Convert (Goodbye Asics, hello Brooks!)

I can be impulsive in all aspects of decision making especially if instant gratification is involved. As soon as the appeal outweighs the doubt, I'm in. I'd like to think that I'm older and wiser now, therefore I know better BUT that's probably only partially true.

My first "real" pair of running shoes were New Balance. After they wore out I went to Asics and have been an faithful Asics girl for a few years. I tried to rekindle my relationship with New Balance briefly but they just didn't do it for me. Time and again, every time I get fitted for new running shoes I go home with Asics. (Fellow runners, PLEASE get fitted- do not go out and buy shoes without a knowledgeable person's guidance- it will eliminate the trial and error and reduce those mystery aches and pains and potential injury... not to mention it could save you time and money as you will only buy exactly what works for you...)

The Runners World shoe tester person sent an e-mail a few weeks ago asking wear-testers to return and test another (FREE) pair of shoes. Uhm... twist my arm... right?

We went to Runner's High in Metuchen for the fitting and I told the associate that I was hoping to test a good stability shoe since I went home with a great pair of minimalist shoes last time. He stepped away and returned with a pair of Brooks Ravenna 3's. I put them on and they felt great, but even when you're getting shoes for free, you don't leave after trying only one pair. There was an awkward minute or two when the associate started searching for another option that suited my needs (in my size) in the rows upon rows of running shoes that Rodale/Runners World provided. He came up empty. So I became the owner of a brand new pair of Brooks. Fair enough. Free is for me.

I put these on for my nightly date with the living room elliptical but that was no way to test a pair of shoes. The next morning I tested them while running in place for 4.5 miles on a treadmill.


Asics who.....????

These are $@#&ing AWESOME! Is that wrong to say after just ONE (not even real) run???? This must be the equivalent of having sex on the very first date and shacking up immediately after... uhmmm... except with running shoes... Kinda... Well, you get the picture. The point is, I don't even know my Asics anymore. It's like they were my good enough for now but not permanent relationship that I totally dropped like a hot rock as soon as this studly, charming, impressively endowed pair of Brooks showed up. And I'm so certain that I'm making the right move that not even ashamed of what I'm doing. Asics are yesterday's news and my fire for them was just stomped out. They just don't do it for me anymore. Brooks Ravenna and I will likely have an exciting, passionate, firey long term relationship. I will always remember my days with my bright pink Asics Gel Speedstar 5's and all the memories we made together, but it's time to let go and move on to better things.

Of course, I will still have my occasional fling with my Merrel Barefoot sneakers, but my time and love will never be shared equally between the Brooks and the Merrells. I wonder if Runners World will provide me with an even BETTER pair of shoes the next time around..?