Shoes

Written by Malissa

I've been asked by a few of my friends to add a section for new runners; sharing tips we've learned over the past year of running.

Tip #1 ~Shoes & Socks
Shoes can make or break your running experience. It's really important to get the right fit or you will end up injuring yourself.

We laugh when we think of our first pair of running shoes. We just bought the cheapest running shoes we could find. After about a month of running I started experiencing pain in my hips and my feet were always falling asleep. A friend of ours suggested we go to our local running store and be fitted for new shoes. Not only was I wearing the wrong type of running shoes, I was wearing a whole size too small.

 At a specialty running store the employees are trained to find the right pair of shoes for you. They watch you run to determine if you overpronate, underpronate, or are a neutral runner.

Once they determine your running style they will have you try on a few different shoes to see what feels best while running. Because your feet swell when you exercise, it's important to wear a half to a full size bigger than you normally wear. If you have raptor toes like Owen (second toe is bigger than your first), make sure you measure from your second toe.

Once you get your new pair of shoes, you will want to slowly work them into your running schedule. Start out by walking in them around the house, so your feet can get use to them. Then run a half mile, adding a little more each day. There may be a little discomfort at first but should go away within a couple of weeks.

Socks are important too! You want to wear a moisture wicking, dri-fit sock. If you are prone to blisters you will want to wear a thinner sock.