markdavid570

Runner's World magazine (and the website) has been a great resource for me. I love running and cycling, but I've spent the past couple years with the mindset that I can only do one or the other...so now I realize that I'm much happier doing both on different days.

Shoes are so important when running. I know there is much debate on all this, but I'll just give my personal experience...

To start, I'm 6'5 and I currently weigh about 253 lbs. I'm working on losing a few pounds, but I'm not morbidly obese. I've been told have normal to low arches, but I'm not completely flat-footed. Based on what I had read, when I started paying more attention to shoes, I bought a pair of Mizuno mild stability shoes. They were great, but eventually wore out so I went to a local store to get a recommendation. They recommended another stability shoe, so I ended up with a pair of Asics GT-2160's. These get great reviews and I think were an editor's choice in Runner's World. I'll be honest...I hated them. My knees, shins, and hamstrings would hurt so bad every time I ran in them. I would try to pay more attention to my form and my foot strike, but nothing was working. In the meantime, I had picked up a pair of Reebok Realflex's (partly because I had given in to the marketing, but also because I wanted to try something more neutral and "natural). The Reeboks forced me to pay attention to my form. I noticed that I felt better when I shortened my stride, landed with a midfoot strike, and just paid more attention to my overall form. When I worked my Asics back into the mix, I just had more pain again...so that was that. I decided to stick with the Reeboks. I still wouldn't mind another cushioned shoe to mix in for longer runs, but honestly, right now (at least from my personal experience), I'm a believer that natural is better.

The other thing I've found lately, is that running with a heart rate monitor has helped significantly. Before, I would just run a standard route with a stopwatch to track my time. If I would be faster or slower getting to a certain point on a route, it would impact my overall attitude toward that run. Then I'd either take a break, or have to speed up to get myself "back on track". Then I'd get more tired out and have to take another break. By focusing on my heart rate as opposed to time, I've found that I can maintain a more consistent pace throughout the entrire run. When I check my times after running with a heart rate monitor, I find that even though some parts at the begining of my run are slower, my overall pace is higher because I'm more consistent the whole time. I also feel much better when I get home.

Rimmer

Like you I have low arches, and I also hated the Asics. I've tried several, and none ever fit well. I would always experience a nagging pain along my arches including the shoes for my type of foot gait. Maybe the Japanese, who make Asics, just have a different foot structure. I've found Brooks to fit me much better.

eric671

I did the full conversion to barefoot running. Bought a pair or vibram 5 fingers.

Took a while to fully change running style and build up the calves, but I am very happy now.

BTW - I am 6'7" @ 240lbs.

Barefoot style seems to complement my biking better as well.. Running with your foot strike under your hips and knees slightly bend takes practice.

The results are no pain, no pain, no pain...........

markdavid570

How does your foot strike the ground? I was trying for awhile to maintain a forefoot strike (on the balls of my feet), but it really bothers my shins when I try. Lately, instead I've been trying to maintain a solid midfoot strike that so far feels pretty good.

Fastflyingasian

i agree that minimal shoes are awsome and have a great part in making me faster and strengthing my feet and such. but the other day i put on my cushy running shoes and it was like running on a cloud and also i got to feel the difference in the speed i gained. i personally dont recommend to throw the old shoe away just yet. i almost did though. i run 2-3 days a week and i ride 2-3 days a week. this year so far i would say my performance on the bike is on par to when i was riding 200+ miles a week. the difference is that right after my run i get to lift weights and satisfy my lunkhead needs