Chronicles in Running - Part 2: Shoes, Socks and Swag

On Sunday we ran 3.7+ miles, that's almost four miles. I had NO idea I could do it. There were some ghastly, killer hills, whom I resent utterly. My body was so tired and sore afterward. The ground (The Ohio-Erie Towpath Trail) was very bumpy since it hadn't thawed yet. But... I did it! And I was impressed with myself. It wasn't the shoes, my clothes or anything. It was me!

However shoes, socks, and appropriate clothing is simply important because it makes it comfortable. We have paved surfaces (impact on skeletal structure), vehicles (don't trip and fall especially due to floppy clothing), frigid temperatures (thermal layers), sweat building up (hot and cold can have some issues on the body). The wrong gear can cause injury as well as pain.  As we ran, I could feel a  blister had formed on my arches. The runners running with me asked me when I told them, if I had been "fitted" for the shoes. I said yes (we figured it was due to the uneven terrain).

In running you just don't find a shoe you fancy, and buy it. It's not about brand, or color or what you like, its about your stride, footfall, cadence, foot shape etc. You go to a specialty running store and you get fitted for one. I told the guy I wanted a minimalist shoe which I could wear on paved surfaces well; running barefoot, or with my vibrams on paved surfaces hurt. I prefer using those for trails. Footfall, I have trained to do so, so I fall on the ball of my foot. Most people fall on heel or midsole: different type of shoe. I got fitted and these asics (not my favorite brand)  gel lite 33 3 model (not my favorite color at all). Fit well, are comfy, the right amount of warmth, and they are minimalist enough without freezing my feet. They are ugly though have enough room for my crazy wide toes. Ok they aren't that ugly that I wouldn't wear them.

I had to put them on and run inside the store. It felt "normal", and great. Shoe was boughten! Then the very nice man at the Fleet Feet told me to definitely not wear cotton socks as they hold moisture and encourage funky fungi and bacterial growth... fun stuff. New shoes, luckily I had socks at home, I just liked the feeling of fresh cotton socks, new socks... what else?

While running with wonderful teams like Towpath turtles, and other runners, one learns new jargon. I learned the word Swag. Swag is the stuff you get from running in a race! I think the swag is usually like a medal, a t-shirt, sweat shirt, etc. Depending on how many miles you do, or something. It helps motivate you to run, if not feel like you're getting something after paying to run :-P

If you are interested in running but are not in shape at all, google Couch to 5K for various options on how to get off the couch and get moving. It starts with just a few minutes everyday! You can do it. Surprise yourself!