By: Jill Nolta
SCHEELS Running Expert
Invest in good shoes! Don’t just wear any old pair that you have lying around the house. Don’t just buy what is on sale or what ones you think are the prettiest or look the coolest. There are many different types of running shoes for all different kinds of feet. There are motion control shoes, stability shoes and cushioning shoes that tailor to those who have high arches, low arches, supinate or over-pronate. There are different brands that have different forms of cushioning systems(gel, air, fluid, grids, etc) and different widths in certain areas(narrow or wide all the way through, wide toe box, narrow heel cup, etc). And no specific brand is perfect for everybody. A shoe should feel comfortable from the second you put it on! And with a gait analysis, it should show that you are aligned from the ankles, to the knees, to the hips. If your alignment is off, you will get injured! There are different price points to nearly the same shoe. And the reasoning for that is more cushion, the ability to handle more weight/pounding and sometimes the ability to last longer (more life in terms of miles). However, some people don’t necessarily like the feeling of the most cushioned ones- They like the feeling of the ground and think the cushioned ones feel heavier. So find what fits and feels the best for you. And when you find a pair that you can get plenty of wear out of without ailments and injuries, stick with them for years to come. Most running specific shoes stick around; they just change the model number. The shoe brand and name stay the same over and over again, but new colors and slight modifications are made.
Wear technical clothes- comfort goes a long way when it comes to running! The right gear will help you in the cold, heat or rains and with sweating, chafing, blisters, etc). Choose more snug-fitting and stretchy clothing rather than baggy.
Material-lightweight, wicking fibers have a cooling effect and wick away sweat to allow for greater air circulation. They have the properties to keep you warm or cool depending on the conditions. Cotton absorbs sweat and rain, can become heavy and if it’s loose it can rub and cause chafing
Socks- a good pair can help reduce friction and prevent blisters!! Look for socks that are seamless, are designed to wick away moisture/sweat, and have more padding in areas to help with cushioning. Be careful with socks that are left and right specific- if you have them, make sure you wear them on the proper feet.
Sports bras- Sports bras are like shoes! There are many different kinds for every type of build. They come in different support levels. Some are sized like clothing and some are specific to cup sizes to limit movement. Some have cushioned straps to prevent digging into your shoulders. Some have cushioned wires for extra support and some have adjustable bands so you can alter it as it stretches through time.
Chafing protection- applying skin lubricants where rubbing occurs, taping nipples for men and wearing more supportive sports bras for women, wearing technical clothing instead of cotton, using special sports bandages or regular bandages to prevent or cover irritated areas or open wounds.
