Wednesday, July 30, 2008

HAPPY FEET

When I started running early this year, I used to put on my regular sneakers and go for the runs. I had a goal of being able to run 5K on a regular basis and wanted to reward myself for achieving that goal. What better reward than a good pair of running shoes? Since the program was following a gradual progression to 5K, the longer runs did not come until towards the end of the program, and was able to get away running in my sneakers. But as I continued running 5K 3 days a week, I noticed that my feet hurt. That reminded me of the promise I had made to myself. I headed to a local running store and bought myself a good pair of running shoes.

My running shoes - Nike Air Pegasus
Now my feet don't hurt and I feel a marked difference in the running experience from before. Here are some things that I learned while shopping for my running shoes.
  • A running store helps - I had a very good shopping experience at my local running store. The sales people were real runners. They started off by identifying my foot type and suggested the best shoes for my foot type. I was able to get a real feel of the different shoes I tried, by running around the store or on the treadmill in the store. They gave me all the guidance that I needed to choose the right kind of shoe, without being pushy about making a choice. I would highly recommend going to a running store where one can get personalized attention over buying something at the mall.
  • Your running shoe should be a size bigger than your regular shoes. Our feet expand on running; the bigger shoe size gives your feet some room to move.
  • Mesh-work on the shoe is an indicator of a good running shoe. The mesh allows your feet to breathe which helps, since feet get hot and sweaty during a run.

12 comments:

Gowtham said...

Thank you for pointer #2; apart from the fact that /me has a flat foot, that might be a very important reason for my pain :(

I am said...

this really helps..may be I need to do that as well..am a pathetic runner !!

May be if I get good shoes it won't be that bad :) anymore..

Lakshmi said...

a good post..I dont run as much as I walk and still I need some great shoes

Mridula said...

So how is the running going these days?

Akira said...

Thanks e1...go run! :)

@mridula: Running is going well. I am enjoying it a lot. I run 5k MWF :)

ramble said...

nice stuff:-
http://losingit.blog.com

Aarthi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I have the exacttt same pair, got it from a local running store as well :) Kudos to your dedication running 3 days a week. How long does it typically take you to run the entire 5K, do you run all along or take little walking breaks

Akira said...

@mukta: Thanks...it takes me about 30 mins of moderate pace running to cover 5K..

Kedar said...

where is the blaaager? Or is she still running?

Kedar said...

You have only 2 days before your 'newest' post on the blog is one year old :)

Nandan said...

Knock, Knock. Anyone home? :)