What is.....

Quite often I get the "What is..." question. This can be any question, but it always starts with "What is..."

What is the best shoe? The best shoe is the one that works best for you. Unlike many things in life, there really is no one best shoe. There is no best brand or type of shoe.

What is the best way to run? Are you training for the Olympics, or working on a world record? Otherwise I can't recommend a best way to run. If you are doing something which creates pain on a run, you can make some adjustments. If you want to better your time, and you think a barefoot running style will work, then try it. There is no absolute best form though. I know I hear some of you saying there is, but trust me, there is no one best way.

What is the best thing to eat before a race? If you are running a marathon, and you like a bowl of oatmeal before the run...do it. If you like an apple and toast, do it. If you like pancakes, eggs, sausage and a croissant? Well....I might try something simpler. The point is, you have to find the best pre-race meal which works for you. I do suggest a couple of things though; limit the fiber and make sure you have some carbs in you. At least that is what works best for me.

What is the best sock? See the comments about shoes.

What is the best distance? For me, I think I am a better half marathoner than marathoner. It's a more comfortable race for me. Still others are more 5K like. Just depends on your body and your fitness, and what you like.

You should notice a trend in my answers.....for most questions the answer is "Whatever works best for you." Running is such an individual sport, there is no cookie cutter way to go about it. There is no one absolute marathon training plan(sorry Hal Higdon). There is no perfect shoe(sorry Asics, Nike, Mizuno, etc.). It all depends on you.

Here is what works best for me:

Brooks Dyad
I run with a midfoot strike
I do better at the half marathon
I love Balega and Fits socks

What is best for you?

Charlie