*Image courtesy of Microsoft Clipart Gallery
(I promise every Wednesday Wellness post will not be about running.)
A few days after last week's Wednesday Wellness post about running I thought I should've also posted about the importance of running in the right running shoes.
Running in the right running shoes is oh-so-very-important. I'm a prime example of what happens when you run in the wrong running shoes. When I started running I ran in the wrong shoes and suffered from plantar fascitis and knee problems. And it was very, very painful. My feet and the way I toe off are a bit unique, so it took me quite awhile before I finally found the right shoe for me. This made all the difference in the world.
I've worked with beginning runners who often start to complain about knees, backs, shins, hips, etc., that are hurting and/or aching. I always tell them it's probably their shoes. They tell me they bought their shoes at Famous Footwear, or the Nike Store, or some other very fine shoe establishment. I then advise them to go to an actual running store where they evaluate your step and other very important things. If you pronate, for example, and your shoes don't correct this pronation, you WILL have problems. Think about how many steps you take when running a mile, then think about how each and every step is negatively affecting your body if you have the wrong shoe. The people who work at the running store are runners and are experienced in helping people find the right shoe for their feet, and they will spend a lot of time with you to help you find the right shoe.
Much more often than not, once these beginning runners got the correct running shoes, their back, knees, shins, and/or hip problems were gone. It was amazing!
Shoes are so important.
Some people are hesitant to spend the money on the correct shoes, but I know from personal experience that it's much less expensive to buy the right shoes than to pay for the doctor appointments and physical therapy sessions that result from running in the wrong shoes. Way less expensive. Once you find the right shoe you can usually find them on the internet for a lower price than at the running store.
Another piece of advice, don't shop by brand. Shop by what works for you. Also, find out what the store's return policy is. Most stores encourage you to run outside their store for a bit, but you really can't tell if a shoe is right for you until you've actually put some miles on those shoes. My favorite running store in Arizona would let customers return shoes even after they'd run outside with them. Other stores adopt the policy that "if you run outside in them, they're yours." If your running store has this policy, put socks over your shoes and run on a treadmill for awhile to see if the shoes work for you. It might mean trying several pairs of shoes, but when you find the correct shoes, it's well worth it.
And if worse comes to worse and you have to pay for another pair of shoes, you're still saving money over paying for doctor and physical therapy bills. Trust me on that one.
If you need help finding a running store in your area, message me and I'll be glad to help you find one.
The experts say you can run 300-500 miles in a pair of running shoes. It's really important to follow this advice, even if your shoes still look "good," because as you run the cushioning in the inside of the shoes starts to break down. If you continue to run in a pair of worn-down shoes, you WILL have problems. I usually try to keep track of my mileage, but I can tell when I need a new pair of shoes because my knees start hurting.
If you're a walker, all this advice applies to you, too. Walking shoes are available at most running stores, but most of the experts I've talked to advise walkers to use running shoes.
For me, there aren't many things more exciting than lacing up a brand new pair of running shoes. I love the smell of them, the feel of them, and the prospect of new running experiences to come.
It's awesome!
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