Spring Running

Wednesday, April 08, 2015 · Mike Davis

Good morning! Been a tough week so far for me and I cannot even tell you why! Tired body and tired mind I guess. I have to work the weekend so maybe I am psyching myself out before it is even here. I need to pull it together and shape up! Have you prepared yourself for the new running season? Last week I picked up a new pair of Asic Nimbus and if you are still running on last year’s shoes, I recommend you do the same. Don’t try to stretch those shoes longer than you should or your body might pay the price. This is the time of year when people feel strain in many places and usually it is because of one or two things. The first being they are trying to do too many miles early or the second being they are running on shoes from last year. Running puts a lot of stress on the body and it all starts with our feet and what we wear makes a huge difference. Trying to get a few more miles out of last year’s shoes is not a wise risk. Do not get fooled by the souls on the bottom of the shoes as that is not a good indication of the overall effectiveness of your shoes. The cushioning that protects all the pounding we put on our shoes is usually compromised after about 350 to 400 miles or 6 months of regular wear and that is not visible to us. Without a doubt I am a firm believer in Runners Alley as the best place to buy my running shoes as they are second to none as far as helping me get into the right shoes. I also like supporting local small businesses so I am happy to give them my business! We are definitely into spring running which means longer days, less clothing and sidewalks are now available to us. Still be wise when you prepare for a run. Think about the route you are going to run and what the traffic will be like? If you aren’t going to be protected by running solely on the sidewalk or you will be crossing roads frequently, wear running gear that will give you greater visibility. Drab or neutral running clothes often blend in with your surroundings and that’s exactly what you do not want! I am not a guy that likes flashy but being seen is being safe! There is all sorts of great tops and shorts now that have safety in mind so consider that when you are shopping for apparel. Also remember that your safety is your responsibility. Just because I am practicing the correct “rules of the road” that does not mean it will hurt any less if I get hit, so I have to also practice defensive running. Meaning be aware of possibilities and prepared to react. If I can’t see the oncoming driver’s eyes, they most likely don’t know I am there. Also wear headphones wisely so that you do not lose some valuable awareness. Okay, time to head on out. Enjoy the rest of the week and the weekend looks to be beautiful! Lots of races going on! God Bless! Mike