Running Shoes

[Crap]

I would go with new balance or adidas. Course after 12 years of soccer with nothing but adidas gear I'm a bit biased.

[Eomer]

Originally Posted by Ronne

I just run for cardio right now, rarely more than 2-3 miles at a time. Is there really something to be gained by a higher quality shoe for us folks who aren't marathon running?

It's not like you have to pay a cover charge to get in to the store and then twice as much for the runners. In the end it'll probably make no difference in cost, you'll be buying the same shoes you would at some large chain store (just a wider variety), except the staff will know what the hell they are doing and the different strides and feet people have, and pick the one that will work best for you.

You might be like me and be able to run 10km in sandals and be fine with it, you might be like other people that get shin splints from a short walk, or somewhere in between. Even if you don't typically have problems after running, there's not really anything to lose by going to a good store instead of Wal-Mart or Sports Chek or wherever.

[Warrian]

Brooks Trance™ 8 (Silver/Deep Blue/Black/Platinum Grey) - Running Performance

You'll thank me a couple of miles later.

[Jabberwhacky]

Maybe one of you can help me. Whenever I start to jog, I get a horrible stitch just a few inches left of my belly button (left as I look down; it'd be on the right if you were looking at my stomach). It's always in the same spot and I can't work through it, it simply gets unbearably painful. I play a good amount of tennis and it never comes up then, it only seems to happen when I run for a few minutes straight.

[Eomer]

I've gotten cramps/stiches in my abdomen my whole life, whether from running or skating or whatever. Typically I find I get them when I first get back into physical activity after being away from it for awhile, and once I get back in better shape they go away. But when I'm first getting back in cardiovascular shape, they're typically my main limiting factor.

Other than getting in to better shape in general, a couple things can help get rid of them or at least manage them:

-I've found, sometimes anyway, that running with my hands on my head or straight up, arching my back and just trying to stretch my torso and chest out can help somewhat
-Biggest thing I've found to alleviate them is to have a steady, controlled rythmn to your breathing. Make sure you're taking full breaths all the way in, not shallow ones. Sometimes merely making a conscious effort to take full, deep breaths is enough to fight off an oncoming cramp.

Unfortunately though, I often find that if the cramp starts early in the run, there's little I can do to get rid of it. Even if I slow down and walk for awhile, it comes back quickly with increased pace/exertion. But again, once I've gone for a few runs, it typically fades away to nothing unless I'm really pushing myself in intervals.

[Bronyaur]

This is a little off topic, but I would like to ask.

I'm a RN and by the end of my shift, my feet and calves kill me (I'm on my feet moving quickly between 6 patients). Currently, I am rolling in a pair of New Balances (I don't know the model). Would running shoes help or should I try something else?

[owakefka]

Generally, shoe makers put the latest technology within sports/running shoes typically. So, in that respect, I would recommend going to a shoe store and trying out the latest brand of running shoes.

[kegkilla]

if you buy anything other than asics for running you're mad dumb son.``

[Ronne]

Originally Posted by Eomer

-Biggest thing I've found to alleviate them is to have a steady, controlled rythmn to your breathing. Make sure you're taking full breaths all the way in, not shallow ones. Sometimes merely making a conscious effort to take full, deep breaths is enough to fight off an oncoming cramp.

This. Best thing in the world to avoid cramps is taking deep, steady breaths. Inflating your chest cavity as much as you can on each breath will help out a ton with abdomen cramps.

[Menoz]

I only get lower abdominal stitches if I haven't waited long enough to run after eating or I drank something carbonated sometime earlier. Upper abdominal stitches are generally caused by the diaphragm and are usually fixed by changing your breathing. I always breathe out on the opposite foot as the stitch and I remember to breathe with my stomach. Relaxation is key here too. If you're tense, your diaphragm is much more likely to start hurting.

I'd just like to reiterate the breathing with the stomach thing. If you keep your stomach tight when you breath, you close off 1/3 of your lungs, effectively reducing the amount of air you breath thereby increasing the amount of breaths you have to take (energy) to maintain proper oxygen saturation in your blood.

Also, running shoes are highly subjective things. Trying them on in the store and going for a short test run is essential to finding a good pair. Get the store clerk to find out if you underpronate or overpronate (most people overpronate). Factor in the width of your foot and try on EVERY PAIR. Remember that more cushion isn't necessarily a good thing, you want a shoe that has a balance of cushion, stability, and overall feel. I think brand loyalty here can get you into trouble as brands are constantly changing their shoes and vary season to season.

Finally, replace shoes every 250-500 miles, depending on your weight/stride.

[aychamo_aycono]

I've been a runner for about 14-15 years, up until recently when I fucked my back and can't anymore. I always loved Adidas and New Balance for high mileage shoes for the road. Asics are nice too, it's kinda funny none of us are recommending reebok or nike!

[Everlast]

Vibram Five Fingers: Discover the Barefooting Alternative

[EmpireF4i]

Originally Posted by Bronyaur

This is a little off topic, but I would like to ask.

I'm a RN and by the end of my shift, my feet and calves kill me (I'm on my feet moving quickly between 6 patients). Currently, I am rolling in a pair of New Balances (I don't know the model). Would running shoes help or should I try something else?

Yes they would. Your pair of NB shoes might work great for someone else with a different foot and stride than yours, but they obviously dont work for you.

Go to a running shoe store and have them take a look at your walk/jog/run. I went to get some new shoes because my Adidas I had for about 6 years were getting beat up. I went to a place called the Running Center and the girl asked me what I wanted in a shoe, then brought out 6 different shoes for me to try on. It took a while to try them all on and run in the store, but its worth the time.

I ended up getting some Asics gt2130 for $95 and they have been great even thought Im not much of a runner anymore. I wear them as every day shoes and they are comfortable to walk around in all day. The other thing I liked about them is that they werent bright green or too flashy like some other shoes were.

[pemulis]

take the advice of the people who recommended going to a running specialty store. if you're willing to spend $100, you'll do much better there than at the local Dick's or Sports Authority. the "experts" can see if you pronate or supinate (turn your feet inwards or outwards) when you run so they can recommend a few good similar options. i did this last year and came home with a pair of saucony's (a brand i had never bought on my own before). they are the most comfortable running shoes i have ever owned.

EDIT: just remembered another supporting fact - my wife came home with a new pair about a week ago from the same place. she ran in them twice, hated them, and the store took them back with no questions asked the next day. try doing that at a national chain.