To Run or Not To Run

Of course the answer is always to run. Running is free and anyone can do it. All you need is the will to get out there and hit the pavement. 

Prior to hitting the pavement, special care should be paid to what you are putting on your feet. Your feet will be taking the brunt of the impact, and if you are not properly equipped then you may experience unnecessary aches and pains. 

If you have the ability, I would suggest going to a local running store that has the capabilities to properly fit you for running shoes. Reputable stores will take the time to put you on a treadmill and video tape your stride as you run. They will analyze the impact of your foot and correct any problem areas you have. In the end you will leave the store with your perfect match. 

If you are in the New York City area, you can head over to one of the Jack Rabbit stores. The workers there will take the time to ensure that you leave with the shoe that is best suited for you.

The other option is to continue reading this post and I will share some vital information that will be useful when you embark on your shoe journey.

Before going out to find your new kicks, you should determine your foot type and how you pronate. Pronation is the way your foot rolls when you walk or run.  This is something simple that can be done at home without the help of a professional. All you need is a wet foot and a dry surface. This is called a wet foot test. You simply wet your feet and then walk across a dry flat surface. You will be left with an impression of your foot. This will assist you greatly in determining the type of shoe that is best suited for you.

This is an example of neutral pronation. This means that the outside of the heel makes contact first, then rolls inward as it comes into complete contact with the ground. This  basically tells you that you can support your body weight without any issues. The way your foot rolls allows for the weight of your body to be evenly distributed, you hit the ground, roll, and then push off evenly from the ground. Runrepeat.com gives a list of some of the best neutral running shoes for 2016. A stability shoe will best fit the needs of a neutral runner.

This foot impression is an example of an over-pronator. This type of pronator begins similarly to a neutral runner, but the foot rolls inward more than a neutral runner. Ideally you don't want the foot to roll inward any more than 15%, an over-pronator rolls more than that magic number. This causes a problem because the foot and ankle struggle to stabilize the body and the big toe and second toe are forced to absorb the brunt of the work in pushing off the ground. Yourcomfyfeet.com provides you with some of the best types of shoes for an over-pronator. An over-pronator will want a motion control shoe.

Lastly we have the under-pronator or the supinator. This is basically the opposite of the over-pronator. You can clearly see a large difference in the two images. Instead of rolling at 15%, the foot rolls less than that magic number. The smaller toes are forced to do the work of pushing off. The impact is concentrated on a smaller portion of the foot.
Underpronation.org can further assist you in your search for shoes to suit this style of running. You will be looking for shoes that fall in the cushioning category.

There are so many different sites and resources out there for runners. Whether you are just beginning to run or have been doing it for years, there is always something new you can learn. Runningshoeguru.com will even break down the anatomy of a running shoe. From soles to punch holes, this site will explain the ins and outs of a shoe.

Runnersworld.com is another great resource. Once you have conducted the wet foot test, you can use this information and go to this site, and fill in a checklist with other pertinent information. You will then be given a list of shoes that will be great for you and your running style. 

You have now down the research and have narrowed down your shoe search. My final piece of advice for you would be to purchase your shoes and test them out. My secret for you is to utilize a store that allows you to try your shoes out and exchange them if need be. Roadrunnersports.com is an amazing site that lets you do just that. For a small fee you can join their VIP program. Not only does this program give you discounts on all the merchandise offered on their site, but you also get a 90 day trial program. You can literally buy your shoes try them out for 90 days, if they don't work out for you, you can send them back and exchange them. Shipping is free either way!

To run or not to run . . . I will always say run! Running does not discriminate, the open road welcomes all. It doesn't matter if your big or small, old or young, running is for everyone. 

Remember, a body in motion . . . stays in motion!