Flash! As I run past you, appearing as a blur, all you can see is the bottom of my feet and the dust and gravel that I kick up in your face. Ummm...Ok, maybe not such much, but in my dreams sometimes I run that fast. Usually I'm plodding along like a viking slave with my wife as the whipping master behind me. So am I the only skeptical runner out there? I've always had a hard time believing in all the science behind working out and running. Don't a lot of us just believe in "pushing" through everything, that you can either do it or you cant? Well, slowly but surely I'm starting to realize I might be wrong, starting with my 2 year old Asics.

About three weeks ago I became the proud new owner of a pair of Brooks running shoes, specifically the "Ghost." And it wasn't a choice I made by any means, just a nice present. I've been running in a pair of Asics for a few years, put too many miles on them, but always to cheap and filled with to much unbelief about if nice new running shoes could make a difference while training for my first marathon.

Brooks running shoes, the Ghost, are awesome. They have made a huge change in the pace, distance, and after affects of my training runs. The shoes work well on gravel, pea gravel, grass, and asphalt. They are well rounded for almost every application and hold up well.

Probably the biggest area of improvement I found was the cushion compared to most running shoes. It seems a lot of shoes can just be bare minimums, while trying to save weight and space there is nothing to them, including a good sole. Brooks has done a stellar job at creating a well fitted running shoe that feels light, hugs your feet, but provides ample cushion for impact.

You ever wear a shoe that feels like a clod hopper? Like your running with rubber boots on? Well not these babies, the fit of the Brooks Ghost is like a glove. They hold onto your feet very well, while at the same time giving enough support to let you pound that pavement. They don't have the very ultra low cut that a lot of shoes can have, which can be nice if your the type of person who might hit that pea gravel trail or some grass every once in awhile.

Overall if you are skeptic about whether a simple shoe can make a difference, it can, just give them a try. A good shoe like the Brooks Ghost will make it simple to have good form, feel great, run longer and faster with less trouble. What kind of shoe do you use? What do you look for in a good pair of running shoes? Can shoes make that much of a difference?

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