In shoe Support

[Sandy]

     The number one reason people don?t run is lack of time; the number two reason is injuries.  Injured knees, ankles, calves, back, you name it and a runner has stated it.  While some of these injuries are caused by over-exuberance (too much, too soon) a number of them are caused by poorly functioning feet, and the easiest, quickest way to resolving the above mentioned issues are orthotics.
     Orthotics are defined as a mechanical appliance such as a brace or splint that is specially designed to control, correct, or compensate for impaired foot function.  Essentially it is a foot bed that is placed in the shoe that supports an individual?s arch, and is used to slow the rate of pronation which will reduce the twisting and torquing that follows, leading to overuse injuries.
     How do you know if you need orthotics?  If you experience pain in your feet, ankles, legs, hips, low back or neck then it is worth an assessment.  Your feet are the foundation to the rest of your body so if they are not functioning well, they create the leaning tower of Pisa.  You don?t have to be physically active to have pain associated with a poorly functioning foot, in fact the only time you may be bothered is when you stand on your feet all day at work.
     Orthotics are available in two forms; over-the-counter (OTC) and custom.  OTC foot beds are becoming more sophisticated allowing you to heat them and attempt to custom form them to your arch for a more personalized fit.  Some companies like Smart Foot provide plugs of varying heights so you can adjust the arch support on an ongoing basis.  Stay away from foam arches as they compress with your weight, particularly when running.  OTC foot beds can be purchased at your local pharmacy or running store, and usually sell for $45.00 and up.  Custom orthotics are more expensive but may be covered by insurance if prescribed by an approved medical practitioner.  Custom orthotics should also come with an assessment of foot function and can be produced with accommodations for bunions, sore metatarsal joints or big toes that don?t function well; among many other conditions.
     Whether you chose OTC or custom foot beds break them in slowly.  Your muscles and tendons have been moving and working in certain ways for a number of years, and will complain if you throw your inserts into your shoes expecting to wear them continuously.  The recommended procedure is to wear them for one hour the first day, doubling that every day until you are wearing them all day long which takes about two weeks.  Custom inserts can be made specifically for running and should not be painful to wear once your break-in period is over.  If you find a component painful, take it back for an adjustment.  Replace OTC inserts with each new pair of shoes or every other shoe change, and if you wear custom be re-assessed every two years or after a significant injury.

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Leanne sodden ran 1:52:35 at the Chilly half marathon in Burlington.

[Allan]

I think in our society that the number one reason people don't run has to do with sitting on the couch and watching tv rather than lack of time or injuries :)

[Sandy]

You are probably very right.  To be politically correct should we call this "lack of motivation"?  The reason people don't actually exercise and the reason they give for not exercising are often not the same.

[Jeff]

Allan you can't blame them, training is hard work!!

[Jane]

Hey Jeff, it isn't always hard work though though.  Today at Goodrich was more fun than work.  And it was still training for me. 

Maybe this is just the lesson some people (like those sitting on the couch) need to learn.  Just because you are training, or even "just exercising", doesn't mean it can't be fun.  Those couch potatoes don't know what they are missing!   

[Jeff]

Agreed Jane, Goodrich was a blast and more fun then the couch!!

[tire guy]

You people need a new couch !!! 

[Newt]

G'day Dennis,

Or maybe a different person to be on the couch with. 

Peace
Peter

[Jane]

G'day Dennis,

Or maybe a different person to be on the couch with. 

Peace
Peter

But Peter, then it would be EXERCISE!   

[QATS3]

And that would always be more fun than running!!!!
Or at least a good warm up....
Cheers,
Bryan

[patti]

Oh Bryan you make me laugh.  Remember swim, bike then RUN!!!

patti

[Newt]

G'day Jane,

See I'm always trying to find a way to fit in more "exercise".

Peace
Peter

[QATS3]

Patti,
Swim, bike, then sit on the couch is much more preferable!!!!!
But since that isn't the third part of a tri, I will just keep pretending to like running!!!!
Cheers,
Bryan