Long Runs, R.I.P. shoes

Last week was a week of long runs as I was getting ready for the half-marathon that I will no longer be running in due to the fact that they closed registration early because they had 2000 runners signed up.  I'm a bit disappointed, but hey, I saved $55 (that I will be spending on some new clothes because I have lost all 50 pounds). I put on a pair of my jeans the other day, and they fell right off me. I'm not even kidding, they actually came right down to my ankles. I was actually a little bummed as these are my favorite pair of jeans. Anyways, last Saturday I ran 9 miles, 2 days later I ran 10 miles, then I finished out the week with a 6 miler.  Today was another perfect running day and would've liked to do 10 miles but only did 6.  Yesterday, Anna kicked Jake's football into the fire (on accident), and Jake had a spaz-attack.  The poor boy, you would've thought someone important to him died.  The football burned on impact and turned all black, Anna was crying because she felt bad, Jake was crying because it "was my favorite football, and I have had it for years", which isn't a lie, Phil bought it for him 4 years ago and it was the perfect size for a 7-year old's hand.  So they went today in search of another one. Katelyn's hanging out on the floor, playing with shoes, and Wii controllers, and books, who needs baby toys anyways?

Dear Nike,
Why did you have to discontinue the running shoes I have been wearing for the past 2 years? As a runner I appreciate the fact that once I find a good pair of shoes that I love, I just buy the same style (in a different color of course). Do you really think I have time to research what kind of shoe is right for the mileage I run, and the fact that I overpronate?  Running shoes aren't like cars, I can't take them out for a test-run and bring them back if I don't like them.  Yes, I can run around the store like a dork, which I did, to see if they might be comfortable, but come on.  As it turns out, I will most likely continue to buy your shoes, because I think I like the pair I bought, although I won't know for certain until I dirty them up with my sweat, dirt, and sometimes even my blood.
Sincerely, Runnermom-Jen