A Better Bag of Groceries

Two of My Favorite Things: New Balance Express and My Ipod

Friday, March 5, 2010 at 06:57 AM

Hip hip hooray for Friday!  I like to keep my blog posts fun on Friday, so a “Two of My Favorite Things” posts seemed to be in order. 

First of all, let me just ‘fess up right now:  I am not a great runner.  In the 4th grade, I participated in a YMCA Fun Run with my mom and I came in dead last.  In the Children’s Division.  Not a good way to start my running career.  And, I have been cursed with flat-as-a-pancake feet.  As in the orthopedic specialist at Brigham & Women’s hospital called in about 15 interns to look at this specimen of over-pronation because he had never seen such flat feet before.  Along with flat feet come alignment and knee issues.  However, I have a great podiatrist in Brookline, MA who outfits me with custom orthotics that keep me running.  No marathons, but running. 

I love running because it is so versatile and efficient.  You can do it anywhere, no equipment needed.  Well, I guess you do need some equipment – like good running shoes and for me, my Ipod.  Which brings us to Two of My Favorite Things!

New Balance  Web Express

Like I said, I have been blessed with the World’s Flattest Feet.  My custom-made orthotics are huge.  And on top of them, I use a heel insert because I’ve also had some plantar fasciitis issues.  So, I need a lot of room in my shoe.  New Balance (a Boston-based company which began as a manufacturer of arch supports) has been my brand for many years.  When we lived closer to the city, we would head to the New Balance outlet in Boston.  Now, that we live out in the suburbs, I go to a small local dealer, DB Sports in North Attleboro, who has helped me to get the fit just right.  However, since I try to be good about replacing my shoes often, I don’t always have to time to get to my Sneaker Man.  So, I just click on New Balance Web Express, use my style number and find a great deal.

Like these!

I have to admit, they are a little brighter than they looked online.  But part of the proceeds go to raise money for breast cancer research and they match my pink coat, so all is good.

I love shopping the Clearance section on NB Express.  Shipping is often only $5 or free and they are on my doorstep in a day or two.  Love it!

I love NB Express so much, I started buying my kids’ sneakers there too.

My son wears those shoes every day (my daughter, not as much) and see how good they look?  He has had them since the beginning of the school year.  Yes, they are more expensive ($35 on sale) than buying cheap sneakers at Target (only about $15), but they last so much longer.  If I had purchased character sneakers from Target back in September, we would be on our 3rd pair by now.  The Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 20 different brands of kids’ sneakers and rated New Balance #1. 

Another reason I’ve switched to New Balance for the kids is that my son and daughter also have foot issues.  My son has my super-flat feet and my daughter has Fred Flintstone feet (thick through the instep).  New Balance has all sorts of wide widths to help me get the fit just right.

My Ipod

With my feet feeling as happy as they can, it’s time to move on to the entertainment portion of my run.  I don’t know how I ever run before I had an Ipod.

My pink case matches my sneakers! 

The key to a great run is a great playlist.  Otherwise you get tempted to stop and find a new song.  One of the fitness classes that I teach is a Running class.  I use my Ipod along with my Bose Sounddock and all of the participants are on treadmills.  Some choose ellipticals, which is fine too.  The class consists of a great playlist that I put together ahead of time.  Similar to a spin class, the participants sprint, charge up big hills, hit the beat with big strides, etc.  It’s a great workout and some of the people who come to my class have become true runners.

So what’s on my playlist?  So many songs.  But here are some of my favorites for a great run:

• Tin Man by Animal Kingdom
• Meet Me On the Equinox by Death Cab for Cutie
• September by Marianas Trench
• Use Somebody by Kings of Leon
• Magnificent by U2
• Love Drunk by Boys Like Girls
• She Is by The Fray
• Hands Open by Snow Patrol
• Vertigo by U2
• Get On Your Boots by U2
• I Run for Lifeby Melissa Etheridge
• Meet Me Halfway by The Black Eyed Peas
• That’s Not My Name by The Ting Tings
• Somebody Told Me by The Killers
• Amsterdamby Guster
• Shake It by Metro Station
• Square Oneby Coldplay
• You’re All I Have by Snow Patrol
• Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
• Shut Up and Let Me Go by The Ting Tings
• Livin’ on a Prayerby Bon Jovi
• Under the Milky Way by The Church
• Rio by Duran Duran
• Roll With the Changesby REO Speedwagon

Don’t use all of them at once.  Unless you’re running a marathon! 

Question of the Day
What’s on your running or workout playlist?

Posted by: Melissa 9 comments

Posted in: Two Favorite Things, running

Tags: Ipod, New Balance Web Express