Equipment
Needs
You have made the decision to start an exercise program using walking or
running. The question is – What type equipment is needed to walk or run?
Runners and walkers have special equipment needs, and to offer the best
opportunity for the person to enjoy what they are doing, perform at their best
and continue the exercise, these needs should be met.
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. Running shoes are often used by
people who walk for exercise to reduce the opportunity for pain and injury. The
proper category of running shoe, 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.
The
running shoe industry has progressed to a stage that 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. Much like you can
purchase a pair of less expensive eye glasses at the corner store, you know they
are not made for your specific needs and they do not offer the same help that
prescribed eye glasses offer.
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, 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. 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, depending upon the level of running and other activities
you perform in the product.
There are a variety of different brands of running shoes to choose from for your
walking, running or working needs. If one brand was the only good brand, then
the other shoe brands would be out of business. No one can tell you that a
particular brand is the perfect brand for you. No one can tell you what the best
shoe is to wear. People can share
what brand and model works best for them, however
would you necessarily use the exact same deodorant, toothpaste or underwear if
someone told you they used this particular brand? You may give them a try, but
what feels right on your body will possibly be different than your friend. Even
identical twins and triplets have different tastes, different body structure and
different feels they like. Try on different brands and settle on what works the
best for you.
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!
More information about events in the surrounding area of Valdosta include:
April 12th – Valwood presents Victory for Victoria, a 10K, 5K and 1
mile event on the Valwood campus. Proceeds benefit the St. Jude’s Brain
Research Program. Applications are now available.
April 19th – Hope and Faith 5K Run and Walk is presented by HUMC
and SpaceMakers – Custom Closet Interiors.
This is an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society Relay for
Life. Over 140 people enjoyed this event last year with 10 year olds all the way
up to 77 year olds joining in on the fun and festivities.
May
17th – Run for the Children – 5K and 1 mile events for the whole
family.
All proceeds benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center for Lowndes County – a
non-profit organization that strives to promote prevention and awareness of
child abuse and to minimize the trauma to children who have been abused. The
event is being hosted by Leadership Lowndes Class of 2008.
All of these events will be good for the entire family to be involved. Be sure
to put the dates on your calendar right now. Applications are either at Get
Active, or will be soon. You will find how much fun and encouraging these
events are and you will want to participate in others coming in May thru July
2008, including Baytree 8K on July 4th. Make the decision now to be a part of
these events – raise your bar.
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 4 to 8 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 Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the cycling rides, check
out the web page at www.azaleacitycyclists.com.
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 program 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