Shoes are the all important thing. Don't buy cheap. And buy from a store with knowledgeable salespeople...a running store, not a shoe store.
I've got to get back to exercising on a regular basis. As you mentioned, it can be hard to find the time. My job now doesn't allow me to have a regular schedule. It often starts early in the morning (Europe, east coast) and finishes late (west coast, then Asia Pacific)...different schedules on different days make it hard to get into a routine. I've been talking with the wife about getting a local-focused job, but I'd be using only part of my marketable skill set. I suppose I have a few more years to go, and then I might call it a career...I've found myself looking on the internet at different retirement countries...just for fun, mind you--no better country than the US. You?...thinking about getting totally out of the rat race? (You are already in a great location, IMO.)