Running

[Jay76]

Will running on cement/tar destroy my joints over the long run?????

[Chuck Kechter]

Can't speak for everyone (nor would I want to), but I've been running on cement, or mixed trail environments for over 30 years, at least 3 days a week (most of the time more than that).

I've never had any joint problems (outside of skill training related--and those have all been upper body). I've also almost always done some form of range of motion work, as well as a handful of stretches to help keep myself injury free.

Use WW or some form of DROM work and you should (barring accidents, or odd genetics) be fine.

Also, for cement a GOOD pair of shoes is a must. Running on softer surfaces can be done bare foot (or with minimal footwear) but cement is too unforgiving. Don't skimp on this.

Hope this helps,

Chuck

[crubio]

What do you think about running on a treadmill for 20 minutes wearing UGS? Potential hazard? I think the treadmills at the local Y are brand new and I want to start running 3/week.

[Scott Sonnon]

Chris, not all treadmills are equal... the shock absorption value is different per model. Default setting for treadmills is high quality running shoes - don't spare a nickel. UGS are for natural surfaces (IOW: contoured and/or absorptive). Running shoes are for artificial surfaces (IOW: flat and dense.)

Most trauma, pains and aches from head to toe, begin with walking and running - footwear should be as serious a decision as choosing your car.

[Jrichardson]

I'm kind of lost when it comes to "high quality" running shoes... too often I see shoes that have all these features that I don't particularly want. Is impact absorption the number one feature to seek?

I find arch supports really annoying, like having something stuck in my shoe that I have to stop and remove. This is something I've only noticed over the last four or five years, though, before they didn't bug me.

I don't do a whole lot of running, though. If I were to start running more often, how important would arch support be in the long term?

[Scott Sonnon]

I'm not one to give corporate endorsements... However, in this case, I must admit, I give full kudos to REI (www.REI.com (www.REI.com)) for superlative customer service in this department... even providing significant training for employees before working in the footwear department. I don't shop anywhere else.

[Chuck Kechter]

Jrichardson,

In my opinion, impact absorption is the number one feature to look for. But a couple of others: flexability of the shoe/comfort--is another big one. You don't want to be wearing something that causes as much discomfort as it's supposed to allieviate. I also try and keep the sole as as thin as possible, to keep as much proprioception (not using the word "exactly" correct) as possible--it becomes a trade off in the end--impact absorbtion vs. proprioception.

Not to be a corporate shill, but a couple I like are made by Nike, and Asiacs.

Hope that helps,
Chuck

[Jay76]

I heard one is suppose to replace ones sneakers every 3 months if one is activiely running??

[Jrichardson]

proprioception (not using the word "exactly" correct)

I think the word you're looking for is "Footsitivity(TM)" :P

That's pretty close to my existing list... the "thin flexble sole" thing has been really important to me for a while now.

When I decide I have to get new shoes I'll take this all in advisement... Thanks everybody!

[Chuck Kechter]

Footsitivity(TM)" I like that. . . :D

And Jay, for me it depends on the milage I put on. Between walking my dog, and running I average about 27-30 miles during a typical week (not counting intervals, or hill walks, hiking, rock bashing, et cetera). Usually I get new shoes every 3 to 6 months.

Hope that helps,

Chuck

[Doug Szolek]

Too up my alley to pass up a post.

As far as specific shoes. After I trained my arches (by continued awarness and consciously lifting them when I noticed my feet going flat as well as with exercises like the foot rolls and waves, and odd things like standing on my toe knuckles) I found that shoes with strong arch support were really bothersome. If I'm running trails I like my UGS (though I admitt this voids their otherwise amazing durability). My feet are too wide to fit in any size of Chuck Taylor all stars or the Samba, indoor soccer shoes, both good choices for abrasion protection, adequate cushion, and decent tactile sensetivity (Footsitivity) so I've settled on some soft soled Airwalk's (The One's) to allow enough cushion for dense, flat, artificial surfaces and keep me feeling the ground beneath my feet.

Still though nothing beats the traction and gripping provided by bare feet or feet wrapped in UGS.

[snyds]

I guess alot depends on how much running someone is planning to do. I personally like a thin sole because it allows me to get a better feel of the ground/surface. I run about 3 times a week mostly on trails but occasionally on a tread mill(boring!). I like a water shoe that teva puts out that is inexpensive. Most importantly-listen to your body.

Snyds

[Doug Szolek]

Snyds, funny you should mention that, I was just looking at that Teva water shoe the other day at REI as a more all-weather alternative to the UGS. Have you tried it yet? I'm curious how it'd hold up to daily wear.

thanks,

[Robert V]

I've studied research that states that sprinting is a lot less stressful on the body. The rationale stems from your posture during long distance running, which puts direct stress on the joints of your lower body, oppose to sprinting in which your posture is less upright, therefore the joint stress is not compiled. Besides, sprinting burns more fat around the organs and better prepares you for sports like martial arts.

[snyds]

Coach Szolek,

I've been running in the Teva's for about 6 months and have no complaints. Matter fact I liked them so much I bought 2 more pair a couple of months ago (They were on sale through REI outlet) and now rotate between 2 pair. Previous to the teva's I was running in merril streaks for a couple of years. They were nice shoes for the type of running I like. I'm not a great runner, but enjoy slow trail runs of about 45 minutes a few times a week. Don' think you can go wrong with the teva's. They sell them in whole sizes I wear a 10.5 and bought 10's. Got them wet and stretched then with wads of newspaper and let them sit. They fit great. Good luck.
Snyds