Do you run slower in Ugly Running Shoes?

I know for a fact that I run faster in good looking running shoes.  My friend Larry would disagree of course when he caught up with me slogging it at the 4 mile mark of last December's Reggae Marathon.  I cost him a PB in his Half Marathon that day.  And I was running in a pair of fancy day-glo Orange Racing Flats!

I fun faster in my mind when I'm wearing good looking running shoes.  That's it!

The opposite is also true. I run more slowly in ugly running shoes both in reality and in my mind.  And to add to the insult, I feel old!  Take look at this monstrosity:

I needed a pair of new running shoes.  So instead of doing the smart thing and shopping at my favorite local running shoe store, I pickup up this pair from the discount rack at the Marshall's near my office.  It's the correct size and the fit is pretty good (wide toe box, fairly good arch support). And the price was only $40! In the interest of saving a few $'s, I made the impulse purchase.  Regret!

On my first run I glanced down to check them out and almost stopped running right there. These things were ugly!  They made my feet look clunky.  And I don't need any extra help in that area.

On my subsequent runs things haven't improved. In fact I've gone out earlier and earlier in order to complete my run under cover of darkness.  I'm so embarrassed.

And I'm running slower!  I know I am.  And it's these ugly running shoes.

I'm planning to really abuse them so I can be rid of them as quickly as possible.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy