First of all, thanks for all the encouraging comments regarding my Saturday "long"-ish run.  I'm readjusting my goals for NYC, but I'm not letting it bum me out so much anymore. 

So, I spent Sunday afternoon trying to figure out my new blister problem.  I visited three different running stores (primarily because of my experience at the first one…see below).  I did expect to get a variety of opinions, but I also hoped that there would be some common threads of advice that could get me closer to solving the blister mystery. 

Before I share my running-store experiences, some quick background info: 
- I have very low arches, and thus very flat feet.
- I am a moderate overpronator
- From 2005 to 2007, I wore Brooks Adrenaline GTS 5/6.
- Starting this year, I've been in New Balance 767s.   

Running Store #1: 

Background info: I've always been aware of a 30-day return policy on shoes (a policy shared by all running stores, it seems).  In fact, I've returned shoes to this store under this policy after experimenting (with the full knowledge/encouragement of staff) with some Asics Evolutions that (surprise) gave me blisters after a few miles.  

Since it was the same situation with the New Balance, I called the store and mentioned the 30-day policy.  They said there never was a 30-day policy.  hmm, ok.  I went in and talked to the manager, who said they don't accept shoes that have been run in.  I told them about the Asics I had exchanged….and what did the 30-day trial policy cover if not to allow trying out the shoes?  Well, the policy is only for new/beginning runners and their first pair of shoes.  The manager agreed to the exchange, but only after grumpily pointing out their "big financial loss on these shoes" and having me agree to keep the Brooks because "this will be the last time we'll let you do this kind of exchange." 

Well, I've always gotten my shoes from this store, so they were my first stop.  I went to the shoe section and explained my situation to ShoeGuy.  Our exchange: 

Shoeguy: First of all, don't blame our shoes. It's not the shoes, it's your mechanics.

Me: I wasn't blaming your shoes…..I'm just giving you background information. 

Shoeguy:  When runners get blisters and pain in their achilles, it's not because of the shoes.  People like to blame the shoes, but it's really how they train or how they run.  I've been a runner for 30yrs, and I've had surgery on my achilles, so I know. 

Me: I do overpronate alot - maybe that's the problem? (I show him my feet)

Shoeguy: Ok, there's the problem - you have extremely flat feet.  See?  It's not the shoes.  I would say your problem is 100% your biomechanics.   

Me: So why are the Brooks suddenly giving me problems if I trained in them for 2 years?   Could I be pronating even more these days? 

Shoeguy: You have to realize that running is an impact sport, and you're going to get injuries.  This is just part of running.  I've been running for 30 years, and I get injuries all the time.

Me: So what should I do about New York?  It's only 3 weeks away.

ShoeGuy:  Have you been running in only one pair of shoes this entire time?

Me: Yes.

ShoeGuy: (shaking head) You should have been training in at least 2 different pairs of shoes.  During a single week, I rotate through 5 different pairs of shoes.  Let's see how these Saucony's fit on you….

Me: I really don't want to buy new shoes today.  I just want to figure out why I'm getting a blister and how I can get through the Marathon.  (I show him my blister)

Shoeguy:  That's not a blister.

Me: This is a blister.

Shoeguy:  That's not a blister.

Me: There's fluid inside it.  It hurts.  If I keep poking it, it'll pop.

ShoeGuy: That's not a blister.  That's a hot spot.  There's a big difference. 

Me: Ok, at mile 18 I'm not going to care what it's called. Do you have any advice? 

Shoeguy: Don't wear those double layer socks - you slip around, and that's what causes a blister.  Try not to use BodyGlide - I like locking myself into my shoes.  Otherwise, you just have to suck it up.   I've run many marathons with blisters, and I just sucked it up.  You should also see a doctor and get fitted for orthotics ASAP. 

Running Store #2:

Smaller, but nicer ShoeGuys.  Attentive and genuinely concerned.  They watched me run in different shoes to watch my form and figure out a solution.  One suggested I try a new pair of shoes.  I said I was nervous about trying new shoes this close to the Marathon.  He pointed out, but we already know the Brooks are going to give me blisters.  Hmmm, good point.  

In the end, their advice was to wear the Brooks but use new insoles.   Also, my feet might be used to the Adrenaline 6s, since the current 7s have a different insole.  

They also gave me a bunch of anti-blister gel/tape for free, with lots of good luck wishes.   Very cool, very nice.

Running Store #3:

Like #2, smaller but nice.  One of their ShoeGuys had fitted me for shoes in the past.   His advice was to put the insoles from the New Balance shoes into the Brooks, and see if that works.   He said before I purchased anything new, I should try to work with what I have, especially now.   I liked that advice the best.  

So, I'll probably be shopping more at stores #2 and #3 from now on.   And hopefully, I'll finish Tuesday's SMART workout blister-free.