Whether you are running 2 miles or almost 2000, the preparation is similar and important aspects should be considered. Karl Metzer, an Ultra-marathoner extraordinaire, is currently crossing the country from Sacramento, California to St Joseph, Missouri along the Pony Express Trail on its 150th anniversary. As he crosses through Utah, I thought it appropriate to focus on preparations that would be necessary for such a run (and any run to a lesser extent).
My recommendations would include:
- Fluid => Important to keep the fluidity of the blood and reduce lactic acid build-up in the muscles.
- Food => With high nutrient values at rest intervals and even throughout the run.
- Shoegear => As a runner, shoes should be replaced every 400 miles. He will be using many pairs of shoes.
- Running Gear => Whether the shirt, shorts, jacket or hydration/nutrition belt, the proper gear can reduce injury and protect against unforeseen running risks.
- Support System => We all need support in our running, and his support system must be robust.
Run smart and run safe through these careful preparations for your run.
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Barefoot Running, What's The Truth?
Barefoot running is not new, in fact it has been around since the beginning of mankind. Often man had to run to find food, or keep from being food. This reasoning is often the justification for barefoot running. They will often even quote "studies" that prove running shoes are bad, or barefoot running is good.
But what is the truth about barefoot running? Here is a good discussion that was brought to my attention: http://www.prolaborthotics.com/Blog/tabid/90/EntryID/132/Default.aspx
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
But what is the truth about barefoot running? Here is a good discussion that was brought to my attention: http://www.prolaborthotics.com/Blog/tabid/90/EntryID/132/Default.aspx
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
Friday, September 25, 2009
The Truth About Leg Length Differences In Running...
As I stated in a seperate blog, the development process causes each half of the body to develop independently, including foot size and leg length. As a runner, it is imperative that you understand these differences and adjust your equipment and training to accomodate the differences.
1. Based on which foot is larger, you should fit your shoes to minimize injuries from loss of toenails, to ingrown toenails, to blisters and even stress fractures.
2. Leg length difference can be a bigger issue:
-If the leg length difference is only minor, you will often not notice any difference and can continue to run without difficulty. No training adjustments will be required.
- For a significant difference, the following training modifications should be considered:
A heel lift or orthotic (with heel lift integrated) should be considered to allow modification of length to make the legs function closer to the same. This minor modification of equipment will preclude major changes in training.
If you typically run on a treadmill, the heel lift/orthotic are imperative, because there is no training adjustment that can be done to fix the additional stress on the bones, ligaments and tendons or aggressive pronation of the shorter leg that will occur irrespective of the shoe utilized.
If you typically run on a road, modify your running such that the longer leg is on the downside of the road. For example if your left leg is longer, running against traffic is good. The opposite is the case for a longer right leg. This is because most roads are canted to allow runoff during rain storms to the sides of the road.
So before you get more expensive shoes, run long distances or get injured from poor functioning of your feet from a simple leg length difference, make the necessary adjustments to improve your running gait pattern. Your body will thank you.
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
1. Based on which foot is larger, you should fit your shoes to minimize injuries from loss of toenails, to ingrown toenails, to blisters and even stress fractures.
2. Leg length difference can be a bigger issue:
-If the leg length difference is only minor, you will often not notice any difference and can continue to run without difficulty. No training adjustments will be required.
- For a significant difference, the following training modifications should be considered:
A heel lift or orthotic (with heel lift integrated) should be considered to allow modification of length to make the legs function closer to the same. This minor modification of equipment will preclude major changes in training.
If you typically run on a treadmill, the heel lift/orthotic are imperative, because there is no training adjustment that can be done to fix the additional stress on the bones, ligaments and tendons or aggressive pronation of the shorter leg that will occur irrespective of the shoe utilized.
If you typically run on a road, modify your running such that the longer leg is on the downside of the road. For example if your left leg is longer, running against traffic is good. The opposite is the case for a longer right leg. This is because most roads are canted to allow runoff during rain storms to the sides of the road.
So before you get more expensive shoes, run long distances or get injured from poor functioning of your feet from a simple leg length difference, make the necessary adjustments to improve your running gait pattern. Your body will thank you.
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
Friday, April 3, 2009
Final Preparations For A Marathon
I am two weeks away from the Salt Lake Marathon, and I am once again reviewing my preparation. What am I doing to ensure that I am running the race correctly, to protect my health, avoid injury and compete at a good level? Here is the thought process I undergo as a physician specializing in foot and ankle health.
Physical Preparation
Physical preparation starts months to years before the marathon and must include regular running with increasing endurance. You can't physically prepare for a marathon if you are not consistently running and able to increase your distance to near marathon distances (20-22 miles are recommended). During the week, longer runs can be split between two runs in the same day (10 miles can be run as two runs of 5 miles in the same day), but at least one long run must be done each week. The advantage of splitting some longer runs into two is decreased chance of injury from stress fractures or other running related injuries.
As you move closer to the race, the training should continue, but be modified to allow full muscle strength and full body preparation for the run. A marathon, due to adrenaline and competition, will usually be faster and harder on the body than other runs. This is what brings the runners high from such a long run.
Therefore, at this time, I am ensuring regular runs with some modification of mileage to protect my body during these last 2 weeks. I am also doing what I can to eat right (regular, healthy, energy rich foods), sleep good at night and trying to avoid sickness that could interfere with the functioning of my lungs. I am doing what I can to be physically prepared.
Mental Preparation
I am still strongly of the opinion that the most important preparation for a marathon is mental. As part of the physical preparation, you get to the point where you believe you can complete a marathon. During any given run, there will be times that are hard and times that are less hard. If you believe you can do it, you will.
Often when I am running I will hit what many call "the wall" and just tell my body that it is not an option to stop running. I run because I can and mental preparation keeps legs moving when the muscles ache, the lungs are tired and the body is ready to stop. This mental attitude is the key to running distances, running hills and even starting a run when the desire may not be there.
I feel that I am mentally prepared, but it is a constant process. My goal is to "run and not be weary, walk and not faint." Mental attitude definitely helps.
Correct Equipment
With all the physical and mental preparation, injury can occur in a 26.2 mile run easily if poor equipment (or even worn out equipment) is utilized. Things to consider are the shoe, and what clothes will be worn for the run.
With shoes, mileage over 300 - 400 miles will wearout a shoe. A new shoe, however, should also not be worn without a breakin period. I plan to use a good shoe that has participated in about half of my training. This shoe, however, will be replace before my next marathon.
Clothing choice is more variable. What will the weather be like? How will you limit rubbing that can cause soreness throughout a run? What will you do to limit sunburn or other discomfort during the run? Will you wear a hat? Whatever the clothing choices may be, it is important to train with these clothes, even utilizing them on long runs to ensure that you are able to enjoy the 26.2 miles without interruptions from the clothing you wore (or didn't wear).
I can truly say that I am excited for this marathon and I am doing everything in my power to be prepared for this run. Besides I have already registered for other marathons that I must be ready for also...
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
Physical Preparation
Physical preparation starts months to years before the marathon and must include regular running with increasing endurance. You can't physically prepare for a marathon if you are not consistently running and able to increase your distance to near marathon distances (20-22 miles are recommended). During the week, longer runs can be split between two runs in the same day (10 miles can be run as two runs of 5 miles in the same day), but at least one long run must be done each week. The advantage of splitting some longer runs into two is decreased chance of injury from stress fractures or other running related injuries.
As you move closer to the race, the training should continue, but be modified to allow full muscle strength and full body preparation for the run. A marathon, due to adrenaline and competition, will usually be faster and harder on the body than other runs. This is what brings the runners high from such a long run.
Therefore, at this time, I am ensuring regular runs with some modification of mileage to protect my body during these last 2 weeks. I am also doing what I can to eat right (regular, healthy, energy rich foods), sleep good at night and trying to avoid sickness that could interfere with the functioning of my lungs. I am doing what I can to be physically prepared.
Mental Preparation
I am still strongly of the opinion that the most important preparation for a marathon is mental. As part of the physical preparation, you get to the point where you believe you can complete a marathon. During any given run, there will be times that are hard and times that are less hard. If you believe you can do it, you will.
Often when I am running I will hit what many call "the wall" and just tell my body that it is not an option to stop running. I run because I can and mental preparation keeps legs moving when the muscles ache, the lungs are tired and the body is ready to stop. This mental attitude is the key to running distances, running hills and even starting a run when the desire may not be there.
I feel that I am mentally prepared, but it is a constant process. My goal is to "run and not be weary, walk and not faint." Mental attitude definitely helps.
Correct Equipment
With all the physical and mental preparation, injury can occur in a 26.2 mile run easily if poor equipment (or even worn out equipment) is utilized. Things to consider are the shoe, and what clothes will be worn for the run.
With shoes, mileage over 300 - 400 miles will wearout a shoe. A new shoe, however, should also not be worn without a breakin period. I plan to use a good shoe that has participated in about half of my training. This shoe, however, will be replace before my next marathon.
Clothing choice is more variable. What will the weather be like? How will you limit rubbing that can cause soreness throughout a run? What will you do to limit sunburn or other discomfort during the run? Will you wear a hat? Whatever the clothing choices may be, it is important to train with these clothes, even utilizing them on long runs to ensure that you are able to enjoy the 26.2 miles without interruptions from the clothing you wore (or didn't wear).
I can truly say that I am excited for this marathon and I am doing everything in my power to be prepared for this run. Besides I have already registered for other marathons that I must be ready for also...
Dr Brandt R Gibson
Mountain West Foot & Ankle Institute
36 North 1100 East, Suite B
American Fork, UT 84003
801-756-0765
www.UtahFootDoc.com
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