfield, MO. I re-purchased the same shoes as before, The Beast by Brooks. These shoes are designed for big guys like me, that have flat feet and over-pronate. With new shoes on feet, I went for a run and found that my legs didn't hurt after I was done. Racking up some miles over the next week, it became clear that my issue was shoe related and not me related. I didn't have the pain and I had limited soreness as well.

Prior to running, I would buy one pair of $40 tennis shoes a year. Now that I run, I am looking at buying three to four pairs of $120 shoes a year. It seems a bit crazy, but my health and my legs are worth it.

In an effort to solve today's issues, I ran by Fleet Feet tonight and picked up a new pair of The Beast by Brooks. Unfortunately the price for these shoes increased since last time, but I am thinking about buying a second pair and rotating two pairs. My theory is that running one pair into the ground, compressing them every single day, shortens their life too quickly. If I rotate between two pairs, each pair will get some rest and time to decompress. It's all theory right now, but I think it will make a difference. Never the less, my current pair of shoes cost me .49 cents a mile, so not too bad.