Running and New Shoes

On Wednesday afternoon I turned in my old pair of running shoes in exchange for a new pair! It was really quite spontaneous! I knew I was way overdue for a new pair, so after I dropped off my daughter at her piano lessons I drove down the street and pulled into that wonderful Fleet Feet store. I made the decision to just go for it after I ran that day in the grass. Since I was going to be minutes from the store, why not just go get a new pair! I left the house with my old running shoes and set my mind on coming home with new ones.

Not only did I get a new pair of running shoes, I got myself a $9.00 pair of running socks! I was in need of some more running socks too. So I just splurged and let my husband know after the damage was done, what he got me for Valentine's Day!

So how was the run today in my new shoes and new socks? Hmm...I can't quite decide. Overall, the 4 mile run outside, in a lot colder weather than it looked, wasn't too bad. I slowed down my pace a tad, to get a feel for the shoes. I also ran on the concrete in case I need to bring the shoes back. My plan is to keep running in the grass for the sake of my recent running issue, but I didn't want to get any grass stains on the shoes if I need to take them back. I can't decide if they are too big! What is so funny is that I trusted the guy at Fleet Feet to pick out just the right shoe for me, that I didn't even look to see what size I ended up going home with. After my run, all the while feeling as if they might be a little big, I came home and looked in the shoe for the size. They are size 10 1/2! I usually wear a size 9 wide! I just had to laugh! I've never worn a shoe that big before! I'm simply going to have to run in them again for another assessment.

That is the problem with getting a new pair of running shoes. It's exciting to get them. But then you have to see if they are going to fit right, feel right and mold to your foot the way you want them to as you are running. Last time I got new shoes, I had to bring them back because they just felt too narrow at the top of my wide foot. This time there just seems to be too much room at the toes. I do think I need to give them another shot at running in them. That is the great thing about Fleet Feet. They understand the importance of having the right running shoe. And they give you a grace period to check out the shoes you buy there, knowing you could bring them back if they don't work out. Having the right equipment is everything! In whatever the discipline is, whether it's shoes for running, tools for building, books for teaching, etc..., it does make all the difference.

It seems to be that way for the professing Christian too. Having, using, and putting on the right equipment essential to live out my faith definitely makes all the difference between living in victory or living in defeat. As I ran today, testing out my new equipment, I
thought about the passage in Ephesians chapter 6 that tells me to "put on the full armor of God, that I may be able to stand firm..." His armor comes in just the right size - the truth of God's Word, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Spirit, and prayer. These are the things that will help me to stand for Christ and His Cause.

As I wonder about my new shoes and whether or not they will work out for me, I feel so relieved to know that the Lord's armor when worn will always work out for me, every single time! I will never have to return the things that God has given to help me run the spiritual race of faith! And besides that, they never wear out either! Isn't that amazing?