Now That's a Mouthful! (Running Shoe Q&A)

Hello Coyotes,

When Jimmy and I started going over topics to be discussed with all of you in preparation for the onslaught of questions that are undoubtedly coming... The first list was EASILY dissected between each of your coaches, and simply because if any of you have followed my "work" career...  you know that I am fairly obsessed with shoes (I have a few pairs - 67 to be exact).

Running Shoes:  Several sub-topics come to mind with regards to shoes, but I will save you all the hassle of reading Coach Ryan's War And Peace of Shoes, and assume you all will at some point very soon, visit your favorite "specialty" running store and get fitted for the proper pair.  Simply put - each person in the world has a special set of "mechanics" that engage as soon as your foot touches the ground (road or trail)..  In order to assist with proper alignment and efficient transition, the right shoe can manipulate slightly your mechanics allowing for you to move from heel to toe safely and more efficiently.  I am quite adept at showing why and how this works visually, so if you don't understand anything I just said...  ask me.

Bottom line: If your shoes are old, washed (in a washing machine), or were bought at any store that ends in "Barn", "Mart" or "Chalet"...  go get fit for a pair of shoes.  I "might" be biased slightly here but locally, Top To Top in Santa Monica has been doing a great job in this department for years.  And before you go, come see me for a guaranteed discount card..  every bit helps.
 
Now beyond that, I know a lot of you are debating on shoes because of this crazy training program that you have yourselves in..  Jimmy and I are talking roads, and trails, and stability/core strength.. among so many other things that you're most likely thinking, "How many pairs of shoes do I need???"
 
Always being aware that you will most likely need to buy a new pair of shoes prior to the LA Marathon (4-6 weeks out), the answer could be 2...  but here are some things to consider:

• We will be running trails which require less cushioning, and a bit more traction.
  
• We'll also be running roads, where your cushioning and stability will come in handy.

 
If you have the means ($), than by all means...  grab a pair of "trail" shoes that fit similarly to your road shoes.  A lot of companies are now making "trail" versions of some of their better "road" shoes.  This pair of shoes which will be specific to the trails (traction, durability, etc.) will not only guarantee your comfort on the trails, but also lengthen the "life" of your road shoes considerably.
 
However, if you're like most of the rest of us and "means" ($) are tight, than one really great pair of road shoes will get you through both workouts..  But remember:

• Those road shoes WILL NOT last as long as they would just with road running
• And they will be very dirty in a few short weeks (which we always love ;)

 
Most training programs consist of two pairs of shoes for all athletes regardless of their skill or speed.  After a certain mileage and usage, the cushioning and support in all shoes breaks down (some quicker than others), and you are no longer getting the protection you need.  And since we will be getting your mileage up as the weeks progress, it is safe to assume that your shoe mileage will also be going up, thereby "killing" your shoes.
 
Nobody wants to run the LA Marathon on dead shoes...  trust me.
 
Some of you will ask the question, "How do I know when my shoes are dead?"  Great question!  And I can give you all the answers that you would expect...   But to be honest, there is one great answer, and it falls in line with what Jimmy and I are all about; Trying to teach you all to be better runners by being in tune with what's going on internally.
 
Your body will tell you when your shoes are no longer supple and sexy.  Usually it's the knees or ankles...  sometimes the feet just hurt.  But it's when those tell tale signs start popping up that you should consider these things:

• How many miles have I done? - Most shoes last between 350-500 miles depending.
• Have I washed my shoes in the washing machine? - DON'T DO THIS. EVER!
• Do I wear my shoes for things other than running? - I have a funny story on this.

 
SO...  READ FROM HERE ON IF YOU HAVE LITTLE TIME!!!
 
Get great road shoes from a specialty store (see Ryan or Jimmy for discount card)...
Expect to buy a second pair for the Marathon...
Possibly a third pair if you plan on "trailing" in those same shoes...
Discuss 2nd pair "Trail" shoes or "hybrids" as I like to call them with your associate....
Show up to practice with your brighty whities on so we can make fun of you and kick dirt on you;)
 
I'm so stoked for everyone and I insist if any of this is confusing..  PLEASE come talk to me.  I can talk shoes all day and I will.. so cut me off at some point ;)
 
We're gonna be a force on that course in 15 weeks you guys, but proper footwear is a piece of the puzzle to getting you there injury free and properly trained.

Howl Back Y'all!!!!

-=Coach RSG