All It Takes is Pixie Dust to run a half marathon, right?
If only it was that easy!
There are ways to make your races easier. And that would be a great pair of sneakers. The sneakers could literally make or break you. Think about it, you are running hundreds of miles in those sneakers when you take into account training in addition to the race.
My training has been going well. Last weekend I did a long run of 8 miles, and felt pretty good when done. In past long runs I had been dealing with calf pain. After doing a little research I decided to try stretching more before and after my runs. It helped significantly. However I noticed that I kept having pain in the front part of my feet.
I began thinking that maybe it was a time for a new pair of sneakers. I looked at some of my favorite shoe sites online, and found a pair in the same brand I was currently wearing. My thinking was if it wasn’t broke, why change the brand.
I posted to an online running group I am part of asking for opinions on the pair I had chosen. I was sure of the brand, just wanted to know what they thought of the style.
Everyone liked the style, but one of the women asked if I had ever been fitted at a running store. I admitted no, She suggested doing that before ordering the sneakers. I had to admit it wasn’t a bad idea, and there was a running store right near me called JackRabbit.
I went right over. I was a little hesitant. I always worry that I won’t be taken seriously as a runner. Well the minute I walked in I knew I had made the right decision. The salesman who came over to help me immediately wanted to know what and wear the pain was located that I was feeling. He brought out a pair of sneakers in my size, and had me get up on the treadmill. He had me run so that he could analyze my run.
I have to admit, it was kind of fascinating to have my run analyzed. Turns out that I come down first on the front of my foot which is unusual. Most runners come down heel first. Because of the way I run the salesman had a few specific pairs that he felt would work best. He brought out three pairs. I tried out all three pairs on the treadmill, complete with analysis.
The winner was:
I couldn’t be happier with my purchase as they have made my runs pain free!
Eight miles is so impressive! I hope to someday work back to something like that. You must feel great about your accomplishments thus far! I never knew one could have a run analyzed? So interesting to know. Sound like you went to a great place. All the best – M
You can definitely do it-if I can-anyone can! I think most running stores have treadmills to analyze your runs. I would suggest JackRabbit just because they were so nice and seemed to really know what they were talking about.