My goal for this year is to bring some much needed consistency into my running. I’ve searched, bookmarked and started reading all the BarryP and related threads in my downtime, and I’m looking forward to really bringing my running in to focus this year.
Previously, I relied mainly on general athleticism and youth to get me through runs. I would start running in early spring and suffer my way through a few months of uncomfortable running to whatever HM or HIM was on the schedule, run casually for the rest of the summer, and stop somewhere in October. This has worked fine for up to half marathon distances, but obviously, crashes and burns when I start doing longer runs. Recently this has been catching up to me in the form of injuries, and actually forced me to bail on my A race this summer, which really, really stung. It’s been 8 weeks since my injury, and I’m clear to start running again. My plan is to very, very slowly build up my running again over the winter.
The first thing I need is new shoes. My old ones were well beyond shot when I got injured. I have a hard time with shoes as I tend to get large blisters on the inside of my arches. Some shoes make this worse then others (and I swear I’ve tried every brand out there), but my last pair, Saucany echelons, were horrible for this, so I’ve decided to switch back to adidas, as they tend to fit my feet really well. I’ve worn adidas off and on for years and have had the best luck with them.
My local store stocks the Boston and Supernova, and I loved the fit but I am wondering if the Boston is too minimal to jump in to from a more cushy shoe like the echelon. It seems like it is straddling the line of a lightweight trainer. My fear is that I will just end up re-injuring myself if I make too drastic a shoe change, since I’ve always run in more cushioned shoe. I’m a midfoot runner, 6’1", 175 lbs if that makes any difference. Any words of advice?
The Adidas generally fit me well, and I’m not really sure if I want lots of cushioning. I’m considering going with less to see how it works out. I’m just wondering if the Boston has too little, and that going from 10 years of running in cushioned shoes to something drastically different will cause me problems.
The secret to running as expressed by BarryP and DesertDude is consistently running. This requires discipline to do it and to do it properly to avoid increasing mileage too quickly. For shoes I have found that shoes that offer more cushion result (for me) in less aches and recovery issues, which allow me to be consistent. I use Hokas. You need to use a shoe that lets you run at least 6 days a week consistently (no injuries). Do not lock into a brand, style or other. Find a shoe that lets you run consistently. Wear something else for your race if you feel the few ounces are worth it.
The first thing I need is new shoes. I have a hard time with shoes as I tend to get large blisters on the inside of my arches. (and I swear I’ve tried every brand out there)
Any words of advice?
Find some shoes that don’t cause you to have blisters. Change sizes. Or buy some that fit and get them resoled with the an amount of cushioning, arch and what not that prevent the blisters.
I used to use New Balance shoes. I would buy them 1/2 size long. Before I wore them they went to the resoler to get the cushioning removed and resoled with a thin sole. Then I would cut all the leather off the toe box.
Running is not about style as much as healthy feet.
I wouldn’t worry about the type of shoe in terms of minimal or not. Find something that is comfortable and pick a shoe that you can run a lot in. Run often and stay away from a long run. If you don’t have an a race any time soon I would just get to a point where you can alternate between 30 and 60 mins five to six days per week. Run by feel and always finish back half of run stronger than front half. Easy out and gradually transition to steady on the back half. Do strides barefoot in the grass two or three times per week along with some body weight stuff to keep muscular banance and bullet proof lower extremities. No longer than 15 mins post run. Do this and what kind of shoes you wear won’t matter. Stand tall and relax. Don’t try and force a stride length or turnover. Just let your body self select.
The biggest problem I see with runners is tension. Fatigue obviously causes this so frequency is best for building run fitness while staying fresh and relaxed. But people need to learn to move faster with the least amount of effort possible. Strides are best for this. It feel awkward at first but eventually if you are going to get moving your body will have to relax and let your big muscles take over and move freely.
If you do decide to move to low drop shoes (not the same as minimalist shoes), which is almost always my recommendation, be sure to do it over time, i.e. 6-8 months minimum. It takes time for your tissues to stretch out and muscles in feet and legs to strengthen, but the payback is huge! Mid-foot or fore-foot strike is almost always better biomechanics than heel strike.
I personally love the Merrell Road Glove (zero drop & very minimalist), but after ORIF-surgery of the R ankle (after a freak accident, not running related) I’ve moved to Hoka OneOne Stinson and will later move to the Hoka Conquest when they’re release in the spring. These are 6mm and 4mm drop shoes respectively but have a large stack height. Before my accident I’d never have imagined running in these shoes–and still wouldn’t for trail running. But they have been great, and have been key for me to being able to run at all.
I remember going back 12 or so years when I was starting to get into running more seriously (attempting my second marathon etc). I recall getting horrible blisters in my arches, like the size of a golf ball (in diameter) at times. I’m not really sure whether it was a shoe change (I do remember running in New Balance at one point but for as long as I can remember now have been in Asics Kayanos bar the last two years since switching to DS trainers) but I haven’t had arch blisters for ages. I put it down to just toughening of the skin over the years? I do also have orthotics with arch support so would have thought that would have increased the likelihood.
Nothing must else to add I’m sorry. There are better minds here than mine. Wish you luck.
my guess shoes weren’t your problem. it’s much more likely that it was caused by your training methodology. too much, too soon, and probably not the right proportion between frequency and mileage (i.e. too much in each run, and not enough runs). Read BarryP, desert dude, and JoeO - no doubt the real voices of wisdom on running on this forum.
please check out the running stuff from bobby mcgee. he has a website with tons of into. it is spot on. i use it myself and it has revolutionized my running. i also use it with the hs xc team i coach. he doesn’t talk about forefoot/heel striking per se, but basic concepts that will make you a stronger, more efficient, injury resistant runner. any podiatrist will tell you to go with the shoe that feels best on your feel regardless of what model it is. good luck!