Got New Shoes...Need to Break 'Em In

Not really. The title of this post is a throwback from the movie Steel Magnolias. Remember the scene at Shelby's wedding where Annelle (played by Daryl Hannah) met the bartender Sammy and he offered her a ride home and she told him, "Can't. I got new shoes - need to break 'em in." Sorry, I just had a flashback. Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite movies of all time. And the shoe reference was too sweet to be ignored.

Marigold gave me a pair of Brooks running shoes for Christmas. Thanks, Honey! I tried them for the first time yesterday, upon reaching the conclusion that the shin splints I had been experiencing may be a result of the New Balance purchased last fall being on the latter end of their life span. After my 2.5 mile jog yesterday on the treadmill with guess what - NO shin pain whatsoever - I'm convinced. The babies need no breakin' in as they are comfort personified for this overpronator with weak ankles. The New Balance are ready for the recycle bin.

The Brooks felt great and despite the fact that I couldn't get my shoelaces just so for the first half mile, I still had a great run. Add to that the 7.5 miles I sweated out on the bike brought my January total to 110.5. I reached and surpassed my January goal!! Go me!

Here are some before pics of my new Brooks running shoes:







January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for long-weekends. Lord knows I need it!
Saturday, 17 January: Today I'm grateful for long, leisurely breakfasts with my girls.
Sunday, 18 January: Today I'm grateful for cheap at-home date nights with my hubby, Marigold.
Monday, 19 January: Today I'm grateful for Dr. King's dedication and devotion to all Americans.
Tuesday, 20 January: Today I'm grateful that CHANGE HAS COME!
Wednesday, 21 January: Today I'm grateful that although it kinda feels like a Monday, in reality it's Wednesday and the week is half over already.
Thursday, 22 January: Today I’m grateful for my slowly-evolving figure. I saw something that closely resembled a waist line yesterday.
Friday, 23 January: Today I'm grateful for other bloggers who share their private lives, including the joys and sorrows with me, especially including weight loss and running bloggers.
Saturday, 24 January: Today I'm grateful for the Afro Brazilian beating (dance class) Ms. Easter Lily laid on me last night. My glutes are on fire and I'm loving it!
Sunday, 25 January: Today I'm grateful for clearance sales.
Monday, 26 Janury: Today I'm grateful that it wasn't snowing during this morning's rush hour. Monday morning in Washington, D.C. + snow = a hot mess.
Tuesday, 27 January: Today I'm grateful for SHRM and their awesome dinner meetings. Good food and great information make for a happy Blooming Orchid.
Wednesday, 28 January: Today I'm grateful for a snow day to share with my Flowers.
Thursday, 29 January: Today I'm grateful for colleagues that are brave enough to extend compliments on my weight loss.
Friday, 30 January: Today I'm grateful for my Flexible Spending Account. It's a beautiful savings option.
Saturday, 31 January: Today I'm grateful for a fun night out on the town with Marigold.