As some of you saw on my Daily Mile post yesterday, I got some new shoes in the mail. Normally I start jumping up and down when I get new shoes, but these were-gasp! Cheap running shoes. On the whole I think the running community is pretty great, but let's face it...most, if not all of use, are shoe snobs. I'm including myself here, no need to get defensive.
A few months back I ordered a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11s. They sound like a fighter jet, but they're actually just running shoes. They worked great, I like them, and they come in at OVER $100 bucks. In my house (the one without a TV or curtains) $100 on shoes just can't happen. So I researched similar shoes, looked up what was available on sale at Runningwarehouse.com, and wound up with these bad boys:
A few months back I ordered a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11s. They sound like a fighter jet, but they're actually just running shoes. They worked great, I like them, and they come in at OVER $100 bucks. In my house (the one without a TV or curtains) $100 on shoes just can't happen. So I researched similar shoes, looked up what was available on sale at Runningwarehouse.com, and wound up with these bad boys:
Asics. They actually have remarkably similar stats to the shoes I wore before, but...they're not as cool. I wore them for a 7 mile run yesterday and it just felt off. #insignificant problems
I'm still deciding if they're really all that bad, or if I just have my nose so high in the air that it's affecting my gait. We'll see.
Moving onto to similarly insignificant problems: the ability to get good Chinese food here. Rural Georgia is just not up to par with their selection or ethnic dining. Unless you count Taco Bell and Pizza Hut as Mexican and Italian cuisine. I've been trying to recreate Hong Kong style fried-rice for a while, and yesterday I think I may have finally figured it out.
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| Broccoli, onions, garlic, peppers and spring onions |
The key? Using jasmine rice that's a day old. Wet rice just doesn't work. I chopped up all the veggies and stir fried them in a wok on high heat, then added in the rice and scrambled the eggs in the side of the pan. Topped off with some flaked tilapia and chopped green (spring) onions. Delicious.
See those chopsticks? A remnant of my old life. I saw the price tag on a set of them yesterday - $55 Hong Kong Dollars--which is about $8 US. For a pair of chopsticks. I don't get it either.
Would you buy a cheap, generic brand of shoes that looked ugly if they worked fine for runs?
Meh. Undecided. I guess I'm a little snobby myself, and I'll admit that it's nice to feel like a real "runner" in Brooks. But at the end of the day, I'm cheaper than I am snobby. So generic brand it is.
Are you a fan of Chinese food? What's your favorite dish?
Yes, love it! Funny story - when I went to college in America there was a big poster up for a social event and it said "GENERAL TSO" on it. I asked my friends who he was, and they never let me live it down. How was I supposed to know it was a food? I used to love lemon fried chicken, and my family would order it every week growing up.
I've tried so many different brands and styles of shoes. For a while I went for cheap, but since I started wearing adrenalines, I've never looked back. I don't think it's about looking good, but those are the only shoes that really feel GOOD running in.
ReplyDeleteYou need to come cook chinese food for me!
I'm snobby..I can't help it - my Nike's are super fun colours and they fit my feet well so I am hooked.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge chinese food fan. I actually prefer Thai though I am sure many people wouldn't say there is a huge difference.
If you paid over a 100, then you suck at shopping. :) I run in Adrenalines and I get them for 74.99 usually. I watch for sales and buy before I "need" them. Also, I joined a VIP program for Road Runner Sports, so shipping is free.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Asics 2100 series is too bulky (heavy feeling) and too narrow in the toe box for me, cheaper price or not.
Ive gotten shoes that came from outlets that were on sale and worked very well for maybe 50 cents on the dollar of the original price. At the end of the day the only shoe specs that matter to me are heel to forefoot differential, flexibility and cushion. There is very little variety in shoes, just many different options of the same styles. Never did understand Brooks as their shoes don't stirke me as very different from their competition.
ReplyDeleteThese are really good shoes. Don't overlook Brooks shoes. The best pair of Brooks is the Ghost 10. Those are by far the best. So if you are looking for your first pair, then don't get these, but get the Ghost 10.
DeleteI spent a month in Shenzhen, China earlier this year. I tried absolutely everything my co-workers put in front of me. While I missed AMerican food while I was there, I get big cravings for some of the food I had while in China and nothing I can get here ocmpares.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of my Asics GT 2160s. Each time I go to the running store to get new running shoes, these babies are the ones that fit my foot the best. Love Chinese food...orange chicken is my dish of choice!
ReplyDeleteI tend to be a shoe snob. Every year I think I will try a cheaper pair, but then I go to buy them and chicken out. i hate to pay for them if I think I may hate them.
ReplyDeleteI love chinese food! That looks so good.
I love the Brooks Adrenaline. I usually go online and buy last years model... at half the price. The GTS 9 and 10 are awesome... and soon thr 11 will be discounter. HOLLAH
ReplyDeleteI'm all over buying last years' model on clearance. And if you buy an equivalent men's size, you can easily find your size even on deep deep clearance because those smaller sizes don't sell as well. I decided I'd never pay over $50 for running shoes after an over-$100 debacle (I hated the shoes), and so far all of my purchases have been $39 or less!
ReplyDeleteI have had Asics too and am now using them for short walks... for me they just don't have enough support... but The Captain has worn Asics in the past and had great luck with them.
ReplyDeleteWe are all so different arne't we?
p.s. The Captain loooooves Chinese so when we have lunch out, that is often our choice. I may or may not indulge... sometimes will just have steamed veggies or the like.
ReplyDeleteWe do make it at home and I like that better as I can control what goes into it.
Did I say control?
Hello, my name is Elle and I am a control freak!
Ok, first of all, one of the best lines I've read in awhile was "I'm still deciding if they're really all that bad, or if I just have my nose so high in the air that it's affecting my gait." Ha ha, I literally lol-ed.
ReplyDeleteAs for shoes, they're so freakin expensive and I'm totally a snob - I looooove my Nikes. One trick I try do is Google older models of the shoe you like and you can get them on sale…especially right after a new model comes out. I can get the older model of Nike Vomero for $80- $90 and they're usually about $130.
The Brooks Adrenalines are my running shoes of choice. They're the only ones that don't give me blisters and that fit my wide footbed and narrow heal. Yeah, totally expensive, but now I get them for about $80 at my local running store. Still high, but I know I'll likely spend about 60 hours running in them and it makes it more bearable.
ReplyDeleteChinese food is a favorite. Sesame chicken is the best dish ever!
im a shoes snob too but those price tags are just crazy some times. I just bought a new pair of Mizunos (LOVE them) but they were $100 too :( I just retires a pair of Asics and I feel like they didn't last as long. they were great at the beginning but just wore out and my legs felt the difference alot sooner than 400 miles....
ReplyDeleteGirl are you sure those shoes are right for your feet?? I have a pair just like that (except previous season, so a different colour) and they are for pronating feet!! That big dense grey piece is to support the arch. They are a "high" supportive shoe. Double check to make sure or else you could be doing some damage!
ReplyDeleteI have to have the shoes that I like- that's just how it is! I started in Asics Gel-Nimbus that cost $125, but now I only run in Saucony Kinvara and I can find them online for under $70.
ReplyDeleteI most likely have never had really, REALLY good Chinese food- but there was a place we loved when we lived in Oregon. I haven't found anyplace even remotely good since we moved.
I'm not loyal to any running shoes yet. I'm still looking for that perfect pair. I'm in mizuno's now but thinking Brooks next.
ReplyDeleteI used to love chicken fried rice. I haven't eaten Chinese food in a long time. But now you've sparked a craving, I may whip some up. I'm sure it's great for carb loading.
I'll wear whatever as long as it works. My problem isn't the way it looks, really. The cost does matter to me but ultimately what matters most is if I am safe in the shoes. My ankles subluxate and I'm finally coming out of an injury... so staying injury free is top priority... even if theyre ugly lol
ReplyDeleteI don't cheap out on running shoes. Injuries from crap shoes will make everything else more $$$ in the long run. roadrunnersports.com has some good deals on shoes sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI love Chinese food. It loves me to. As the scale can attest to! lol I would have a hard time living somewhere without good chinese but i'm sure the scale would love it.
I wear the Asics Gel Nimbus and I always wait for them to come out with a new model and then I can pick up the old model for pretty cheap online.
ReplyDeleteI love General Tso's chicken - I need to figure out how to make a lower fat version of it at home.
for me its not about the snobby part, its more about the quality. SOMETIMES (not all) the better quality it is, the more expensive. Almost all running shoes out there in the stores are $100, so I generally don't think twice about paying it---man thats kind of bad!
ReplyDeleteYou need to run in what keeps you comfortable and injury free, the last years model deals sound like the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI used to love chineese food back in the days when I had a real stomach who did not reject most delicious food.
ReplyDeleteShoes: I am in no real position to be a snob, I am a turtle who runs just halfs...but I learned the hard way that good shoes are important. So my strategy is to buy the older model of what I need. I run in Mizunos wave inspire. Right now the 8 is available but I still buy the 7 at redcuces price.
LMAO! I'm so not up to par in the running shoes department. After all, my only pair of "running" kicks are Adidas and I thought Asics were pro-fesh. Not so much? Clearly I need to do some research on my homework here, or at least start reading through these comments! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm kinda snobby about shoes... I only wear Nikes. I have tried others but they haven't worked as well so I stick with them!!
ReplyDeleteI always buy "cheap" shoes they are usually last year's New Balance shoes. They have always worked for me and I've never been one that's been up on fashion so I'm use to it!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite veggie when I make Chinese food is bok choy yum! I usually have to make my own because they usually sneak in something that is not vegetarian if I eat out...
I love Chinese food, especially Kung Pao Chicken.
ReplyDeleteI am too afraid to detour from my same shoes that have served me right since I started running! I tried to move to the Asics Gel Kayanos once and it back fired and those cost more than my old faithful Nikes! I do love Chinese food but I usual settle for Panda Express because it's in my budget. I spend all my money on running related stuff so I am broke! I prefer Thai food over Chinese to be honest!
ReplyDeleteYour chinese fake-out looks delish! We love asian food in our house, I think my favorite asian food would be veg spring rolls dipped into peanut sauce. Yummo!
ReplyDeleteI'm a shoe snob, always have been. But I've tried nearly every brand in every model, and let me just say Asics are on the no list. They wear terribly, are bulky, and are always so freaking white! I hate them. I actually just received an advanced pair of the new Mizuno's Wave Rider 15, and I would highly recommend them. I believe that they come out this week and should be around $100 as well. They are similar to the Adrenaline, but I like them a wee bit more.
I like Sauconys and I once bought a pair of them for $45. (Must've been the last year's model) I used them forever and actually just replaced them this summer. I usually spend about 60-70 per pair as I search for great deals and buy older models.
ReplyDeleteI love Chinese food. Sweet and sour chicken and friend rice are my favorites!
Love chinese food but don't have a fav dish though. But yes day old rice is best when making your own fried rice. My fiance is the best cook ever (in my eyes at least) and that's what he does.
ReplyDeleteI love Sauconys but try not to spend too much on shoes. I try to find discount codes online or websites that offer them cheaper.
I'm apparently out of the running shoe loop, because I thought Asiacs were just a regular brand, not generic or anything. I'm all about the cheap, but after spending 6 weeks being injured, which my PT partially attributed to running in poor quality shoes, I'm willing to shell out the money for proper shoes.
ReplyDeleteI don't get Chinese food much but sometimes greasy noodles sound so good!
The news just told me, Georgia has the fastest growing Asian population in the country. You should make some Asian friends!
ReplyDeleteIt might be the true blooded Oregonian in me, but I only look at Nike and adidas. And from there then I try on what is cute and find the most comfortable -- comfortable on my feet AND my budget.
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as Chinese ... my favorite dish at our local restaurant is a grilled cheese and fries! And those crunchy dried noodles.
Me a shoe snob? The person with 20 pairs of running shoes-NEVER! Shoes are about function and comfort to me and if they can't satisfy both of those qualities (some heels excluded) then they just aren't worth it.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you should contact Brooks and tell them of your predicament. I mean if they don't want to see some free shoes out to Vanessa of Gourmet Runner then I don't know who they would be sending free shoes to!
I have learned sometimes that I spend more money on cheaper stuff because I am always having to rebuy things when they go bad super fast. I spent bucko bucks on a North Face and I have had it for over three years and still pull it out every winter. My WallMart coat on the other hand lasted one season. I think if it is important to you, you should spend the money.
ReplyDeleteI love my Adrenaline GTS because they feel good. The 12s are now out so the 11s are coming down in price! I just got a pair on sale from Road Runner Sports for $75! But I hear ya because in general I'm super cheap (or thrifty as I try to say), too!
ReplyDeleteI love my Adrenalines :) Look around, you can probably find it for less than $100. I had the 10 and the 11 and I love them both. :) Shoes are important. I will go cheap on some running apparel but the shoes, I will buy something that I'll feel good running in. (I also have a few prized tops and bottoms).
ReplyDeleteI recreated fried rice on Tuesday! :) It was so delicious. Used day old jasmine rice. :)
I should hook you with this some kswiss shoes. Those are really awesome. I love my keahou II's! But i totally understand the $ and chinese takeout. We need to live in NYC for that. C
ReplyDeleteHey girl,
ReplyDeleteMy week has been "off" since I've been working too much to read your blog much (so sorry!).
I LOVE Chinese food - fav is lo mein!!!
Yes, I would wear generic looking shoes if they felt good and worked well. I spend a LOT of money for running shoes because I have still never been able to find "the right pair" - always something hurts when I run and every time I change shoes, the pain goes away so I totally know it's shoe related (HUGE sigh!).
My policy is to never pay full price for a pair of running shoes. In Canada, they're even more expensive than in the states so my "on sale" price is close you your full price. Very frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI have three different styles of shoes that work well for me, so I try to look out for sales and get them on the cheap. I've been able to score my normally $100 for $60 and free shipping. I also will buy an old version (one that I know works for me) when the new one comes out and that saves a ton too.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't scrimp on the shoe quality. Snobby here too!
I have THOSE shoes!!! the turquoise and a pink pair too--alternate on long runs. I love them. I use to wear Mizuonos but they changed the foot pad form without telling the consumer. OMG I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my last pair of Mizuonos and the shop was able to tell me (after a few months when I finally complained) that the company changed. GASP. How DARE they.
ReplyDeleteI'm a snow when it comes to education--everyone should have one and people shouldn't stop learning just because they graduated.
I'm a food snob. I can't believe what people put into their bodies voluntarily. That being said from someone who puts poison (medicine) into her body daily.
I don't want to spend $150 for shoes, so I spend $90, plus my shoe source is my running coach who gives a small discount :-)
There are things I'll scrimp on (I'll wait until clothes are on season and on sale, I'll buy things at the second hand/consignment store) and things I won't scrimp on (bras, shoes, athletic clothing).
Homemade chinese. That looks amazing! I've got to cook more.
ReplyDeleteOn the chinese food aspect, I love mushroom/beef and chicken with snow peas and veggies. However, I eat gluten free so it seems the only place that can accommodate that is PF Chang's and even then I have to be on the alert to make sure I get a the 'special' plate (round) instead of the regular dishware PF Chang's uses when serving food. The round dish is their "special food requests" dishware.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm Gluten Free & MSG free--try getting that to work ;-)
The local Chinese place is awesome. I use to get food there all the time, and ask for extra veggies (i.e. -non-american serving style) and they loved that. Hmm, I haven't been in since I've been GF. I wonder if they'd accommodate. hmmm.
i am kinda shoe snobby...gosh hadn't really realized it until you pointed it out though!
ReplyDeleteYummmm. Your food always looks so delish!! I had a pair of Asics before I got my Adidas, and I had a lot of problems with my hip when I used them. I'm not sure if it's related, but I haven't had any problems since I switched shoes!
ReplyDeleteAsics are one of the most loved running shoe brands...I have a pair that is $130 (I only paid $30). So although your new shoes may not be perfect for you, I definitely don't see how asics are inferior to brooks...I would have guessed it was the other way around. What do I know though, not a shoe snob
ReplyDeleteI am a cheap shopper for sneakers but also a snob. I have to have my Brooks so I always buy about 3 pairs when I find them on sale on either overstock.com or amazon.
ReplyDeleteI love Chinese food. We just had it last Friday. I have sweet and sour chicken, shrimp and broccoli, cashews and broccoli...of course there was 7 of use that shared all of that!
Asics is a great brand! Although I would agree that those shoes are ugly. Bless your hear for wearin' 'em :). I would try them out for awhile. Money trumps style... SOME OF THE TIME. I rarely notice anyone else's running shoes.
ReplyDeleteChinese is a good time- I live in small town Utah and I can't get any here. Good think I know how to make some killer egg rolls!
I run in Adidas and luckily there is an outlet really close to my parent's house so I stock up on the previous model. Our local running store actually has a blindfold you can use when trying shoes on so the decision is based on comfort not looks.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love ethnic food. Especially spicy stuff Thai dishes paired with Reisling. Hubs goes to Asia at least once a year and reminds me how un-ethnic a lot of my favorite dishes are.
hahahaha... i'm am the same way!! nose high in the air, convinced some shoe just isn't "fitting right" cause it's not so pretty. :) :) the shoes that have worked best for me are nike pegasus... i plan on getting another pair in a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteummm what!?! with the chop sticks price. that is a tiny bit ridiculous. its cool. im a shoe snob too. but i think we deserve to be :) i need a new pair. im putting it off...mostly because i refuse to get a pair i dont like. ha!
ReplyDeleteFor the first time in my life I went and had my feet analysed and a pair of shoes fitted and paid about $200 for the luxury. 4 weeks later I ended up with bursitis in my heel. No bueno.
ReplyDeleteThen I went to Nordstrom rack, bought a "cheap" pair of shoes and I love them. I think it just comes down to your feet and how you feel.
Chinese food is my least favorite. Unless I cook it at home. I really LOVE Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese over Chinese. Maybe I'm a food snob...whatevs.
ReplyDeleteI'm a total shoe snob when it comes to fitness gear.....Not anything else. Just fitness gear.
I'm an odd cat. I realize this....
xo
Sarah
Get Up & Go
I love my nikes! and I also love chinese food:)
ReplyDelete