I found two interesting topics today for the runners and exercisers out there. The first is a new study on foot muscles, how important they are, and how running shoes really do matter.
I have been searching for new running shoes lately and have been having difficulty finding what I want. I love minimalist shoes.....shoes that disappear when put on your feet....that do just what they should by providing a bit of cushion and protection from the elements and rocks. That's it. It sounds simple, right?
If you are a runner, you will have noticed that the newest craze out there is for extremely cushioned shoes with no ground feel, the so-called maximalist shoes. Those are the shoes that shoe stores seem to be pushing now, and every brand has new models with this extreme cushion. I have run in a couple of pairs....they do feel cushy, but you lose touch with ground feel and foot placement (proprioception). They don't seem natural to me. Now, if you are recovering from an injury I can sort of see the reasoning for their use on a temporary basis, but that is all. I call them clown shoes because that is what they resemble.
I really object to the shoe stores pushing me into shoes I do not want and refuse to buy into that. The more minimalist shoes are still being made, but I don't like ordering shoes on-line. It is an ongoing search with trial and error. Meanwhile, I am wearing shoes that should have been retired quite a while ago until I find what I want.
This new research confirms that your foot muscles do matter, and that we should be trying to keep them strong and letting them do their job.
The second topic regards treadmill running. I really, really hate it but that is all I've been able to do this winter. It is better than nothing, but causes its own set of problems. I always seem to get injured over the winter and now have come to the conclusion that it is probably due to my treadmill. I must be changing my biomechanics when on the treadmill, and don't slow my pace when tiring like I would out-of-doors. Anyway, I do have a bad case of self-diagnosed iliotibial band syndrome so am doing a lot of stretching, foam-rolling, and wishing for spring.
Here is the article on staying injury free when on the treadmill.
http://www.runnersworld.com/workouts/stay-injury-free-on-the-treadmill
Meanwhile, a funny look at how most runners deal with injuries:
http://www.anotherfnrunner.com/2014/02/how-most-runners-deal-with-injury.html
Meanwhile, a funny look at how most runners deal with injuries:
http://www.anotherfnrunner.com/2014/02/how-most-runners-deal-with-injury.html
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