Tempted by the fruit of another.

I'm going to come right out and say it: I cheated. But when I tell you the story, you'll understand. At least I hope so!

I hadn't meant to cheat. I've long been a Brooks Addiction girl. They've served me well for years and years. They cradle my gimpy toe and keep my wackadoodle pronation in line. They are solid. Solid, supportive, clunky. And always there for me.

So I hadn't even been looking, as satisfied as I was with my Brooks. I hadn't gone to any running stores, hadn't slipped on any Nikes or Mizunos just for fun, hadn't even gone to the running shoe section in the online stores.

They found me, people. I swear it.

A nice lady emailed me and asked if I would be interested in trying a pair of New Balance running shoes. Yes! I practically shouted. I would! I love running gear! Love it all! (Was I too excited? A little over-eager? Perhaps . . . ) She gave me a code and sent me to the web site to select my shoes. I found a sharp looking stability shoe (the 768), ordered it and awaited its arrival.

And then the package arrived (very quickly, I might add) to even more excitement than the original offer of free shoes. I opened the box and stared in awe of the 768's sleek running superness. Owen warned me not to get caught up in their looks. "You love your Brooks for a reason," he said. Um, yeah. He was right but, dang, these new shoes were hot!

I tried them on. Cushy. Cushy and sleek. And fast-looking. Oh, I was going to love them.

My nerves got the better of me, though, and I didn't try them out for a week. I guess I didn't want to be disappointed. And I wasn't. I took my new kicks for a run on the treadmill one afternoon and they were a soft ride. They felt great -- very different from the ultra-control of my Brooks. So I took them out again, this time for speedwork. Yes, they felt terrific.

Then came the true test: A run over my regular, hilly route.

It was the end.

They just couldn't cut it. My feet felt too . . . too . . . free? I don't know. They felt like they were all over the place when I was running downhill and they were too bendy on the uphills. I don't know how else to describe it. They just didn't work. I went back to my trusty Brooks for my next hilly run and it felt right.

Tempted, yes. I was tempted by the New Balance and I will fully admit that I plan to wear them for treadmill runs and keep my Brooks for all outdoor runs. Luckily for my Brooks, this means they'll get the bulk of my runs. But, once a week or so, when I hit the 'mill, the New Balance will be on.

Do I feel guilty? Nah . . . I now know that, truly, my Brooks Addictions are for me. We're a perfect match.

If you are wondering (and you probably aren't), tomorrow I will wear my trusty Brooks for the big race. No cheating there! I'm seriously nervous, by the way. This afternoon I'll head to the expo and then tonight I'll tell myself -- repeatedly -- that I can run fast enough to finish under 23 minutes.

And I will write more about the tennis ball. I haven't forgotten the requests for more info!

OK, happy Friday. I hope all the racers have a great time this weekend!

~ Felice