Manolo the Columnist
Manolo says, here is the Manolo’s latest column for the Express of the Washington Post.
0Dear Manolo,
I’ve just made my New Year’s resolutions, and at the top of the list is “get more exerciseâ€. I’m planning a program that combines more jogging with some weight training. Do you have any suggestions for shoes?
Claire
Manolo says, the Manolo learned long ago not to make the New Years resolutions that required any substantial change in his behavior. Madness that way lies. And thus the Manolo only has one standing New Year’s Resolutions:Make the world more super fantastic.
Be kinder to strangers you meet on the street. Tip waitresses generously. Smile at small children and dogs, even when they are naughty. Have the kind word for shop girls and cab drivers. Engage random strangers in pleasant conversations about growing flowers, and your last trip to the circus. Resist the urge to use your walking stick to pummel rude people who talk loudly on cell phones.
These are the sort of small things that make the world the better place, and contribute to social harmony and understanding. Even better, they are painless and pleasant, and make others happy.
Of the course, if you still wish to go jogging, the Manolo always recommends the New Balance sneakers. Here is the WX1007. You will not be disappointed.
Comments
Tricia 17 years ago
New Balance are great for women. I bought my first adult pair 6 months back and love them. They also wear well.
Cat 17 years ago
Indeed; I wear New Balance shoes for my exercise needs and they are great shoes — durable, comfortable, and attractive.
Stephanie 17 years ago
I also love New Balance. They fit my weirdly proportioned feet like a dream.
Poochie 17 years ago
New Balance IS the way to go. I went to a specialist running store and these were their recommendations. If you have a DSW near you, you can usually find them at a discount.
Luv
Poochie
Annalucia 17 years ago
Yes! Yes! The New Balance, it is THE shoe of the gym and the exercise. A most wise recommendation. And to the dear Claire, the very best wishes on the new regimen.
Noga 17 years ago
“Be kinder to strangers you meet on the street. Tip waitresses generously. Smile at small children and dogs, even when they are naughty. Have the kind word for shop girls and cab drivers. Engage random strangers in pleasant conversations about growing flowers, and your last trip to the circus. Resist the urge to use your walking stick to pummel rude people who talk loudly on cell phones.”
In short, be generous, don’t be a jerk. As good an advice as any, for the new year, or even for the end of the year.
The very best wishes to you, gentle Manolo!
Rachel of Cyberia 17 years ago
“Resist the urge to use your walking stick to pummel rude people who talk loudly on cell phones.”
That’s going to be tough. My walking stick was specially made for pummeling.
jj 17 years ago
New Balance are excellent all purpose workout shoes and are thankfully availible in a broad variety of widths to suit nearly everyone. Not something I can say about many of their competitors with larger advertising budgets.
The jj has however had success with the new year’s resolutions in the past. The key involves viewing them as exercises in discipline and consistency, rather than a test of one’s moral fiber. One practices at them rather than succeeding or failing.
daisyj. 17 years ago
With all this praise, I may have to try the New Balance the next time my running shoes wear out. Though I must say, I’ve been quite happy with my Sauconys, even if I’m not entirely sure how to pronounce them.
By the way, do not overlook the importance of good socks for running. I’m particularly partial to the ones by Smartwool, though I’m sure there are others that do as well in the cushioning-and-not-rubbing department.
Jen C 17 years ago
I love the Manolo’s resolution. I may have to adopt it as my own.
I must concur with daisyj. Socks are very important. I like Wrights Running socks – even when I’m not running. And I almost never run.
blondiebimbo 17 years ago
Go to a non-chain running store and get properly fitted. Later in the afternoon, your feet are more swollen so your fit will be more accurate. Once you find a pair of shoes, it is okay to buy them online, etc. (I buy my nike air pegasus in bulk it seems…) to get a better deal, but it’s worth it to have someone who knows feet pick your first pair.
Also, invest in a GOOD sportsbra.
Endorphins are indeed super fantastic, (and they will make you FEEL more super fantastic!) but not as super fantastic as the manolo :-)
Bridey 17 years ago
I’ve been a Reebok wearer for years, but all this praise will make me consider NB next time the sneakers need replacing (soon).
On the other recommendations, sometimes I think the Manolo is the spiritual heir to the wonderful Judith Martin (a.k.a. Miss Manners).
deja pseu 17 years ago
Make the world more super fantastic.
Hear, hear!!
lindylady1 17 years ago
Ditto what blondiebmbo said. New Balance shoes are great but one brand/model does not fit all. You may pronate or supinate and need a motion control shoe. Or have high rigid arches and need more cushioning, etc. etc. Go to a store have them look at your feet and the wear pattern on a current pair of shoes. Try on several pairs and go for a test jog up and down in front of the store. If a store does not let you do this, they’re not serious about selling you the right pair of shoes. The right shoes will make the difference between running being a superfantastic experience vs. one that is possibly painful.
dgm 17 years ago
Blondiebmbo and lindylady1 are spot on, especially if the Claire plans to incorporate any jogging or other high-impact cardio activity into her routine. One would be a fool to purchase shoes for such occasion on anyone’s recommendation but a specialist at a running store (I’m not talking Lady Footlocker–go to a store that specializes in running shoes).
As Lindylady1 notes, anyone who will sell you shoes without having you run in several pairs while they look on is not really serious about selling you the right shoes for your size and needs. This can lead to foot, back, knee, hip, ankle, etc problems and will provide you with an excuse to give up jogging, among other things. I’ve been running for over 20 years and have been through New Balances, Nikes, and Sauconys before I discovered that my feets were made for Asics.