My Take on Barefoot Running

It is a trend that can be seen all over in the running world—barefoot running.  I hate wearing shoes, so this concept intrigued me. Just about every shoe company offers some sort of “natural” or “minimalist”.  A few months ago, I decided to take a spin on the minimalist bandwagon.  I got a pair of Vibram FiveFingers and gave them a try. 

The VFFs took some getting used to at first.  They felt kind of funny on my toes at first, a bit tighter than I am used to.  As shoe wearers, we are not used to having anything between our toes.  I started wearing my Vibram around the house and then on errands.  Once I got used to having something between my toes, they began to feel natural, like wearing nothing at all.   I even wore them walking around the Magic Kingdom one day in October in Walt Disney World. 

I tried the VFFs one day for a 30 minute run.  I will report, I am not a barefoot running convert.  As an over pronator, the shoes did not offer me enough arch support.  I did not feel the usual spring back in each stride that I usually experience when I wear my Asics 2160’s.  For now, barefoot running is not for me. I will continue to wear my VFFs in my day to day activity.  I also like to wear them when weight lifting or taking Pilates classes, as I do find then comfortable.  While I appreciate the science behind barefoot running, I am not a fan. 

Have you tried barefoot running?  What did you think of it? 

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Choosing a Good Running Shoes

This week, my mission was to find a good running shoe. If you remember, last week I wrote about these awful shin splints I got during my first run. I did some research online about shin splints and how to avoid them. What I found was a bit surprising. It seams I was wearing the wrong shoes! For my first run, I wore my Reebok Easytones. I have had these shoes for about a year and a half and have always liked them.

Once I discovered that my shoes may have caused my shin splits, I began researching about the importance of choosing the correct shoe when running. Wow! There is so much information out there about choosing a running shoe. From what I gathered, it seams that the most important thing you need to know when shopping for a running shoe is what type of foot you have. Foot types include:

Under pronating, or high arch

Neurtal pronating, or normal arch

Over pronating, or flat footed

Most running experts advise you to go to a shoe store and ask an expert in running shoes for help when choosing a shoe. So, that is just what I did.

I went to Dick’s Sports here in York, PA and met a really great salesperson who was very knowledgeable in running shoes. He asked me to take off my shoes and socks. He examined my feet and informed me that I have a neutral to over pronating foot. He then asked me if I can often feel the arch of my foot caving into my shoes as I walk. He was right on! The salesperson told me that I should choose a running shoe that offer really good arch support. He then recommended to me several shoes in many brands and prices. He showed me to look for a shoe with a two part sole, with built in arch support on the inside of the shoe and the outside. After trying on several pairs, I chose a winner!

My salesperson also mentioned the importance of finding a shoes that fits well…not to tight and not to loose. Trying a half size up in a running shoes was a good suggestion., so I tried on an 8.5 and a 9. He also checked to see if I need a wide width, which I did not. I ended up getting a pair of ASICS GT-2160 in a size 9. My trip to Dick’s was very informative and overall a great experience.

The last thing I learned about running shoes and wanted to share with you is that running shoes have a relatively short life. Most experts recommend you replace your running shoes at least every 400 miles. I am sure my Easytones have seen at least double that! Dick’s had an amazing pair of running shoes, the ASICS GEL KAYANO 17, but they were a bit out of my price range for now…but maybe they are just what I will need to finish the Marathon! Once I put some miles on my new ASICS GT-2160, I will let you all know what I think!

What has your experience been with running shoes? Is there any you would or would not recommend?

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy
　
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