8 replies to this topic

[JustinS007]

After the Melbourne Marathon in 2007 I pulled up sore. I haven't recovered fully since but am finally getting close. I have run 59km and 58km in each of the last 2 weeks and already have 24 on the board this week.

Earlier this year I also did Melbourne Trailwalkers in 14:52 (100km), the Wilsons Prom 44km event (after having my heart set on the 100km for a year) and a few other minor events including a PB 10km last weekend (even when extrapolated because the course was 500m short).

I've been in and out of different shoes for a while, but only yesterday did it finally dawn on me that getting the right shoe for your foot type and gait is critical. Well, for me anyway.

I have had a major problem with the lower portion of my left leg and foot for months (Achilles, Gastroc, Soleus, Plantar Fascia etc.). Through reduced running, much massage and stretching I'm now nearly right. I have a neutral running action (so I finally found out after seeing a physio, pod, sports medic, self diagnosis and video analysis).

I rotate between four pairs of shoes, 3 of which are neutral and the fourth (Ascis Gel Trabucco's) are quite rigid and controlling.

In the last 2 weeks I have only run in my neutral shoes (road and trail), but last night I went for an 8km easy jog in the Trabucco's and pulled up quite sore with a deep ache in the achilles and a sharp pain in the bottom of the foot. I have no doubt in my mind that the shoes were the problem as I have run the same or longer distances over the same course numerous times in the past 2 weeks. Each day I have been getting out of bed with less and less discomfort, including yesterday morning when I was bordering on perfect.

Today I am a little sore, but fortunately I don't feel this episode has set me back more than a few days.

Whilst it might not be for everyone, I would suggest that if you run a lot of k's then it really is important to know exactly how you run and ensure that you get shoes that will respond to your running style. I know this is drilled into us, but I just didn't "get" it until last night.

I have just bought a pair of Asics Nimbus for the road and Brooks Cascadia for the trail. I can't wait to try them out.

J.

[Colsy]

Did you get Nimbus 9 or the new 10? I have never experienced comfort like I have with Nimbus. The breathability is outstanding too.

[luckyguy]

JustinS007, on Jun 3 2008, 03:04 PM, said:

I've been in and out of different shoes for a while, but only yesterday did it finally dawn on me that getting the right shoe for your foot type and gait is critical. Well, for me anyway.


Whilst it might not be for everyone, I would suggest that if you run a lot of k's then it really is important to know exactly how you run and ensure that you get shoes that will respond to your running style. I know this is drilled into us, but I just didn't "get" it until last night.

J.

Yes, you are spot on Jason. In the old days (the 70's & 80's ) there wasn't such a variety to choose from and most shoes were neutral. But now it is very important to buy the shoe that fits the foot. With all the mod cons added to shoes these days it is almost impossible for the average joe/joelene to self serve ('steve the footman' can probably offer the more technical advice here).
That's why I go to 'Active Feet', primarily because I can return them within 30 days if not satisfied but also they have a sports podiatrist running the store and I can get a bit of free expert advice to boot.
Good luck with your new acquisitions and hope the injuries disappear.

[luckyguy]

luckyguy, on Jun 3 2008, 03:40 PM, said:

Yes, you are spot on Justin (whoops . In the old days (the 70's & 80's ) there wasn't such a variety to choose from and most shoes were neutral. But now it is very important to buy the shoe that fits the foot. With all the mod cons added to shoes these days it is almost impossible for the average joe/joelene to self serve ('steve the footman' can probably offer the more technical advice here).
That's why I go to 'Active Feet', primarily because I can return them within 30 days if not satisfied but also they have a sports podiatrist running the store and I can get a bit of free expert advice to boot.
Good luck with your new acquisitions and hope the injuries disappear.

[JustinS007]

colsy, on Jun 3 2008, 03:13 PM, said:

Did you get Nimbus 9 or the new 10? I have never experienced comfort like I have with Nimbus. The breathability is outstanding too.

9's colsy. Cheaper If they work out then I'll upgrade to the latest suffix when they wear out.

Funny thing. I'm just back from an 11km run tonight (last k in 3:45) and have virtually no pain at all in the left achilles / foot area. I wore my "crap" Rivers el-cheapo's and ran on grass. I'll never wear the Trabucco's running again.

I'd love to hear horror stories from others about shoe fit.

J.

[Bellthorpe]

I have no horror stories ... just a different perspective.

I've been running a reasonably long time. I reckon I've adapted to it. And these days, it pretty much doesn't matter which shoes I use. I buy Mizuno from the US on eBay, and I just choose the cheapest model. Preferably an obsolete model. I throw them out at 500 miles, and buy a new pair. Rotate 3 pairs.

Years ago I had "runner's knee". The quack just said "run on the other side of the road", meaning the other camber. Problem fixed.

[littleblackpug]

The correct shoes are important, but they don't make up for poor biomechanics, muscle imbalances and weak core musculature.

[slowmo]

no 'mod cons' in my shoes

slowmo

[flyingdutchman]

colsy, on Jun 3 2008, 01:13 PM, said:

Did you get Nimbus 9 or the new 10? I have never experienced comfort like I have with Nimbus. The breathability is outstanding too.

Ditto about the comfort of the Nimbus.

I wear mine for road and trails. Most of my regular runs are a combo of both. I've never thought about dedicated trail shoes. Maybe just another pair of Nimbus and rotate them......