Freshen Up Your Kicks

Lately I have been running about twice per week. Each outing is either 4 or 5 miles, through my neighborhood streets. The most I have ever run on average was probably about 15 miles per week. I know marathon runners read this and think, “O.K. those are good warms-ups, but seriously what are you running?” Running to me is a great way to get in some cardio, and enjoy the outdoors. Since I am not a serious runner, it takes me longer for my mileage to add up. Given that mind frame, I think my shoes will last me forever. Running shoes typically have a lifespan of between 300-500 miles before the support and cushion breaks-down. Factors such as weight, terrain, and shoe quality all have an impact on the shoes durability. But at my current rate, I will reach 300 miles in less than 10 months or about 500 miles by the end of a year. In my mind, I am not logging huge miles and therefore these shoes that still look fairly new, will last me a couple of years. But in reality, in two years I could be breaking the 1,000 mile mark. I really need to be more aware and should plan on new shoes once per year. Sure my old sneakers are nice and broke-in, but I am doing my joints a disservice by not updating my foot-ware appropriately.
So I guess the moral of the story is this: check your mileage. Do your joints good by not milking every ounce of life out of your running shoes. A new pair of kicks can keep you running comfortably and longer down the road.