You Get What You Pay For

I am not one to spend a lot of money on things. I can do with the minimum, and I usually go for off brand stuff since it is cheaper. Life is not all about the most expensive things for me.

However, when it comes to running gear, you get what you pay for. This is true in other sports and areas of life, but obviously I focus on running.

When I first started running, it was strictly Wal-Mart and Target for all my running gear. There was no need to spend $50 on shorts or a shirt. Plus, I am not one to stick with something very long. I try new hobbies and activities and quickly abandon them. So I did not what to invest hundreds of dollars into a wardrobe I would only wear for a month.

One place I did splurge was on my shoes, but I still did not want to go to the local running store and spend $100 or more. I went to Kohl's and bought a pair of New Balance. The shoes were a whopping $45.

For Christmas my wife got me two Under Armour cold gear shirts. I immediately felt the difference when I put them on. We were having unusually warm weather so I did not have the chance to use them, but as soon as the temperature dipped I was putting them on faster than you can say cold.

Those shirts are fantastic and keep me warmer better than some of my normal cold weather clothes. I can not believe that I was getting along without them.

I also got fitted for a new pair of running shoes on Friday. I was eager to go to the running store and get a specific shoe that I needed. I need stability. I got a pair of Brooks Axiom 3, in case you were wondering.

The old New Balance shoes were all wrong for my feet, which may have been causing my leg pain. The new pair of Brooks feel great and fit better. Just walking in the store I could tell the difference. I will be trying them on a short run tomorrow.

I still do not need the most expensive, or the newest gear... but you definitely get what you pay for and high quality stuff costs more money.

But, I can always look for sales!

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday all year, but Christmas is is also special to me. First because what we truly celebrate with this day is the birth of Jesus Christ! Secondly it is growing more special because of having a family, with two awesome sons. One is 5 and the other is 2.

There are three stages to a man's life. He believes in Santa, He doesn't believe in Santa, and finally he is Santa. It was fun last night, clearing out the cookie bowl and leaving only a few crumbs. My oldest was in awe at how hungry Santa was. The look on his face all morning was priceless!

My dear wife bought me two Under Armour cold gear shirts, and they feel great. I did not use them on my run this morning, because I like to wash my clothes before wearing them. But I can tell that my cold runs will now be much better with these shirts.

So let me wish you all a Merry Christmas, and remember that born this day in the city of David is a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord... who is for all people!