? for Shawn from Asics:Shoe advice

Hey Shawn-

hopefully you’ll catch this post.
I’d like some advice for Asics shoes if you don’t mind.

I’m 5 11" 165lbs- high mileage runner(60-65 mi/week).
In the past I’ve been a heel striker which has made me vulnerable to ITBS.
I’ve overcome that ,and am now a mid-foot ,higher cadence runner.

Can you recommend a racing/training shoe for both short distance events(10K’s) and one for Marathon distance.

How about an orthotic ?
My shoe wear is pretty even except for my left shoe,where the wear is prominent to the outer left rear…its harder for me to correct my left foot.

I’m tired of wasting money on trying out different shoes.

Thanks in advance,

fish

I’m also interested in everybodys input and experiences.

Mr Fish,

It would be nearly impossible for me to remedy your problems or offer advice over the internet. If I could see you in person, I might be of some help. My first suggestion is to find out what’s causing the ITBS and why you are so vulnerable to it. Orthotics might help, they might not. It might be a discrepancy in leg muscle strength, which is cheaply remedied through exercise. It has nothing to do with being a heel striker. A Doc or PT would be better suited to help you there.

As for the racing flats, much of my recommendation is determined by the pace at which you’ll be racing. IMO, at a certain speed, the advantages of a racing flat are lost. I feel if you’re racing faster than say 40mins for 10k or 3:00 for the marathon, a racing flat is doable. Beyond that pace, you’re much better off in a lightweight trainer that will offer more support and cushioning, which is really important as your legs begin to fatigue and your form begins to breakdown at the end of the marathon. I could recommend a couple pairs of ASICS like the DS-Racer or DS-Trainers, but you’ll need to try them on compare them with other brands. Like bikes, fit is numero uno.

If you have a local running shop, I would visit them and let them help you. I hope this helps…I think I said a whole bunch of nothing, sorry.

Now THIS is nice to read…

Shawn

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I know shoe advice is tough to do this way.

Although,I have seen both a PT and a sports Ortho doc for the IT problems.
Its been over a year since I’ve had any re-lapse.
And, yes- part of it was imbalance, but, mostly a very stiff TFL.
Stretching and a foam roller are now part of my daily rituals,plus the switch to pedals w/ more float have made a huge difference.

I’ve been using Nike’s and Saucony’s…and I just go thru them too fast-

I’ll try the DS-trainers.
I heard they had a lot of flex at the middle which is what I like.

Thanks again!