Sunday, November 05, 2006

Mizuno Wave Rider 9

If you have a neutral gait cycle and want a good blend of cushioning and support you can't go far wrong with the Mizuno Wave Rider 9. It is built around Smoothride technology that Mizuno say provides the "ultimate heel to toe transition". The wave technology provides a smooth transition, and reduces the shock vibration that you get while running.

They also have a great woman's version of the shoe that is probably slightly broader in the forefoot than the men's. After testing these shoes out on a treadmill for gait analysis Helen decided that these shoes were the most comfortable and provided enough cushioning as well. She is getting fit, and has a long term goal of a half marathon. I'm glad that she has found some good quality shoes to do her training in.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Your Running Shoes are your Best Friend

If you listen to your running shoes, and get out the door and run...congratulations you can call yourself a runner. And you really belong to an elite club; one you should be proud you belong to. You may not be a club member, but the very fact of running makes you special.

You are different from the majority of the population, who would rather work 9 to 5, slump in front of the television or go down the pub for a few drinks. You know that you have to put the work in to see a result. You know that running doesn't come easy, that if you miss a few days running you might end up back at square one.

Running needs to be consistent. If you only have time to run three days a week you need to do that. Not ease off because you'll miss an episode of Star Trek.

And your running shoes can be your best friend in this situation. If they are comfortable, fit well, and give you all the support you need your running shoes will take you far; even further that the recommended 500 miles if you're lucky.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Listen to Your Running Shoes

Running is an essential part of who I am. Some of my best memories in life are associated with running, but too often these memories are a long way in my past. So, sometimes I feel I am looking back too much and not living in the moment.

Running helps you see the world around you and live in the moment. It's so easy to go automatically through life not paying attention to anything. Come home make the dinner, switch on the television, look longing at your running shoes and say to yourself tomorrow I'll go running, today I'm too busy.

If your running shoes could talk to you they would say "come on, what's the matter with you?-- it's been days since we went out, I need to get out I'm going mental just sitting here in the hall"

You need to listen to your running shoes.

Whether you wear addidas or Nike it really doesn't matter if your running shoes fit well, and give you adequate cushioning you should listen to them and get out that door at least three times a week. Any less than this, and you are not a runner, and you are deceiving yourself to say otherwise.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Running for Your Better Life

The points in the following article are correct:
1)Running is good for you. Always consult a medical practitioner if in doubt about starting a running programme. If you are a total beginner start first by jogging/walking. Different programs are available about this.

2)You need to find the correct shoe. A specialist shop will help with this. Most importantly the shoe has to feel "right", and give you enough support.

3)Everyone's feet are different so if you're not sure about a shoe don't buy it.

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Running for your better life

Running is a good exercise. Many physicians worldwide suggest their patients to go running to stay fit. Running will always be fun if you are wearing the right kind of shoe. Your shoe will make a lot of difference and if you are wearing the wrong kind of shoe, running will always be painful and cause you a lot of discomfort.

To feel comfortable and to protect your feet one should always opt for running shoes when one goes for running. Running shoes are the most important piece of equipment that a runners has. They may help the running gait be more efficient and they help prevent injury. The running shoe market is huge and most of the running shoe companies make significant investment into the technology and science of running shoes.

A proper running shoe must consist some of the basic components:

• The outsole: This is the treaded layer on the undersurface of the shoe, usually made from carbon rubber or similar material. It resists wears and provides traction.

• The midsole: This is considered the most important part of running shoes as it is the cushioning and stability layer between the upper and the outsole.

• The upper: This is the part of the shoe that wraps around and over the top of the foot. The tongue of the upper should be padded to cushion the top of the foot against the pressure from the laces.

• The heel counter: This is a firm and inflexible cup which is built into the upper of running shoes and surrounds the heel. It usually can control motion of the rear foot as it is very firm.

• Post or footbridge: This is the firm material in the midsole which increases stability along the inner side (arch side; medial side) of the running shoe.

A lot of people find difficulty in choosing the perfect running shoe and end up buying the wrong ones. All the runners need the best protection that running shoes can provide so the running shoe needs to absorb shock, control motion, and should be flexible and be durable. Every runner is different; each model of running shoe is different and every brand of running shoes is different. The challenge is to match the features of each runner to the features of a particular brand and model of running shoe. The most important aspect of matching a brand and model of running shoe to the individual is to decide on what kind of foot a person has. Feet like people come in different shapes, designs and sizes. It can be divided into three categories. They are:

1. The flat foot

2. The high-arched foot

3. The low high-arched foot

It’s always better to shop in the later part of the afternoon as the feet get bigger during the day and they will get bigger when running. One should wear the socks that you would normally wear during running. Finding what kind of feet you have and finding the right kind of shoe will definitely help you run better.

Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises at Jam727 offers information articles and detailed articles on a wide variety of subjects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Meier

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Wrong choice of running shoe

I ran the Clumber 10k race on Sunday, but unfortunately chose to wear the wrong shoes. I may have previously said that I like the Asics DS racer, and they are good to use on an elliptical trainer or in the gym. They may be good for people if they are fit enough, but I would exercise caution.

Cushioning and support is minimal. This is to be expected as they are racing flats. So to run in them when I'm not 100%, and coming back from an injury was a mistake.

Things went fine up to 5k, then after this I was looking to speed up, and build the speed for a few kilometres, and finish fast. After maybe 6 or 7k my right calf started to hurt, so I was forced to stop 3 times before the finish to stretch it.

This may have happened if I'd worn a different pair of shoes, but I'm sure that they didn't help. Lots of stretching, and cold baths later the leg is feeling better.

I'll save the DS racers for gym work in future.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Nike Pegasus

Nike makes fashion shoes, as well as sports shoes for tennis and basketball, but they're perhaps best known for their running shoes.

Their most famous shoe is arguably their best: Pegasus. This has had a few adjustments for 2006. I have tried these shoes before but never really liked them. A few months ago, though, I tried them on the shop, they felt just right, really comfortable, and I have been using them for all my runs.

They are light, but also have ample air cushioning, and have a new more breathable fabric. Mine are in blue, but they are more commonly white.

They are highly recommended.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Asics DS trainer & racer

I found a couple of great Asics running shoes in the New Year sales. Asics DS racer, and the DS Trainer. The DS racer is great for speed sessions, and is surprisingly comfortable if you have a neutral gait. A fellow runner told me he used to run in these a lot, but the sole wears out quickly especially if you pronate at all.

He favoured the DS Trainer, which has more cushioning. Having tried both I prefer the DS racer at the moment. They are lightweight, ideal for speed training, and even longer runs. A no frill shoe that you might like, but if you need more cushioning go for Asics 2010, or even Nike Pegasus.