Shoe Fitters: Who They Are and Who They Aren't

There is so much that a shoe fitter does on a daily basis, but there is also quite a bit they don't do. I wanted to make some things clear when you head to a running store, what the expectation should be.

The person fitting you for the shoe has been trained to analyze your gait to make sure you are in the right type of shoe. They have technical knowledge of the shoes so they can explain what the shoes can and can't do. They do assist with questions about running, mostly because they are runners themselves, and most likely have endured all the issues you go though. The are your counselor when your running isn't going well, and you need a pep talk, some advice, or just an ear to listen to prior to your race. They can lead your training group. They can cheer you on at races. They can lead a fun run, and share a beer afterwards with you. They do a ton of things for runners on a daily basis.

They aren't doctors. This is important, because a good many people come into a running store asking for medical advice or a diagnosis. My most famous story is the woman I helped who had hip issues running. She asked me what I thought the problem was. I gave her a list of possible things which could be the problem, but I told her she needed to see a medical professional who could correct diagnose the issue, and begin to work on solving it. She was pretty adamant that she didn't want to go to a doctor. I suggested a free injury screening by a physical therapist in our store could be a solution. Nope....she would have none of that.

We went through the fitting. We figured out shoes for her. She was very happy with everything. At the end of our talk, she said....."So in your expert opinion, do you think I need hip replacement surgery?"

Again, a shoe fitter is NOT a doctor, nor are they playing them on TV.

I get it. We do know a certain amount of medical info in regards to foot, ankle and leg pain. This helps so we can advise products. We don't know how to diagnose problems. I find it funny that people would rather seek info from a retail person on medical issues.

So when you head to your local store, please know what the shoe fitter can do, and also know....they aren't a doctor.

Charlie

One Month To Go

I have no idea how the day will play out one month from today. I will be running the NYC Half Marathon, with training, which has been less than ideal. Still in the next 30 days, anything can happen.

Time to run has been the biggest challenge. I admire people who get up at 4 or 5 in the morning to go run. I'm not able to do that these days. So I run when I can.

I am pleased with the improvements in my running, so I am encouraged that the race won't be a disaster. I have to remember  that I am not running like I did 10 years ago. Time and a heart attack have altered my running, and that is a hard lesson to learn.

I don't want anyone to think I'm not looking forward to this race. I am, very much looking forward to it. I just need to be realistic on how I think it will play out.

Charlie

Speed Work

This week I have focused on speed work. My longish run on Sunday I was on a treadmill, so I did some 1 minute sprints. As I have run during the week, I have focused on shorter quicker runs. The times are showing that my speed is improving.

When I started training for NYC, my first week of runs had me at an average of 17:28/mile. That's pokey. Then again, I hadn't been running. I was really out of shape, and I shouldn't have expected any faster.

Now I am about 1 month from the half marathon. My run today was a 15:43/mile pace, and my average has dropped to a 16:05/mile. Oh I am still out of shape, but that is a long work in progress.

In over a month I have been able to really cut into my pace. I still run about 3 times a week(if lucky), but I am more focused on the run when I run. So on speed days, I am dedicated to just that. On longer runs, I am working on the stamina.

Speed work is important in training, because it allows you during a race to call on those workouts and really push through some rough patches when you need to. If you are qualifying for Boston(which I am not), it gives you focus on those time goals so you can qualify. If you have a time goal for a race, it enables you to achieve those goals.

Speed work alone doesn't make you faster. Sorry. No magic pill for you. Speed work is a piece of the training pie. The long runs, nutrition during training and running, a strong core, flexibility, all contribute to being faster.

I get asked quite a bit how do you get faster. Generally people don't like my answer - you have to go faster. It requires pushing yourself. This morning on my run, I set a goal to out and out sprint from a designated spot to the corner. Once I hit the corner, I allowed myself to keep going a few extra feet. Then I went back to my pace. I did this a few times, and I found it to be be successful .

Speed doesn't happen naturally - unless you are a Kenyan. Remember, it's called speed work, not speed given. You have to put in some work.

Charlie

Expectations vs Reality

Runners can have some high expectations when it comes to races. We would all love to PR overtime, but that is not always doable. Not all of us are Kenyan, and can blaze through every course and every obstacle like a gazelle. My expectations of my running have been difficult for me to overcome. I want to run like I did 10 years ago. I can't.

10 years ago I was always improving my times. I was tackling races with reckless abandon. 10 years, and a heart attack ago, things have changed. I have changed, so now what I expect needs to change. I thought about this on my run yesterday. NYC Half is coming up next month, and my goal is to finish. I won't PR. I won't come close. The reality is I can't run an 11min/mile at the moment.

Here is what has happened since I started training. According to my log, I have gone from a 17:28 min/mile in my first run, to a 16:00 min/mile. Now the average person thinks so what? The runner knows cutting about a 1:30 is not that easy. I am comfortable knowing that I can do sub-15 min/mile for NYC. That will be good enough for me for this race.

My reality is one race at a time.....

My body is also getting back quicker after runs. I can't run every day. I used to, but those days are gone. Now I shoot for 3-4 days a week. I'm good if I get 3 runs in. So the expectation has changed to coincide with reality.

I've taken a lot of slack lately for being overweight. Grief and depression got me to this point, and the running is helping me get out of it. So while my expectation is to be about 40 lbs lighter, the reality is I'm not, but I am a work in progress. I refuse to be shamed.

When I tow the line at NYC, I expect the thousands out there to cheer me on. The reality is I have have a solid crew of folks to cheer and support me, and the other thousands are just window dressing. :-)

Runners now and then need to take stock about what their expectations are versus the reality of their running. Now I'm not saying you can't have high expectations, but if you are a 7-10 minute miler, don't expect an Olympic Gold Medal. Manage those expectations for your reality.

Charlie

For the Love of Running

For the month of February, RSG/Jack Rabbit stores are highlighting the love of running. To me this is a lot like Valentine's Day. Yes it's nice to have a month to highlight the love of running, but I love running every month, and so should you.

If you don't love running at the moment, what can you do to regain that spark? Running with a friend? A themed run? Finding a dedicated time to just head out on your own? Getting a new pair of shoes?

When we fall out of love with running, regaining that spark can be tougher than you think. For me, it's been a long road back, but what helped me was last summer, getting ready for Hood to Coast. The excitement of the race, the wonderful team I ran with, the cure joy of being out on the road got it back for me, and I haven't let it go.

To keep my love fresh and going, I have to create challenges for myself, set goals. Running everyday in the same neighborhood makes things stale. So go to another neighborhood. Yesterday I headed to the East side of town, and had a terrific run. Maybe try out a group, and share your love of running with others? There is usually a group or three in your town, you just have to know where and how to find them(talking to your local running store folks is a good start).

February can be a challenging month to go for a run, but make the effort to do it, and let me know if that spark of love is there.

Charlie