Recently, I received this question: What is special about running shoes? Ask any successful coach if the proper equipment is important for success, and the resounding answer will be yes. You do not send football players out on the gridiron in basketball shoes, or without the proper helmet and pads. Runners and walkers have special equipment needs also. To offer the best opportunity for the person to perform at their best, enjoy what they are doing and continue the exercise, these needs should be met. Running shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a person who runs or walks for fitness. Shoes do not run or walk for you; however, they do make the action easier on your feet, legs and back. The proper category, support and fit of the shoe are imperative.
The wrong quality and/or category of shoe can hurt an individual quickly and for quite some time. Shin splints, knee or back pain, stress fractures, black toe nails and numerous other ailments that people face are generally rooted in the improperly fitted and/or improperly supportive shoes that they wear. Higher quality running shoes were introduced to the masses in the early 1970's, and have progressively gotten better. In the '70's, you had a choice between running, tennis, basketball and cleats. If you ran, you selected a running shoe that fit, and you were off running or walking. In the late '70's, special features were introduced in the running shoes like Nike Air, Reebok Pumps, New Balance widths and whether the shoe was curved or straight. The industry has now progressed to a stage that the shoes are designed based on a variety of parameters: length, width, level of pronation (related to the ankle bone), type of curve and midsole. To compound the complexity of the shoe issue, there are technical shoes and there are fashion shoes. The technical shoes have the features mentioned above, while the fashion shoes have nearly none of the features above, but they look like running shoes and they come in a lot of color combinations, hence the fashion aspect. The higher quality shoes are out in the marketplace, but you have to be aware of substance over fashion. Just like cars and cameras are more complicated and advanced than 25 years ago, so are running shoes.
There are services you should look for from a quality store when buying a running shoe. Your feet should be measured for length and width. There will most likely be a difference, because our bodies are not symmetrical. You should use some method to understand what level of pronation you possess. One should also try on three different shoes that are designed for your body type, level of pronation, length and width. Try your top two choices on side by side, then feel the difference between the toes, arch, top of foot, heel and everywhere in between. Settle on a shoe that almost feels like you do not have a shoe on. For training purposes, a light shoe has little or no impact on its function. A properlyfitted shoe will feel better on your foot and body than a lightweight shoe that does not fit correctly. With regard to shoe length, it is highly recommended that you have approximately half an inch distance between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. If your heel slips uncomfortably in the shoe, there are lacing techniques that can stop most slipping. A store that specializes in this product will offer most, if not all, of these services for their customers. Running shoes do have a life span.
The comfort that one feels is based on the cushion of the midsole, the support and the quality of the components. When one runs, the force of impact on the heel is roughly three times your total body weight. When one walks, the force is roughly 1.5 times your total body weight. These are no small amounts of force. The shoes are designed to absorb this impact, and help transfer the foot to the forefoot as the walking and running motion continues to the toe off. Many fitness experts are quoted to suggest that shoes be replaced every 46 months or sooner, depending upon the level of running and other activities you perform in them. Bottom line give yourself the best opportunity to enjoy and improve in your conditioning program. Train smarter, not harder, and get the proper equipment. Now, let's see you meet those fitness goals throughout 2008 and beyond! It takes effort to achieve your goals. Have the confidence in yourself that you can make the change and then get on it. Get active! OnJan. 12 in Nashville, the third annual BRCA 5K and 1mile run will be presented by the Berrien County Parks and Recreation Department. Go by Get Active to pick up your application and sign up for the event today. On Feb. 9, the studentathletes of VSU will be presenting a relay event. There are five legs of the relay, and a team can be from 35 members to get the full distance completed. The distance covered will be 10K, or 6.2 miles, but each leg will run approximately 1.2 miles.
If there are less than five people on the team, members will have to run multiple legs. There will be awards in team categories, team names and team Tshirts. This is a family event, keep that in mind. There is more information to come on this event in the coming weeks. There are weekly free activities for the runners and cyclists in the area. for allcomer runs from 1.5 to 8 plus miles. Cyclists can meet for rides on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Do you have results you want to share about yourself, a loved one or friend? Do you want to share what motivates you to being active Send an email to me at Get Active Running and More. If you have questions about your walking, running or other training, drop me an email and I will do my level best to answer your questions. on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to ask questions.
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