GoLocal’s Running Coach: Tools of the Trail

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Monica Racicot, GoLocalWorcester Running Columnist

The most important running tool is the right pair of shoes. This is by far the most over looked necessity. I get asked what is the best running shoe all of the time, but there is no such thing. Our feet are all shaped differently and we also land differently. Some people have flat feet, some land to the outside and some to the inside. People that complain about knee pain, back pain, hip pain, almost any kind of pain have the wrong shoes on.

You will never continue to run if you feel pain. So many people just assume that their body is obviously rejecting running! Ha! That is not true. I recommend that every runner gets fitted for shoes. This is an amazing service that some athletic stores such as Marathon Sports and PR Running offer for free!! They actually watch you run, see how you land and have you try on multiple pairs of shoes until you find the best fit. To take it one step further, let's say you go on a few runs and they just don't feel right. You can bring them back and with no hassles they switch them out for a different pair! Some of my clients get it right the first time, for some it takes a couple of tries. When you find that perfect fit, ahhhhhh the relief. I recommend that ALL people do this, not just runners, especially those that work on their feet all day. Too many people who blame their pain on old age and injuries, when all they had to do is find the right shoe.

The next tool is running gear. I recommend that you always try on your running clothes where you buy it. There's nothing worse than going for a run and constantly having to adjust and lift up those pants that keep falling. This may sound silly, but I have a full proof method. I always try on my gear and do some jumping jacks and squat jumps! If they survive those, you are good to go!!

Last but not least, music. Now for the few of you runners who don't like music and just enjoy that heavy breathing along with Worcester's nature sounds, I envy you. Never hold your phone or music device in your hand. Anything you have to hold is a huge distraction and can even tire you out quickly. Buy an arm band or device holder of your liking and make sure your head phones fit your ears and don't fall out.