A lot of the women I know are planning to run in charity races this fall and have started training. I guess the question they ask most frequently is about their running shoes. Whenever I ask how long it's been since they've replaced their running shoes I get roling eyes and laughter, followed by the inevitable "I can't remember, it was so long ago."
Now listen up! DO NOT start a training program in old shoes! And all you "veterans" out there...have you checked your midsoles lately?
Running in old, blown out shoes is the most common cause of a variety of injuries in runners, (followed by the close second - running in the wrong shoes). So how do you tell when you need new shoes?
Do not use the tread wear on your shoes as an indication of whether your shoes are worn. As I've already implied, check the midsoles of your shoes (the place where the tread or bottom meets the upper- the place where your foot goes). Is it cracked or rigid? The midsole of your shoes provides proper cushioning, so if you're experiencing calf, shin or knee pain - that's ususally a good indication that you need new shoes.
Be sure to visit a specialty running store (like Road Runner Sports) or your favorite locally owned shop to be properly fitted for your foot and gait. And now here's the most important part: enter your new shoes into your TRAX Log with the purchase date and Traxee will tell you when it's time for a new pair! No more guessing! Depending upon the type of running you do, (street, trail, treadmill) you should replace your shoes approximately every 300 miles. As you enter your miles in your Trax Log, we'll keep track and let you know when it's time for a replacement. No worries!
TIP: If you find a pair of shoes you love, buy two pairs. Shoe manufacuturers are always changing our favorite styles. Save yourself some headaches (and maybe a few bucks too) and stock up.
