I am writing this also as a reflection while taking recovery stretches and toning in between.  This is because I have recently increased that amount of workout I am doing.  From 3km per running session, I am already covering 6km per session at 3 times per week.  So in between, I am also doing strength exercises for my arms, legs, and abs (will feature strength exercises in succeeding posts) not only to increase my endurance in taking longer distances but as well as enhance my balance and stability during a run (it is said that a stronger core results to a more stable balance).

I am planning to add if not replace some of my exercises (afraid that I might be working too hard for a starter such as myself) with basic stretching exercises because I have been enduring muscle pains in the right hip area as well as at the abductor hallucis on my right foot for 2 weeks already. Since my step is overpronated or inward, meaning have flat feet, my feet closely depend on shoes with sturdy sometimes customized midsoles or referred to as strong stability shoes or motion control shoes (but specific attention to cushions).  Having this lingering pain reminded me that my shoes may already need my attention (as well as stretching and rest).  For the past 5 months, I am slowly working my feet adaptability as well as budget capacity on the type of shoe that I must use as most motion control shoes can be a bit painful in the insole and heels as well as among the most expensive running shoes in the market.

It is said that as a general rule, the frequency of having to change your running shoes depends on the weight, feet, your stride, and the running trail.  Meanwhile, podiatrists (also called as ‘foot doctors’) and runners would unanimously advise that you should change your shoes once it has gone a distance of 300-500 miles or 482.80km to 804.67km.  This could happen earlier with the type of feet and the running trail such as for runners with overpronated feet running on the road (instead on a treadmill).  Mine has aged in at least 120 kms or 74.6 miles.  I am also 145 lbs; heavily lands inward (although I am consciously re-learning my strides to spread the pressure to my toes); and a firm road runner.  It was said that these factors ages the shoe faster.  To add to that, more than the distance, you must also pay close attention to the physical conditions of the shoe.

I have done my research and sought these observations on my Nike Dual Fusion ST 2 (minus the endorsement, it has great cushioning at an affordable price).  This running shoe is 5 months and a half old.  As mentioned, it has reached at least 74.6 miles (instances where I used it as part of my casual wear, for morning walks in our community, and during the time that I began using it as cross-trainers as well 3 months ago, were not yet included). It has also taken me to my first 15k.  Keeping a workout log (which also covers the distances you’ve walked or ran) really helps not only in monitoring the distances you’ve covered and the estimated calories you’ve burned, also in keeping track of the working adaptability of the shoes.  This shoe has a great foot room and provides enough bounce for my feet – making my runs less stressful and painful even at longer distances (might as well do shoe reviews as well in the future).  I have noticed little signs of wear and tear so my shoe is already on a watch list as well.

At first, you won’t be able to notice the wear and tear that your shoes are already experiencing.  So take a closer look and watch for these signs that your shoes may  need your attention and eventually will have to retire before it causes injury on your part.

1. Notice the unnoticeable.  Place your shoes in a flat surface.  A sign of wear and tear may include if (a) one is either asymmetrically worn over the other or (b) if one or both shoes are no longer standing up straight when placed on a flat surface.  On these shots, notice that the heel counter and the external stabiliser of the left shoe is lower than that of the right.  The front view also shows that the left shoe outsole presses lower than that of the right. 

2. Check for creases.  Usually, before the outsole worns out, the cushion or the midsole will first show signs of heavy usage.  The midsole which is responsible for this, catches the pressure we throw in every step and most importantly, influences the way our feet lands on the ground and our muscles and joints should work in every stride, so paying attention to this is the most important.

3.  A peeking midsole.  A worn-out outsole or when the midsole peeks through the outsole is also a way of saying that your shoes are nearing retirement.  The safety of your run also depends on how well your shoes will hold on the trails.  See my shoes are almost at the verge of peaking as well (though thankfully it is still holding well).

4. Lastly, listen to your body.  Other signs of wear and tear are as follows:

a. A softened heel counter (as compared to a firm one) which holds your feet properly in place;

b. Your shoes no longer provides the bounce when you run.  Notice that your midsoles are either too soft or already presses close to the outsole when you land on them;

c. Your insoles (you can feel them better by placing your hands inside your shoes) are deformed at the areas of your toe box.  You can feel that there are like craters in some areas of your insole; and

d. Most importantly, notice what your body (muscles and joints especially on your legs, knees, and hips) feel during and after your run.  Maybe your shoes are no longer providing the support that your body needs while it gives you a bad form in your run, that is why you are more prone to muscle cramps and joint fatigue.

So monitor how and when you started using your shoes.  As shared, you may use workout logs (tinker your gps watch or smartphones); you can also run at consistent distances (like 5km in every run); or for a more old-school approach, try writing a date when you first used your trusted pairs under the tongue of the shoes.

In my case, besides these observations, I am still monitoring the pain on my foot and hips.  I will also result to rotating other forms of exercises first to help recover my muscles and joints why not sacrificing the strengthening and cardio exercises I’ve already done (that is, I need to survive my first night run this Saturday and probably seek an advise from a Podiatrist soon).  Lastly, I will be giving my shoes at least a hundred miles more before it retires (unless it heavily shows the signs I mentioned in the next 4 months) to give honor to its glorious purpose.

I am confident that an overwhelming percentage of the active population would agree that modern running shoes make running easier (or at least more comfortable). In the last half decade there has been a surgance of “natural running”.  Most people making the transition to “natural running” claim that the traditional running shoe is weakening the foot and contributing to the majority of running/training injuries. The general prescription for running shoes are for severe over pronators are placed in motion control shoes, mild pronators are placed in stability shoes, neutral runners are placed in neutral shoes, and supinators are placed in shoes with increased cushion. I am not sure how often this template is followed as a good chunk of people buy shoes based on how they look and whether or not they are on sale. Not to mention that the guy selling the shoe may not be the most reliable person for gait analysis and shoe selection.

Running barefoot claims to strengthen the intrinsic/postural muscles of the feet and lower leg, improve proprioception and balance, and changes running mechanics to adapt to the forces placed on the feet. Barefoot running tends to shorten a runner’s strides because the lack of heel cushion causes runners to foot strike under their centre of mass, eliminating larger steps that would cause the heel to crash down in front of the runner’s centre of mass.  The increased heel cushion on modern runners is the main reason for this over-striding, causing a braking action on impact, and increasing the force going through the foot.  This force can be decreased substantially by shortening running stride with foot strike underneath centre of mass. This will decrease the forces acting on the hips, knees and feet.

The evolutionary argument should not trump the last few decades of running shoe development. Cavemen sure as hell were not running 100km per week. And they definitely were not doing it on pavement! The sad truth is that our feet are essentially casted in shoes the second we are born. We adapt to having shoes on our feet
and lose intrinsic foot function and develop poor functional habits. There is a suggested 6 month transition period for adaption to barefoot running in order to strengthen the foot and shake these poor habits. In a sedentary society, it is hard enough to get people off the couch. For those people wanting to make a lifestyle change, a training program with barefoot running may send people back to the couch faster than those starting with runners. For hard core runners with nagging injuries, perhaps a 6 month transition period with barefoot running may be the solution.

I have not seen any clinical trials over a prolonged period stating the benefits of barefoot running, only individual testimonials. There is no research to prove that they decrease injury, and no definitive research to prove that modern runners increase risk of injury. I have no doubt that a portion of the population would benefit from barefoot running. My point is that I do not feel the majority of the population would benefit from making the switch. If you are intending on making the switch I suggest visiting a professional who has expertise in gait analysis and assessing running injuries.

Recover Faster. Perform Better,

Dr. Jaritt Ptolemy DC, H.BKin, CSCS

Visit www.drjaritt.com for more exercise and injury information/tips. Please email jp@drjaritt.com if you have any questions or if would like to receive email updates about new blog posts.

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First, I expected one of two (From what I have read online) standard Podiatrist viewpoints toward the Vibram Five Fingers.

1)  These things are horrible. No one should ever wear them (or walk barefoot) as our feet should be in shoes that make them work properly.  They are just begging for injury because they don’t let your foot work like it should.

2) They are ok, and there is nothing wrong with wearing them, but you don’t want to over do it.  Longer runs should be done with proper padding and motion control in the shoes.  Its important to remember we live longer than people used to – so our bodies take more abuse.  Plus we are running on much harder materials than the dirt and grass our ancestors did – so it is further wear and tear on the body.

In either case I fully expected them to fit me with Orthotics (Because my understanding is that ll Podiatrists fit everyone with Orthotics.)

I had checked around with everyone I knew looking for a podiatrist that came recommended from Athletes and runners.  My old Tang-So Do instructor (old in the sense of when I used to go, she is still quite young) recommended one that was a black belt at the school, and also was somewhat of an athlete himself.  Seemed Perfect!  Perhaps he would be a #2 – or a super rare – liked the idea of strengthening feet!

I headed in, and while they nurse was x-raying my feet she let me know that she didn’t think that Dr. Gennett liked them AT ALL, so I my expectation became standard podiatrist answer #1.     When he came in – it turned into answer #2!    I think they jammed me in to a slot that didn’t exist, as my interactions with him were VERY brief.  (I had met him before, he helped me learn some of my one-steps for my orange belt.)  He did have them fit me for orthotics (That I don’t really plan on getting or wearing) that I am supposed to wear in all my shoes for the rest of my life.   He did confirm that it was Plantar Faciitis, and said he could feel how tight it was.  He said your normal person can pull their foot back to about 15 degrees, he guestimated mine at about 5 degrees.  If you recall my issues with calf muscles and Achilles tendon from last year – it makes perfect sense as it is all combined!  (I wonder how bad it was  back when I had the issues!)

Stretch for PF

He gave me some great exercises/stretches to add-on to my list of what I am doing for the Plantar Faciitis as well.  The one in the picture to the right I am to do before getting out of bed, or sitting for any extended period of time.

He then gave me a shot of Cortisone into it, and I got to walk pain-free for the first time in three weeks. It was WONDERFUL!!!! (Unfortunately it was short-lived – 20 minutes  after I left it started hurting and spread through my entire arch.  That lasted about 24 hours and now it is hurting less.)   He had the nurse make an “arch support wrap” for me to wear for a week or two.  I asked him about the foot-log, and he thought it was fantastic to use.  The office also gave me a list of stability shoes such as the Asics 2170 and the Brooks Adreneline that he said I should be running in.

After the Podiatrist’s office, I headed over to a local sports shop to try on a pair of these “Stability control shoes”.  And I found out the all seem to cost AT LEAST 100-120 bucks, if not more.  Well, I suppose you are getting “more shoe” for your money…  I tried some on and found that the constricted toes are horrible.  (So are the color selections.  Apparently only older, more conservative people are supposed to get Plantar Faciitis.)  After trying several types on, I found one that had a decent toe box by switching from the shoes on the list – to an Asics that had the similar features designed for Triathlons.   It had the same foot lift of 10 -11 mm, the same arch support, the same thingy to stop it from flexing in the middle.  Plus it had the added bonus of being glow-in-the-dark!  It was the ASICS Tri Noosa-7, pictured to the right.    I tried them on, and like the others jogged around the store with them.

It felt weird.  Aside from my no longer being used to wearing conventional shoes, that heel raise had me concerned.  Granted I was just going up and down the aisle of a store – but it was difficult to NOT heel-strike in them.    I left without buying anything because I couldn’t decide to get them or not.  I just have issues spending 120 bucks on shoes I won’t wear after I heal (heel?) regardless of how awesome the color scheme is.

Based on a physical-trainer on my FB page, I did order a night splint to wear (it will be here tomorrow).  The handout I got from Dr. Gennett said it helps in 20% of the cases.  Since I can use my Healthcare Reimbursement account for it – I figure it is worth trying.

As for shoes – since this not running me is KILLING me, I did decide to order a new pair. I went over to Dicks Sporting Goods and tried on several pairs of stability control shoes – some made by Saucony, Brooks (Really tight toe box), ASICS, Nike.. And the heel rise on them all were forcing a heel strike.  I tried on some others that were NOT stability control and found that the New Balance Minimus was quite comfortable (although no more supportive than my VFFS.  The Saucony Kinerva 2 seemed to have some some protection and prevented a bend in the middle since it had padding, but only a 4mm heel to toe difference. It seemed a fair compromise for me that could give me some benefit via padding and support – while not being a short-term HIGH expense.
Plus I found it on-line for 60 bucks, compared to the $120 of the doctor recommended.  Plus it seemed like the sort of thing that I could still use for trail running when I am all-better.

So, my new nightly routine the wall-stretch we all know and love for my calf. Then i bend my back knee and put my weight on it to stretch out the achilles/plantar facia.  Then I use a stair to hang my heel off and stretch it out. Then I go up stairs and use my foot-log before I get into bed.  I am rolling my foot on an icy water bottle at least twice a day at work, and have been taking (faithfully now) my Naproxin 500 mg two times a day.  I also give my calf muscle a good rubbing with The Stick during the day.  It does seem to hurt less today than yesterday, so either the Cortisone is working, or my long list of things I am doing is..

Here is the thread from my Facebook page,  I am including it – just because this post doesn’t seem quite long enough..:

I’m still not sure what the orthotics are supposed to help me with exactly..

If you’re like me, at least some of the time you run, you train with stability shoes.  I’m partial to them when increasing mileage or recovering from an injury; of course, sometimes I just mix them into my running routine for a run during the week.

However admittedly, I’ve never dissected one, or any running shoe for that matter!  So, we’ll put the knife away and simply catch a glimpse inside without carving up an old shoe!

The present patent application claims a midsole reinforcement member 6 which includes a reinforcement plate 7 having wings 8 which alternatively fold upwards and downwards.  The wings 8 serve to bind the reinforcement member 6 to the upper and lower midsole portions 4, 5 providing increased stability for the runner.    For example, the wings engage the grooves 11 in the upper midsole and the ribs 12 in the lower midsole.  The application claims that this assists in weight distribution and reduces foot fatigue.

The owner of this invention is Korean company Jione FRS Corp.  A copy of the full text is available here (last visited 4/15/12).

I write this blog without taking a position as to the usefulness, desirability, novelty, aesthetics, functionality, etc. of the products or processes discussed in my posts.  Naturally, readers are free to take any position they prefer and comment accordingly, provided it is in good taste.  However, if I am silent with respect to your comment, such silence should not be construed as any agreement or disagreement to the comment; I hope you can appreciate that I simply prefer to remain neutral in such matters and merely report Patent Office news.  Thanks!  :)

Source: http://www.therunningshoesguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/wide-width-running-shoes.jpg

Cushioned Shoes

You should wear cushioned shoes if you are a runner who needs maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial (arch-side) support. These shoes are best suited for biomechanically efficient runners (you don’t overpronate), and midfoot or forefoot strikers. Runners who do best in cushioned shoes often have moderate to high arches.

Motion Control Shoes

You should wear motion-control shoes if you are a runner who overpronates moderately to severely. Motion-control shoes will give you maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial (arch) side of the foot. Motion-control shoes are also best suited for big or heavy runners who need plenty of support and durability. These runners often have low arches (flat feet).

Performance Training Shoes

You should wear performance-training shoes if you are a runner who wants a light, well-balanced shoe suitable for racing, speedwork, or daily training. These shoes are best-suited for fast, efficient runners who want to train in them. Moderate overpronators can also train and race in some of these shoes.

Racing Shoes

You should wear racing shoes if you have a biomechanically efficient stride, don’t have any current injuries, and want an exceptionally fast, lightweight shoe for races. Many runners use performance training shoes or their regular training shoes for races.

Stability Shoes

You should wear stability shoes if you are a runner who needs medial (arch-side) support and good midsole cushioning. These shoes are best suited for runners who are mild to moderate overpronators, and/or need added support and durability.

Trail Shoes

You should wear trail shoes if you are a runner who frequently runs off-road, and are looking for rugged shoes with great outsole traction and some weather- and water-resistant qualities. Many trail shoes are built low-to-the-ground for added stability on rough trails.

Pronation Explained

When you run or walk, you land on the outside edge of your foot and roll inward. This entirely normal inward rolling is called pronation. For most runners, the pronation stops at a healthy point. However, some runners roll inward too much. This excessive inward rolling is called overpronation. Runners who overpronate should wear motion-control shoes, which contain special foams and devices that are designed to limit overpronation.

How can you tell if you overpronate? Here’s the easiest way. Take off your shoes, whether your normal work-a-day shoes or your running shoes, and put them on a table with the heels facing out toward you. Now study the heels. If they are fairly straight and tall, you do not have an overpronation problem. If the heels tilt inward (toward the arches), on the other hand, you are probably an overpronator, and should try motion-control shoes. Many (but not all) overpronators are bigger, heavier runners with flat feet.

Interested in learning more? Check out the article in Runner’s World.

Now Diadora has widen its array by introducing shoe technologies for running. I am so blessed to be able to review one of the top of the line shoe models of DIADORA – DIADORA Mythos Samurai III for Women. Before I tell you my personal experience with the shoe, first let me give you a brief description on the shoe’s technology.

DIADORA integrated the Axeler Technology™ into all running technology. Hardwork and extensive research was put into it to find the best solutions that would give runners around the world the greatest performance and comfort. Introducing the Diadora Axeler WI 5™ (uai faive) — a combination of Axeler String™ and Axeler Propulsion™. This system guarantees the maximum shock absorption, limiting the midsole torsion while enhancing elasticity. This system is based on the recovery of energy during the foot’s  natural transition from heel strike to toe off where it will draw absorbed energy at the point of the heel impact by acting as a propulsive force.

Specification

DIADORA Mythos Samurai III

• Upper: Nylon air mesh and Supreltech. Lining with special anti-bacteria treatment.
• Insole: Removable anatomical cotton jersey and shock-absorbing Elastom E.V.A. foam.
• Midsole: Moulded Elastom E.V.A. foam. Double Action² in the heel area. C.C.B.. Axeler Wi-5 Propulsion. Power Flow.
• Sole: Blown Flexoft Rubber in the front area. Special Duratech 5000 wearproof compound in the heel area.
• Color: C3570- White/Grey/Bright Rose (Women’s)
  C4101 - Blue micro/Red orange (Men’s)
• Sizes:5 ½ – 9 (Women’s)
  5 ½ -13 (Men’s)

Box - to - Road Testing

The Looks

As I was telling in the title of this post, I tried to run on this shoe a day after it was given to me by Royal Sporting House. I’m so thrilled by the looks of it. Physically its so chic, feminine because of the color and best of all VERY LIGHT, knowing it has Stability feature in it. My feet requires stability support and for the past (almost) 2 years Stability shoes from other brands never failed me. My only concern is that shoes with this special features are quite on the heavy side because of the technology they put into the shoes. That is why I am surprised and at the same time curious if Diadora Mythos Samurai is really a Stability pair. Based on the specifications of the shoes it is a shoe with Stability features located in the fore and rear foot, together with an  exceptional support of the foot arch, plus  Cushioning. I am scheduled for a long run last weekend (January 21) and I felt so good to hit the road for a training, with a new pair of shoes.

Nylon mesh for total breathability

For this run I paired it with a Five Finger socks from Burlington. I decided not to use thick socks because it will only eat up the allowance for my feet. I’m wearing size 9 (USA) by the way and its the biggest size for women’s, if I wanted more space, I would be upgraded to Men’s size 8.5. It feels good to have room especially for the toes and to prevent dead ones after the run. The neck is not so tight when it is laced up, but it’s still something to find out if its blister free if I use ankle length socks (will have another review for this). The feet is well ventilated despite the hot pavements because of the nylon mesh and the “built-in drainage” underneath which makes the air circulate inside the shoes.

wet feet no more! great wicking mechanism to help air circulate

I am so amazed by how light this shoes is. This just makes you wanna sprint (but I don’t want to do that in a long run). I just thought its gonna be an easy breezy long run. After running almost 30 minutes my legs and feet still felt good. I didn’t have to drag my legs despite the uphills. Took some walk breaks and my legs didn’t feel tired yet. Jogged and walked until we reach the destination 10 kilometers from the starting point. I felt my right ITB acting up but I think its because of the zero mileage for the entire week, my bad.

climbing the uphills of Antipolo City with friends-- somewhere near Padis point

What goes up must go down so we run and walked our way back to where we started. The cushioning was tested here and I’m really impressed because I cant feel the impact I create when I run the downhills. Just imagine how hard the pounding the feet make when running down the pavements. I can’t barely feel the ground as if I was wearing a thick pair of socks. I do this with my other stability shoes especially on longer distances races because I have this tendency to do heel striking especially when Im tired and dragging myself to the finishline. However, about 3 kilometers to our final destination I felt a burning sensation on my right pinky toe. I felt my feet expanded and ate the allowance of the shoe. Maybe its because of the shoe being  narrow versus my feet being bony.

Overall REVIEW

Based from running 20 kilometers below is my personal rating about the Diadora Mythos Samurai III

One of the things I look for a shoe is the Safety feature such as Reflectors for night runs

Pro’s

• Light weight
• Great ventilation
• Very nice color combination
• Reflectorized for night running
• Effective cushioning
• Reasonable price

Con’s

• Narrow (subjective)

I would have to continue test running this pair for my future trainings (ex. speed). This post is based on my my box-to-road experience with the shoes. I highly recommend this to runners and newbies who prefer light weight shoes for trainings and racing for an average fast pace. This is a very good weapon to add to your collections.

Rating: 8/10

DIADORA shoes and apparels are available in all Royal Sporting HouseBranches (Festival Mall , Alabang Town Center, Alimall, Glorietta 4, Marquee Mall, Isetan

This is the Men's version, still looks good...

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http://amateurendurance.com/running/article/understanding-endless-foorwear-options/

Regardless of how many features a shoe has, if it doesn’t fit properly, it won’t perform the way it should. Every shoe fits differently, so understanding why your favourite shoes feel so good on your feet is the best way to determine your individual fit issues. 

Running shoes are divided into 4 main categories:

MOTION-CONTROL SHOES

Recommended for runners with low arches who are moderate to severe overpronators and who need maximum stability and support on the medial (arch) side of their shoes. Best suited for bigger runners who need plenty of support and durability.

STABILITY SHOES

Recommended for runners who are mild to moderate overpronators and who generally have low to normal arches. These runners tend to need a shoe with a combination of good support and midsole cushioning.

NEUTRAL-CUSHIONED SHOES

Recommended for runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support. These shoes are best for biomechanically efficient runners (with minimum pronation) and midfoot or forefoot strikers with high or normal arches.

PERFORMANCE-TRAINING SHOES

Recommended either for racing or, if you’re biomechanically efficient, for training. They have varying degrees of support and cushioning, but they’re generally lighter (most weigh under 300 grams) and fit like a glove.

How does one know when to replace the old running shoes?

Ideally, you want to purchase a new pair of running shoes before they lose their effectiveness, which is around 650 to 800 kilometres.

 It’s a big range but that’s because you, not just the shoes, are part of the equation. If you land hard on your heels or are a big runner, you’ll wear down a shoe faster than lighter runners or midstrikers do. So go by feel; if the cushioning feels worn, it probably is. Or look at the sole. If the rubber on the side or bottom is worn, it’s time for a new pair.
The onset of more-than-usual aches can also signal that a new pair is in order (overdue, actually). If you need shoes before a race, get them a month prior to work out their rigidity. 

 As for the best time of day to shop, it does not really matter, but  it’s true that your feet will be slightly larger late in the day, but running shoes are designed to accommodate foot swelling.

The Men’s New Balance 1123 Motion Control Running shoe is made especially for the runner engaging in high mileage training. This superior shoe provides maximum motion control, cushioning, and stability. Like most New Balance running shoes, this one provides ABZORB SBS cushioning for shock absorption. The solid rubber outsole means you will be running for a long time before this sole wears out. Some other features are: ENCAP for softening the heel strike and providing optimal stability; ROLLBAR graphite plates, which provide both lateral and medial support; and a high quality synthetic/mesh upper for lightweight comfort and support.

New Balance Women’s running shoes offer the same level of quality and many of the same dynamic features. The Women’s 1226 High Stability shoe is the premier running shoe for women. Designed especially for medium to high stability needs, this shoe features extra cushioning and an ABZORB FL midsole. An ABZORB strobel board runs the full length of the shoe, providing the ultimate in cushion and comfort for the runner.

The Women’s 1906 High Cushioning running shoe is named for the year 1906, when New Balance running shoes were first invented. This dynamic shoe has been the most highly anticipated style since the 993 first appeared. It features N-ERGY cushioning material in the entire length of the shoe. This aids greatly in resisting the compression that tends to occur with foam-based material.

Tomorrow I will break them in on a treadmill for a few miles… hopefully I wont get any pain or soreness. I hope they are supportive enough for me being that they are a Stability shoe and I have been using nothing but Motion Control shoes. Will report back!

]]> http://lowandbeholdblog.com/2010/04/05/return-to-chocolate/ Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:49:46 +0000 Kacy http://lowandbeholdblog.com/2010/04/05/return-to-chocolate/ Well hot dang, this Monday morning has already zipped past us! Or at least it zipped past me. I had an early deadline this a.m., so I’ve been rocking that out, and now it’s over and done and almost time for some lunch. Love that.

Last night I didn’t really eat a real dinner (for shame!). I was way too full and tired to do so. Instead I had a bit more chocolate, and went to bed at 9 p.m. on the dot. The sleep was delightful, but ended too soon, as it always does.

I embraced my return to chocolate again this morning in the making of my Green Monster. Behold:

A bit overboard? Perhaps. Indulgent? Maybe. Regretable? Nope. Chocolate/spinach milkshakes for breakfast are my jam. I won’t do this everyday, but it definitely brightened up my Monday morning!

And since I have no more food for ya’ll, I thought I’d chit chat with you about my new running shoes.

I tried on dozens of pairs of shoes Saturday, fully expecting to end up with a pair of Mizunos. But much to my surprise, my feet chose these babies – the Brooks Trance women’s running shoes. I really wanted to want a certain pair of pink Mizunos, but I couldn’t justify buying shoes for cuteness when I knew they weren’t going to be comfortable.

The reason I think these shoes work better for me than the New Balance 740s I received at Fitbloggin is that they have a lot more stability. Notice how much further back the gray material starts on the Trance’s than on the 740′s.

The polyurethane (PU), which is the material that gives most stability shoes their support, begins all the way back at the heel on these shoes.

The NB shoes clearly have less support, as the PU begins almost an inch from the back of the shoe. This doesn’t make a for a bad shoe though, some people just don’t need as much support as others.

I’ve worn the Trances on two runs – one 3 miler and one 7-ish miler and they felt great. They are kind of a wider shoe, but they still hugged to my foot nicely and I didn’t get any blisters.

The only thing I don’t really like about them is that I don’t think they’re all that pretty, haha. Other than that they’re a great shoe and worth the hefty price tag (retail is $140).

If you over-pronate and are looking for a higher-level stability shoe, I would definitely recommend them!

Note: I paid for these shoes with my own money and did not recieve any endorsement from Brooks for this review.

Have a good Monday everyone!

We can find underpronator shoes in the first category. This type of shoes targets the women who underpronate while running or walking. The feet of these women tend to fall on the lateral part of the shoe. Therefore, underpronator shoes take this tendency into consideration and provide the ideal comfort.

As for the second category of running shoes for women, we have the overpronator shoes. These are also designed for women who overpronate while running or walking; meaning that these women have more impact in the interior side of the shoes, towards the toe area. That’s why they need special shoes having little aperture between the foot and the tip of the shoe so they help the feet breathing more comfortably.

The last category is for the neutral runners. The neutral shoes are for those having normal feet and a normal-sized arch and who leave a wet footprint with flare. A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inwards slightly to absorb shock.

It is essential to have the appropriate footwear for the planned activity. For example, it would be illogical, and contraindicated to wear a basketball sneaker for a 10K run. The biomechanics of each of these events are different, and therefore have different needs from the shoe gear. Many athletic shoes focus their design on providing structure and support for the foot. Athletic shoes can be constructed with concern for reducing stress and impact on the feet caused by different activities. For example, running shoes and walking shoes may differ on impact protection. One of the best running shoes available now is  REEBOK Running Shoes For Women . It’s a good mix between style and effeciency. This is why ladies like it so much.

The designers of these running shoes for women have set the focus on making a favourable structure and support for the foot. These shoes help you healing the feet swelling problem. Your running shoes should be less tight, and picking up the wrong shoes may cause you many severe pains. Studies have shown that women who gravitate to fashionable shoes experience more problems due to these inappropriate footwear.

Running is a great choice for women looking for an exercise program. That is why it should be done in the best conditions. Running shoes for women are the most important items for your running and they should be carefully selected to fit both, your activity and your foot.

“I love these shoes because of their particular fit and responsiveness. They have a narrow heel but wide forefoot, which fits my foot perfectly. They also have just the right amount of stability for me with their minimal posting in the midfoot.”

“The ProGrid feature in the heel absorbs impact and gives the shoe extra bounce when running, and they keep my feet comfortable all day long. I’m a sucker for a full-cushioned feel, and the Guide 2 delivers. They look great as well!”

Nicole, who works at See Jane Run San Francisco, really appreciates that Saucony takes the time to find out what a woman needs.  She said, “The most unique thing about the Guide 2 is the fit – a narrow heel and wide forefoot designed to fit a woman’s foot.”

In fact, the Guide 2 was named the “Shoe of the Year” by the Independent Running Retailers Association.  We Janes are excited to see what Saucony has in store next for this light stability shoe.  “I can’t wait to try the Guide 3, which comes out this February!” said Nicole.

-Bethy

This was only resolved in July 2008… when I decided it might be my shoes since I’d tried so many other things to no avail. I went online and researched what kind of shoes someone with low arches and who over pronates should be wearing. Turns out The Running Room employee who first diagnosed me suggested the wrong shoe. Over the years, I’d purchased 3 pairs of stability shoes based on her recommendation.

I started having problems with shin splints in 2007. As someone with very low arches, I know now that I shouldn’t have had the stability shoe they gave me approx. 2 years ago. I should have had Motion Control shoes. As a result, I suffered with shin splints and had to keep taking breaks from my training.

Upon discovering this, I bought a pair of New Balance (Motion Control and stability) W992′s and am very satisfied. I’m also stoked they’re black and grey, and not some weird fusion of fluorescent colors that don’t look good with my regular clothes… So… props to me. hehe.

these shoes are great!

I know my shin splints were due to the wrong type of shoe since they went away as soon as I switched to motion control shoes. I was having pains every time I ran. I put on the new shoes and there was NO discomfort in my shins WHATSOEVER. I’m now running up to 12 miles in my training for the marathon without any shin pain.

Thinking back, the girl at the Running Room who first suggested stability shoes never looked at my feet. Be careful when you buy shoes there because my friend’s brother’d been running a long time and finally decided to get some good running shoes. As soon as he started with the shoes they suggested for him, his shins started hurting. The cheap shoes he bought in the past had never given him problems. He took his shoes back. I hope he got his money back. I did go in their shop just recently and saw another girl actually taking the time to look at the foot of her customer and ask questions– so it’s not everyone there. But I trusted too much, and knew too little and only learned 2 years later…

The wrong shoes really impaired my training.

I spent money buying corrective stuff to help with the shin splints, like Ace shin bandages, and heel pads, insoles, etc. I was always researching my pains and trying to figure out how to get rid of them, trying different exercises and stretches, and nothing was working. Finally, I questioned my shoes.

I debated posting this, and then realized it might happen to others who are too trusting. If the salesperson at a running store suggests a shoe, make sure they look at your arches, observe whether or not you over or under pronate, and ask what kind of terrain you’ll be running on, etc. It’s not enough that they watch you walk away from them while wearing the shoes you walked in with. And if you keep having pains in your shins, and have tried so many things for months and they still won’t go away… maybe it’s your shoes? I’m no expert, but perhaps a second opinion, or some research online might help you out.

I used shoedog at Road Runner Sports.com based on some recommendations on various message boards. It suggested to me a whole bunch of Motion Control shoes, and I also researched more based on the results I got.