What
is special about shoes?
The question written in – What is special about running shoes?
Ask any successful coach if the proper equipment is important for success –
the resounding answer is yes. You do not send football players out on the grid
iron in basketball shoes nor without the proper helmet and pads. Runners and
walkers have special equipment needs also, and 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 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 improperly fitted and/or 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 Pump’s, New Balance width’s 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 mid-sole. To compound the complexity of the
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 market place, you have to be aware of substance over fashion. Just
like cars and cameras are more complicated and advanced than 25 years ago –
running shoes have also.
There are services you should look 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, our bodies are not symmetrical. The use of some method to
understand what level of pronation you possess. One should also try on 3
different shoes that are designed for your body type, level of pronation, length
and width. Try your top two choices on side by side – feel the difference
between the toes, arch, top of foot, heel and everywhere between. Settle on a
shoe that almost feels like you do not have a shoe on. For training purposes, a
light shoe has little to no impact on its function. A properly fitted shoe will
feel better on your foot and body than a light weight shoe that does not fit
correctly. With regard to shoe length, it is highly recommended that you have
approximately one half of 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 mid-sole, the support and the quality of the components. When one
runs, the force of impact on the heel is roughly three (3) times your total body
weight. When one walks, the force is roughly one and one half (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 4 to 6 months or sooner, depending upon the level of running and other
activities you perform in the product.
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!
January 12th in Nashville, the 3rd annual BRCA 5K and 1
mile run will be presented by the Berrien Parks and Recreation Department. Go by
Get Active to pick up your application and sign up for the event today.
February 9th, the Student-Athletes of VSU will be presenting a Relay
event. There are five (5) legs of the relay, and a team can be from 3 to 5
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
5 people on the team, members will have to run multiple legs. There will be
awards in team categories, team names and team T-Shirts. 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.
Runners can show up at Get Active Running and more on Saturday and Sunday
morning at 7AM for all-comer runs from 1.5 to 8 plus mile runs. For more
information on the runs, check out the web page www.getactivevaldosta.com
, call or send an email. Cyclists can meet for rides on Tuesday, Thursday,
Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the cycling rides, check out the
web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com.
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. Check out www.getactivevaldosta.com
to get connected. Listen to the Get Active South Georgia radio show on Tuesday
evenings from 6 to 7PM on Talk 92.1 FM to receive additional information or to
ask questions
Thank
you,
Todd
& Alice Smoot
GET
ACTIVE
Running
and more
GET
ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA
as
heard on
Talk
92.1 FM Tuesdays 6 to 7 PM
GET
ACTIVE SOUTH GEORGIA
as read weekly in the Sunday VDT - look for us
www.getactivevaldosta.com
3200-C
North Ashley Street
Valdosta,
GA 31602
229-219-0010
229-219-0012
(F)
In
the long run, one must have goals to succeed.
"To
give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift" Steve
Prefontaine