The Official Thread for Runners

[happyone]

I now offically feel old. For those who know Layton, I went down the dip on Antelope drive - you drop into a gully and then climb out of it - down about 40 feet and up the other side - about 120 feet in about 1/2 mile - anyway just as I was coming out of the gully some 14/15 yr old passes me like I am standing still, which if I am honest wasn't that difficult because I wasn't moving all that fast, and not even breathing hard and offers me words of encouragement to the effect of "Don't stop now, you can do it." Made me feel old

[Sea Chicken]

I was looking at this preview of the Nike Sportwatch
http://gear.runnersworld.com/2011/04...arNikeGPSWatch
And was wondering if I'm the only one that doesn't see a touch-screen (or tap-screen) as an advantage. When I run I don't like to look down at my watch unless I want to see my pace/mileage, etc. If I'm turning on the backlight or pausing the watch, I'll feel around for the buttons. Seems like with the Nike or the new Garmin watches I'd be tapping or scrolling when I don't want to be all the time.

[Parrot Head]

Does anyone here frequent Runblogger? Or have you read his post "The Pronation Control Paradigm is Starting to Crumble." Basically, he cites research saying that "categorizations of running shoes were meaningless."

I need to buy some shoes that are more supportive than my VFFs and I'm torn between going into a running store, getting fitted and spending more money or just trying on a few pair of the same shoes that would be there at a place like Foot Locker and then buying online with a coupon to save the cash. This post definitely has me leaning towards the latter.

In their introduction Ryan et al. state the following surprising detail: "...despite over 20 years of stability elements being incorporated in running footwear there is, as yet, no established clinically based evidence for their provision." They then go on to point out that "Motion control running footwear has yet to be proven to prevent running-related injuries."

...

The results showed the following:

2. Motion control shoes "resulted in both a greater number of injured runners and missed training days than the other two shoe categories."

3. Every runner in the highly pronated group who wore a motion control shoe reported an injury.

4. Neutral runners experienced greater pain after runs when wearing neutral shoes than they did when wearing stability shoes.

5. Pronated runners experienced more pain after runs if wearing a stability shoe than if wearing a neutral shoe.

[Pheidippides]

Does anyone here frequent Runblogger? Or have you read his post "The Pronation Control Paradigm is Starting to Crumble." Basically, he cites research saying that "categorizations of running shoes were meaningless."

I need to buy some shoes that are more supportive than my VFFs and I'm torn between going into a running store, getting fitted and spending more money or just trying on a few pair of the same shoes that would be there at a place like Foot Locker and then buying online with a coupon to save the cash. This post definitely has me leaning towards the latter.

I have been following Runblogger for quite some time now. Pete is a very decent guy, too - I've had some email exchanges with him as well.

His site was more influential in me changing my stride than any other factor, once I decided to change it up. My experienced with stability/motion control shoes matched exactly what that particular post talked about.

If I were you, I'd go to a running store, try on a few pair, find one that seems pretty decent, and then buy online.

[thesaint258]

I pronate, and I've worn a motion control shoe for years. I always had problems until I started changing how I run. I started striking on the balls of my feet rather than on the heel, and that helped reduce injury significantly. A few months ago I got a pair of Nike Frees, and I haven't had an injury since. I think changing my shoes and how I run made a huge difference. There are still times when I feel like I'm pushing things a bit too much, and my shins start to ache, but if I pull back a bit, I don't injure myself, and I can run again in a day or two without hurting myself.

[happyone]

There is something wrong about running in the snow on 8 Apr


foot striking - when I walk I definately land heel first, when jogging I land on the ball of my foot.

[Parrot Head]

I have been following Runblogger for quite some time now. Pete is a very decent guy, too - I've had some email exchanges with him as well.

His site was more influential in me changing my stride than any other factor, once I decided to change it up. My experienced with stability/motion control shoes matched exactly what that particular post talked about.

If I were you, I'd go to a running store, try on a few pair, find one that seems pretty decent, and then buy online.

I feel wrong going that route, thus my dilemma. It seems like a service, although if they're forcing me to go motion control because I over pronate, I don't like that.

[Parrot Head]

So I went the route of going into a nearby running store that I wanted to patronize because we've attended some free seminars they've held on running and cycling. They put me on the treadmill, the girl said she wouldn't go motion control (which is good to hear) and they taped my horrible stride. It's tough to go to a treadmill all of a sudden, but I have a ways to go on improving my form.

She pointed me towards light stability and I ended up going with the Asics DS Trainer. I was fine with spending a few extra bucks since they took the time and we've gotten other free stuff there, but then the shoes rang up $15 more than what she told me. Argh. After mentioning it to the guy at the register I decided not to make a scene and headed out.

I got back and looked online and they gave me last year's model, at $10 over MSRP, and my wife quickly found the same pair online for half the price. They're going back to the store tomorrow. I don't mind paying a bit extra for a service, but that's ridiculous. Plus, the selection wasn't great and she knew I was running tight in the Mizunos so I wonder if she purposely put me in the more expensive pair at the right size so I'd be more inclined to buy those? Screw all this, I'm headed to Pick-n-Pay. Does Shaq still sell his shoes there?

On a more exciting note, I signed up for my first race next weekend. I'm not expecting blazing speed, but I'm guaranteeing a new PR in a race.

[Pheidippides]

So I went the route of going into a nearby running store that I wanted to patronize because we've attended some free seminars they've held on running and cycling. They put me on the treadmill, the girl said she wouldn't go motion control (which is good to hear) and they taped my horrible stride. It's tough to go to a treadmill all of a sudden, but I have a ways to go on improving my form.

She pointed me towards light stability and I ended up going with the Asics DS Trainer. I was fine with spending a few extra bucks since they took the time and we've gotten other free stuff there, but then the shoes rang up $15 more than what she told me. Argh. After mentioning it to the guy at the register I decided not to make a scene and headed out.

I got back and looked online and they gave me last year's model, at $10 over MSRP, and my wife quickly found the same pair online for half the price. They're going back to the store tomorrow. I don't mind paying a bit extra for a service, but that's ridiculous. Plus, the selection wasn't great and she knew I was running tight in the Mizunos so I wonder if she purposely put me in the more expensive pair at the right size so I'd be more inclined to buy those? Screw all this, I'm headed to Pick-n-Pay. Does Shaq still sell his shoes there?

On a more exciting note, I signed up for my first race next weekend. I'm not expecting blazing speed, but I'm guaranteeing a new PR in a race.

Story aside (good luck with the race!), I have the non-stability model of the DS Trainer (the DS Skyspeed) and I love it. Great shoe. Feels a touch flat past about 10 miles, but I wear it all the time for speedwork.

[Moliere]

So I went the route of going into a nearby running store that I wanted to patronize because we've attended some free seminars they've held on running and cycling. They put me on the treadmill, the girl said she wouldn't go motion control (which is good to hear) and they taped my horrible stride. It's tough to go to a treadmill all of a sudden, but I have a ways to go on improving my form.

She pointed me towards light stability and I ended up going with the Asics DS Trainer. I was fine with spending a few extra bucks since they took the time and we've gotten other free stuff there, but then the shoes rang up $15 more than what she told me. Argh. After mentioning it to the guy at the register I decided not to make a scene and headed out.

I got back and looked online and they gave me last year's model, at $10 over MSRP, and my wife quickly found the same pair online for half the price. They're going back to the store tomorrow. I don't mind paying a bit extra for a service, but that's ridiculous. Plus, the selection wasn't great and she knew I was running tight in the Mizunos so I wonder if she purposely put me in the more expensive pair at the right size so I'd be more inclined to buy those? Screw all this, I'm headed to Pick-n-Pay. Does Shaq still sell his shoes there?

On a more exciting note, I signed up for my first race next weekend. I'm not expecting blazing speed, but I'm guaranteeing a new PR in a race.

I had a very different experience. I went to a running store and got great help. They lady picked out at least 8 different pairs of shoes for me to try. She never told me the prices and never tried to influence me one way or the other (except that she picked out the shoes but I was given a lot to choose from based on my initial scope I gave). I narrowed the shoes down to 2 pairs and only then did I ask how much they cost. Turns out they were the same price so I got the one I liked best and wrote down the name of the other.

Turns out I paid $5 over MSRP (MSRP was $95 and I paid $100) and the price she quoted was what rang up. Turns out that I could have gotten the same shoe for around $85 on www.runningwarehouse.com but I was very happy getting a knowledgable person to help me, especially given my history of injuries. I also wrote down the name of the other shoe and will buy it shortly (online of course) after I'm back to running again.

Thankfully I got a good tip on where to go shopping for running shoes (thanks Niku!).

[ERCougar]

I think running stores are really overrated as a rule. Many of the shoe websites offer a free 30 days to try out any purchase, and frankly, that's going to give you more info than some employee who may or may not have any clue what he/she is talking about, and at the very least, has a big conflict of interest in what he sells you.

A few of you have already mentioned runblogger--a great website. These days, whenever anyone wants to get into running, I offer the same advice:
1) Read his summary on minimalist shoes.
2) Pick a pair from his list (or another similar list--chirunning has a good one) that you like and buy it online.
3) Pick a 5k race and do a couch to 5k program. Do not exceed the miles on this program no matter what kind of shape you are already in.
4) Find a good book on running technique.

The people who are going to get hurt in minimalist shoes are not beginning out of shape runners, because their cardiovascular shape is going to limit them from doing enough miles to get hurt. The people who will hurt themselves are semi-athletes or real athletes who are just starting running, and will add on miles too fast, or already established runners who suddenly make a drastic change in shoes without changing their miles.

I now have about 800 miles on my NB MT 100's (about 7 oz), and haven't had a hint of pain or injury. I plan on putting on another 700 or so before I replace them. Oh yeah, and they were $70.

[Pheidippides]

I think running stores are really overrated as a rule. Many of the shoe websites offer a free 30 days to try out any purchase, and frankly, that's going to give you more info than some employee who may or may not have any clue what he/she is talking about, and at the very least, has a big conflict of interest in what he sells you.

A few of you have already mentioned runblogger--a great website. These days, whenever anyone wants to get into running, I offer the same advice:
1) Read his summary on minimalist shoes.
2) Pick a pair from his list (or another similar list--chirunning has a good one) that you like and buy it online.
3) Pick a 5k race and do a couch to 5k program. Do not exceed the miles on this program no matter what kind of shape you are already in.
4) Find a good book on running technique.

The people who are going to get hurt in minimalist shoes are not beginning out of shape runners, because their cardiovascular shape is going to limit them from doing enough miles to get hurt. The people who will hurt themselves are semi-athletes or real athletes who are just starting running, and will add on miles too fast, or already established runners who suddenly make a drastic change in shoes without changing their miles.

I now have about 800 miles on my NB MT 100's (about 7 oz), and haven't had a hint of pain or injury. I plan on putting on another 700 or so before I replace them. Oh yeah, and they were $70.

That's the great thing about minimalist running: the shoes are cheaper. Saucony Kinvaras, the hottest shoe on the block? $80 or so.

[Pheidippides]

About a year and a half ago, when I'd been running for about six months, I ran my first race in 14 or 15 years. It was a rather large 5k here in Houston, and I was nervous as could be.

Despite - or maybe because of - my nervousness, I had a superhuman day. Ended up with a 21:40 time, which was way outside of any race pace calculator prediction. I didn't realize it at the time, but I'd set a mark that was going to stand in my own mind as the insurmountable time. In no other run - training or otherwise - had I even broken 22 minutes. And I wouldn't break 22 minutes during the next year, either, despite trying a couple of times. I eventually gave up trying to break it and focused on longer distances.

Until today.

I woke up this morning feeling kind of sleepy and crappy generally, and almost skipped my run altogether. But I got outside and the day was beautiful. I stood on my lawn getting my Garmin ready to go, watching the sun just start to come up, looking at the blue sky, feeling the breeze blow through the uncharacteristically dry and cool air, and all of a sudden I thought what the hell - today let's see what I've got under the hood.

So I ran a 5k in 20:52. Negative split the sucker (6:53, 6:40 and 6:39 mile splits, in that order).

I've known I've been getting faster from both my total mileage and my intervals, but this was a great run. Beating that 5k time, even if not in an actual race, was the holy grail of my personal running.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/78775960

[Moliere]

I woke up this morning feeling kind of sleepy and crappy generally, and almost skipped my run altogether. But I got outside and the day was beautiful. I stood on my lawn getting my Garmin ready to go, watching the sun just start to come up, looking at the blue sky, feeling the breeze blow through the uncharacteristically dry and cool air, and all of a sudden I thought what the hell - today let's see what I've got under the hood.

So I ran a 5k in 20:52. Negative split the sucker (6:53, 6:40 and 6:39 mile splits, in that order).

I've known I've been getting faster from both my total mileage and my intervals, but this was a great run. Beating that 5k time, even if not in an actual race, was the holy grail of my personal running.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/78775960

[OhioBlue]

About a year and a half ago, when I'd been running for about six months, I ran my first race in 14 or 15 years. It was a rather large 5k here in Houston, and I was nervous as could be.

Despite - or maybe because of - my nervousness, I had a superhuman day. Ended up with a 21:40 time, which was way outside of any race pace calculator prediction. I didn't realize it at the time, but I'd set a mark that was going to stand in my own mind as the insurmountable time. In no other run - training or otherwise - had I even broken 22 minutes. And I wouldn't break 22 minutes during the next year, either, despite trying a couple of times. I eventually gave up trying to break it and focused on longer distances.

Until today.

I woke up this morning feeling kind of sleepy and crappy generally, and almost skipped my run altogether. But I got outside and the day was beautiful. I stood on my lawn getting my Garmin ready to go, watching the sun just start to come up, looking at the blue sky, feeling the breeze blow through the uncharacteristically dry and cool air, and all of a sudden I thought what the hell - today let's see what I've got under the hood.

So I ran a 5k in 20:52. Negative split the sucker (6:53, 6:40 and 6:39 mile splits, in that order).

I've known I've been getting faster from both my total mileage and my intervals, but this was a great run. Beating that 5k time, even if not in an actual race, was the holy grail of my personal running.

http://connect.garmin.com/player/78775960

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.
<fist bump>