How to Choose the Right Running Shoes

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:15:39 +0000

For any new runner, the type of running shoes you wear is very important to your well-being. Your running shoes also dictate many aspects of your run, including your comfort level, your injuries, and your running experience in general. So, be wise when looking for the right running shoes!

What Kind of Shoes Should You Buy?

There are three main types of running shoes that you have the option of running in, neutral, stability, and motion control. The type of shoe you should buy all depends on the way you run. You have to determine your pronation type.

What is Pronation?

Pronation is simply the way your feet naturally rolls in with each step you take. You cannot change the way your feet pronate. Neutral pronation is the proper way feet should roll in, and if you have this kind, you are very lucky. The other two types of pronation are overpronation, when your feet roll too far in, and underpronation, when your feet roll too far outwards.

How to Find Out Your Pronation Type

The easiest way to figure out your pronation type is through either the wet test or the sand test. The basic concept for both is the same. In both, you must be barefoot.

In the wet test, you have to wet both of your feet with water. Then, you have to step normally on a brown paper bag or something that water will shoe up easily on. Then, examine the imprint your feet make.

In the sand test. You simply normally stand in some sand and check out the imprint that your feet make.

Here are the basic shapes that your feet should make based on what kind of pronator you are.

Hopefully, your foot imprint matches one of the above examples. If you still cannot figure out what kind of pronator you are, then you should try going to your local running store. You can ask a store worker to analyze your gait. Most running stores have a treadmill where you can do this.

Go to a Running Store

Now that you’ve found out what kind of pronator you are, you can finally choose your shoes. For your first pair of running shoes, you should find a specialty running store near you, so you can find the perfect shoes for you. Most of the time, the people who work there are experts who can guide you to the right shoes. But, once you’ve found a good shoe, you should be fine to get those shoes from anywhere you want.

How to Cope With a Running Injury

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:08:09 +0000

Running Injuries are problems that plague almost every runner, especially beginners. The sad truth is that one time or another, you will get a running injury. Here are some tips to stay positive and get back up on your feet while you are injured.

Figure Out What’s Wrong

The first step you have to take is to figure out what’s wrong with you. Are you seriously injured or is it just a passing pain? If the pain occurs for more than one or two runs and it seriously affects your running experience, then you should do some research into what it is. A simple Google search will get you one step closer to diagnosing your injury. Most of the time, you’ll be able to figure it out yourself. But, if you still cannot after searching for information about it on the internet, then consider seeing your doctor.

Take a Break From Running

The quickest way to treat a running injury is to just stop running for a while. For some injuries, only a few days of break are necessary. For other, more serious ones, months of rest may be required. If you still want to stay in shape, consider other methods of exercise, like biking or swimming if your injury is not affected by these activities

Strengthen Your Legs

A very common reason why people get running injuries is because one of their leg muscles isn’t strong enough. Do some research into what muscles to strengthen for your particular running injury. If your injury permits, then try doing some of these exercises while recuperating from it. For example, to prevent future shin splints, you have to strengthen your shin muscles and your calves.

Stay Positive

The worst thing you can do for your running injury is to think negatively and to be pessimistic because of it. Thoughts like “it’ll never heal” or “I’m never going to get back in shape” are never going to help you get better. Instead, look forward to the future when you can get back to running. In no time, you’ll be back on your feet!

From Couch to 5k » Running Injuries