Magical Running Shoes

One thing that most all runners have in common is our love for running shoes! Runners are a funny breed and most of us hoard running shoes. Guilty here! Between my hubby and I, we go through an insane amount of running shoes. It is important to change out your shoes anywhere between 200-500 miles. We tend to aim for the 400/500 mark because of the cost. My hubby averages 200 miles a month. When I was healthy I averaged 160 miles a month. That has us buying a new pair of shoes every couple months. Yikes!

So question is, what do you do with your worn out shoes?? Use them for walking, yard work, chillin shoes, lifting weights??


What is it about a running shoe that makes it SO dang hard to part with? Some of those darn running shoes have a hold on me! A lot of blood, sweat, and tears happen between you and your shoes. "Our running shoes have magic in them-the power to transform a bad day into a good day; frustration into speed; self-doubt into confidence; chocolate cake into muscle"-By Mina Samuels.  I still have the pair that I ran in while running my first marathon with my hubby. We finished hand in hand (yes, I admit we are total cheese balls). It was back when Saint George Marathon still did the chips on the shoes. I took that picture today of my shoes, the chip is still laced on them. I will never be able to part with those stinky shoes. We have gone on to do 7 Stg Marathons together since then. We leave tomorrow morning for this race. This will be my dad's 18th Saint George Marathon. I have the fondest of memories watching him race there. It is one of my very favorite family traditions that I have. I will be cheering from the side lines this year because of my ankle surgery. I am heartbroken that I have to miss it, but I am still happy to cheer on my family and the other runners.

If you are being honest with yourself. You really don't need to hoard old running shoes. Your closet and garage space will thank you if you find something worth while to do with them. Nate and I love to donate our shoes (Well besides those ones mentioned above lol) We have given them to friends in need and different charities. Many of the shoes still look brand new! Too many running shoes get thrown away or just take up space. Your worn out shoes really can make a difference to another person.

There is an AWESOME opportunity on October 11th to donate those worn out shoes. I totally understand that we all have that one pair that is just to hard to give up! BUT, what about the 2-10 other pairs laying around?! The awesome running group that I am a part of , Run Eat Tweet AZ , they are joining forces with  Dunk your Kicks for Pediatric Cancer! They are collecting those worn out shoes and all proceeds go towards local Arizona Children! Everyone who donates a pair of shoes will be entered into a giveaway for a $100 gift card to Fleet Feet Scottsdale...Yes Please! What an awesome chance to get money for a new pair! So anyone who happens to be in AZ Oct. 11th should come check it out. There will be multiple group runs available:

• 10 mile long run starting at 6:00 am
• 5 mile run and a 3 mile run/walk starting at 7:00 am

Everyone will meet at Chaparral Park in Scottsdale for scenic views around the Lake. Go check out Run Eat Tweet AZ Facebook page for more details.

Oh, and some more perks about coming: 1. Meet some awesome running peeps 2. Warm fuzzies for serving others in need. 3. Additional drawings for FREE race entries into StartingLine Racing Events events!