bobthib

Need some advice for my old legs. As posted in other threads, I've signed up for my first Tri, a sprint. Not worried about the swim or bike, but I'm finding this running (more correctly jogging) is tough on the knees.

Will better running shoes make a difference. I have some nice New Balance sneakers that certainly feel comfortable and coushy. But are they enough?

vesteroid

I strongly suggest you find a local running shop that does a proper gait assessment and work with them.

I can't tell you how much difference it made to me switching from "whatever shoes I picked out for myself" to ones that were matched to my foot strike style.

My knee pain went away in two weeks and hasn't been back since I switched.

Garfield Cat

Isn't it always better to change your running form rather than to get a shoe that matches how you run, like a heal striker?

MAK

Good advice. Great book to read, BORN TO RUN by McDougall. Very interesting story and very good information on gait and equipment.

el nicho

I disagree - not good advice. I've been a runner for 19 years, ran NCAA XC/Track, worked in run specialty stores, and now work full-time in the running industry.

Here's the thing: I have the "minimalist" conversation pretty much on a daily basis. While "Born to Run" was a great book and the barefoot/minimalist argument is compelling - there is no evidence or research to back up any of the claims that McDougal made in his book.

My take: Humans were certainly born to run, and as a species we were certainly born to run barefoot, probably with a natural midfoot strike, and a midfoot strike is certainly more efficient than a heel strike. What is missing from this train of thought is concrete, asphalt, and average weight of today's **** sapien than the ones upon which this argument is based.

Ok, so arguement aside and to answer your question: The question should not be "which shoe is best" or "Are my New Balance's enough", the question should be "How does my gait affect my knees/hips/shins/body and which type of shoe is best for me?" The only way to answer that is to go to a local running store (not a Dick's Sporting Goods, not a Shoe Carnival, not MC Sports, etc) and have them analyize your gait. Based on how you run they will recommend a neutral, stability or motion control shoe according to how you run.

Proper body alignment will go a long way to prevent pain/injury as you progress your running plan. However, running is still running regardless of the shoes - you are going to always run the risk of injury and have the obligatory aches & pains that all new runners experience.

My suggestion would be to get proper shoes and run how feels natural to you. If you try to only do a mid-foot strike because that's what you read about in a book, it will probably cause you more problems than you would have if you ran however feels natural to you and developed running fitness first.

CbadRider

^^+1

A good running shoe store will let you try the shoes for a few weeks and then exchange them if they don't work out.

MAK

I was agreeing with the "watch your gait advice" and didn't intend to tout barefoot or minimalist running. You can get form advice out of the book too. I was just recommending the book as a good read.

Garfield Cat

I used to be a heel striker in high school and re-trained myself to be mid striker while still in high school. At first it didn't feel natural to me, but it became easier and actually felt better.

You say its "probably going to cause more problems". But how scientific is that?

clydeosaur

Go to a shop, get your gait looked at & buy a shoe recommended. I'm no pro, but have done some running & races the last 4 years & am doing a half next week. A good running shoe will make a ton of difference. I a big guy (6'4 215lbs) with high arches. I used to get achy feet & hips. Once I went to a shoe that met my needs & gait, my problems went away. Now, to find some way to run FASTER....

bobthib

So I went to a local running shop and they fitted me with a pair of Brooks Ghost 5's. So far I've only got about 4 mi on them, but they are light and comfortable. They do have a 30 day return/exchange so I feel pretty good.

I've been trying to work on my gait, but while I can cycle for 100 + mi at a nice clip, running tires me quickly and raises my HR. When I start, I feel that I'm running pretty well, (6 - 7 mph) it feels smooth and light, But as soon as I tire, I start to "plod" along, heel striking. I guess it will come with time. I hope.

This past Sunday I did manage to run 3.15 mi which is the distance for the sprint Tri. I only had to slow down and walk 2x, and it was a pretty hilly course, and my Tri is dead flat. Of course, running on fresh legs as opposed to running after a 50 or 60 mi hammerfest is a LOT easier!

So as long as the old knees hold out, I think I'll be OK!