Run Away

The best part of the last few [transient] days of nice weather has been running outside.

As much as I love yoga, running outside is the ultimate therapy. While yoga helps clear my mind, running seems to generate ideas. I usually come up with ideas for stories while running, and it's the best way to blow off steam.

That being said, a good pair of running shoes is essential to get up and down Maryland hills. For the past four years, I've purchased my shoes at Fleet Feet Sports in Baltimore.

The shop, located in Pikesville's Festival of Woodholme, is paradise for runners. The employees are energetic and experts in all things running. I've never been disappointed in a pair of shoes, and surprisingly, each pair has cost me less than $100. (Usually around $85)

(The Brooks GTS (9.5/narrow) have been my weapon of
choice for the past two years.)

By watching the customer run in either old or new shoes, the employees offer suggestions in terms of support and shoe structure. They even let you take a jog outside.

Fleet Feet Sports also has a wide selection of running apparel, particular shorts (my favorite: black and hot pink Nike shorts!) and sports bras.

But they're not just a shoe store, more of a running support system.

Fleet Feet runs a 5K training program, which kicks off April 18th this year... as long as you can wake yourself up for the 8am runs.

They also have Tuesday and Thursday fun-runs. Because everyone knows it's easier to get through the miles while chatting with someone -- maybe even a cute runner new to town?