The Miles & Musings of a Friendly Runner

For any of you “Born to Run” fans or barefoot running junkies, this article on RunnersWorld.com was a super interesting read today.

“Kevin Hatala doubts there’s one universal best way to run for all runners.”

Basically, the study looked at the running form of a previously unstudied tribe in Kenya, and found that they were naturally rear-foot strikers. Pretty much every other well-known study or book about barefoot running has laid out the fore-foot or mid-foot strike as the “optimal” and “natural” way to run, so this is pretty cool and groundbreaking information. Especially since I’ve seen myself run in the reflections of store windows, and heaven knows my running form is not pretty. My hair is though, so that’s important.

You know what’s even more awesome than barefoot running? Getting new running shoes!

What an incredibly flattering camera angle….

I ended up with a rad looking pair of Brooks Ravenna 3′s and it might be a little premature but I think I love them? I had a 4 mile treadmill date with these hot little puppies and all seemed well. No rubbing in the wrong places, a roomy toe box and just enough cushioning to where I still felt like I had power but they weren’t heavy or unresponsive. I’ll try to get out for a longer run in the great outdoors Tuesday and I’ll let you know if the love affair continues.

I had a question about what shoes I had run in previously and if I had any experience with Brooks shoes on one of my last posts. I’m a creature of habit, so I’ve been wearing various models of the Asics GT-2000 series since 2006, which I loved everything about except for the excessive cushioning. Had I not gotten a little crazy and picked up a pair of  the Brooks Pure Cadences last Summer, I don’t think the cushioning ever would have bothered me. Ignorance is bliss. The Pure Cadence was the most comfortable shoe I had ever worn, but I started having some calf and Achilles tendon issues on runs longer than 6 miles or so in them. The minimal heel to toe drop in the Cadence can put a strain on your Achilles tendon and gastroc if you don’t transition to them slowly and really focus on stretching that part of your body after runs (ain’t nobody got time for that.) Ultimately, I tore part of a muscle in my calf during the 10^th mile of a half marathon while running in them. It was the saddest thing.

We…. are never ever ever… going on a run together again

In summary, I like my Asics, am in puppy love with my Brooks Ravenna’s, and am slowly getting over my Brook’s Pure Cadences. Disclaimer though: you can read every shoe review ever on the internet but you never know what shoe will be best for you unless you go to a running store (or your friendly neighborhood PT who works with runners) and get your gait analyzed. Most of your local running stores will offer the service free of charge, plus you support your local economy by shopping at those stores. It’s a win for everyone! Also, I’m a total fan of ordering shoes online, but if you go and get fitted at a running store, consider buying at least your first pair of shoes there. It’s just the right thing to do. Then, if you like that model and want to keep using it, get online and find it for cheaper somewhere else! They don’t call me the “Friendly Runner” for nothing. Or maybe it’s because I’m a really great kisser…. You’ll never know.

For the record, I really tried to take pictures of my meals this weekend. Really, I did… and the only food I ate that actually looked good I ate out of a paper bowl. It’s hard being poor.

That dressing was made of yogurt and HOLY MOTHER it was tasty.

Off to study about shoulders and slather my entire body in self-tanner. Sunday fundays.

Any barefoot runners out there?

What’s your favorite running shoe?

Y’all have a great week!

-Steph