Basically saying that support shoes aren't the solution to wonky running - it's a matter of strengthening so the body can hold itself straight. Certainly made me think.
I reckon that there is a place for support shoes, but only for new runners, who have less developed muscles and perhaps defective biomechanics/poor running form. I've also started to try to correct my running gait - I've always been a heel striker, which I thought was ok, but now realise isn't - it wastes energy and causes greater shocks on the body. So my last two runs I've been concentrating on landing mid - forefoot, which feels a little odd, but pretty good, and does seem more effective. Also made me realise - if I'm landing with the pressure in front of where my arch should be, surely my flat feet can't cause any asymmetry, because it's not involved in taking my weight!
I think my body might now be sorted enough not to need that mechanical assistance any more. I've took the orthotics out of my shoes before todays run. Felt no problem today; let's see how it goes!
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Steve_L
Graduate10
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I still don't even know which bit of my feet strike the ground. I'll have to pay more attention next time I'm out. It sounds like you're enjoying getting your teeth into the technicalities of running Steve. I hope all is going well
I'm just trying to make it easier for me! I see so many people just floating across the ground, I wondered how to stop myself plodding so. Things are good, thanks, Ruth - how about for you?
Hi SteveL - I really thought about how I run on my feet today - I had the time as it was a long run - 10k - I finally did it! I've added my thoughts about this in my post just now. I was thinking of you and hope you're making progress with your change in tack for fixing your overpronation/knee issues
Otherwise things are good with me - I've just got time-management issues since I started my new job in October. Hopefully things will fall into place a bit more soon
I have read several articles though that the whole thing about which shoe type and overpronation is bad for you etc is a myth and that as far as shoes are concerned the most important criteria is that they are comfortable. Apparently a really famous runner badly overpronated and it didn't do him any harm. Saying that I am not throwing my orthotics out just yet (as there was a reason why I got them in the first place) and will continue to wear them in my road shoes. I don't bother in the trail ones as they are a more confortable fit without and on trails it is not really an issue anyway.
And yes the solution for other problems may well lie in building up general strength in other body areas.
I notice the better runners seem to be up on their toes, they also run silently. One benefit of not running with earphones is you can hear other runners, the tell-tale sign of bad form being a heavy 'flap flap' as they pass you. Often huffing puffing men.
For me, I try to run quietly but I can't say I have eliminated heel strike. And as for running 'uncorrected', I reckon my ageing body needs all the help it can get. Running has done a lot to straighten me out, but I'm not going to turn back the years or turn into Paula Radcliffe overnight. The different pattern of tread wear right foot versus left foot on my 6 month old Brooks Adrenalines tells its own story!
I'm still struggling to work out how my feet land too but I do know that if I make a concerted effort to land more on the ball of my foot it is a lighter footstep & feels a bit faster, however I then risk setting off my Mortons Neuroma. I can't win! 😕
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