Welcome Back!
Last week, I gave a presentation at RunningCo. of Haddonfield about finding your best running shoes. Thank you to everyone who came out, and it was a lot of fun. Who knew we could talk about shoes until nearly 10 pm?
Many people asked if I would share some of the points on the newsletter. The talk itself covered a variety of topics, but the two main points we focused on were finding your best running shoes and carbon plated running shoes.
The newsletter might be 10,000 words if I tried to look at both topics in one issue, so I'll keep this issue to finding a running shoe for you, then carbon plated shoes. (The closer we get to the Olympic Marathon Trials, it’s more likely a few more brands will launch their carbon plated shoe). Why? Because technically all (prototype) shoes used by elite runners at the trails should be available to us too.
As most people know, I work in a running specialty store. Most people come in and don't know what they are looking for. They tend to say, "I have the worst feet in the world."
The shoe problem is often solved by asking one question.
The Short Answer:
Ask yourself:
Does it feel good when you put it on?
If yes, then run in it. When running, does it feel good?
Yes? It's the right shoe for you.
No? If it doesn’t feel good, it's not the right shoe for you.
The Longer Answer:
Here are a few essential details you should look at:
Size (Length):
Do not buy your shoes too small. I cannot emphasize this enough.
During the day, your feet can swell and lengthen anywhere from a half size to a full size. You may usually be a size 8, but over the course of the day you may find your feet swell to an 8 ½ or size 9 shoe. This is magnified during running! Always make sure there is a thumb’s width of space between your biggest toe and the end of the shoe.
It comes as a surprise to some people, but yes, your feet lengthen over time and age, so make sure you get your measured frequently. When the last time you got your foot measured? If it was more than five years ago or after any life event, including trauma, breaking a bone, or pregnancy, get them measured.
After putting your shoes on, make sure you can wiggle all of your toes. If you can’t, the shoe is too tight or too narrow. Put it back on the shelf!
Your running shoes should always be your biggest shoe. No exceptions. Stop losing toenails because your shoe is too small.
Size (Width):
The width of a shoe is one of the most underlooked aspects of a shoe. Most running specialty stores carry at least a wide, if not double wide! Do not be scared to go into a wider shoe. If you are getting holes on the side of your shoe from your pinkie toe, this could be a sign the shoe is too narrow.
Having extra room is always better than not enough. I never knew I needed a wide until working at the store. One of my most popular blog posts is still about “should you lose toenails while running.”
Heel:
In any running shoe, your heel should feel snug and secure but never tight or pinching. If you feel as though you are “slipping,” lace your shoe to the final eyelet. You can learn the runner's knot here.
The heel should never feel tight; there can be a little bit of movement. Remember, if the heel feels uncomfortable in the store, then it won’t feel good while running.
Feel:
You can be fit into the appropriate shoe, but it doesn’t feel good, it isn’t the right one for you. You just want a shoe that feels good. You don't want a shoe that “you’ll have to get used to or break-in.”
Some important tips:
Be wary of a shoe you think you’ll need to “get used to.”
Don’t get a shoe to alter to your stride; this will create many more issues.
Running Stores recommend taking the shoe for a quick run in the store. Those initial few steps often can give you an immediate yes or no. Also, most running stores have an exchange policy to work with you if the shoe isn’t the right fit after all.
With so many different shoes out there, it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer but only select and wear what feels good and keeps you injury-free.
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
IOC details rules on political protests at Olympics No taking a knee at the Olympics. No hand gestures with political meaning. No disrespect at medal ceremonies.
Neely Spence Gracey to Seek OTQ at Houston; First Marathon in Over Three Years Spence is a powerful athlete. Just four years ago, we thought she might be one of the top contenders of 2020. I never rule her out and I am excited to see how she does!
Podcast: Clean Sport Collective with Steve Magness Magness worked alongside Salazar, and the interview is raw and open. I appreciated Kara Goucher saying: no one knows what they would do unless in that situation. It’s true, we can all point fingers and say, “I would never do that,” but until you’re in the situation, you don’t know.
Wilson Kipsang banned in doping case: This is huge! Kipsang, a former marathon world-record holder and Olympic bronze medalist, was provisionally suspended for whereabouts failures and tampering, according to doping officials. He missed multiple drug tests. You don’t just miss these things; it’s avoidance. In case you didn’t know, Kipsang is THE ONLY man ever to beat Kipchogue. (I’m all fired up, can you tell?)
Gear Review: Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review
Shoe Review: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review
Giveaway and Giveaway Winner:
The winner from last week's giveaway for Yaxtrax is Rachel P., who shared on Facebook.
This week's giveaway is for a Hyland's Variety Pack. Hyland's is a homeopathic company driven by the simple scientific proof of how the body can call upon its own natural defenses to heal and restore balance. My favorite product is the Muscle Therapy which alleviates sore muscles. You don't need to be running to utilize these products and they are great for any recovery.
The giveaway will give one lucky subscriber the following:
Leg Cramps Tablets
Leg Cramps Ointment
Muscle Therapy Gel
ArnicAid Tablets
ArniSport Tablets
To enter just share the newsletter (however you want) and tag and follow Hyland’s on your platform of choice. (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook).
Thank you to everyone who continues to share and help grow the newsletter. The best thing you can do is tell a friend to help it grow.
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If you have any comments, you can email me at FueledbyLOLZ@gmail.com. All feedback is helpful!
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