Why new shoes?

I tried really hard to keep track of the miles that I ran with my Pumas.  I had an excel spreadsheet made up and everything.   I knew that you should replace your shoes every 300-400 miles.

While I was training for the Rapid Running Pocono Half Marathon in the Spring, my knee starting giving me trouble toward the end of my training plan.  Trouble = it got really really tight after I ran.  I ran the race, but by mile 10 It was super sore.  Luckily I had my Dad and my Sister right there running with me, or I might not have made it.  At this point I had ran about 225-250 recorded miles with my shoes.  I never even gave it a thought that they might be wearing out.  I started trying to figure out what was wrong with my knee, it sounded like an overuse injury but - I hadn't over trained, and I was trying to pay really close attention to my form.

I went to the Runner's World Half Marathon Festival this past weekend to attend a seminar and check out the expo.  Afterwards my friend and I stopped in at a local running store for my friend to check out some new shoes.  On a whim I decided to get fitted again as well.  I told them what shoes I was running in and the first question that she asked me was, "Did they give you any pain?"  Immediately I was struck with how obvious it was that it was very likely that my shoes were what was causing my knee pain.  I told her about how my knee pain developed and she seemed very confident that it was time for new shoes.

Apparently, "your running shoes lose shock absorption, cushioning and stability over time. Continuing to run in worn-out running shoes increases the stress and impact on your legs and joints, which can lead to overuse injuries...If you've been feeling muscle fatigue, shin splints, or some pain in your joints -- especially your knees -- you may be wearing running shoes that no longer have adequate cushioning. (source)."        

I was getting close to 300 miles, but I didn't think it was close enough to start thinking about new running shoes.

I was getting pretty frustrated with my knee and not knowing what was going on.  KNEEdless to say I am really excited about reciving my Amazon order early next week.