Hey Patch lovers,
I wanted to apologize for the delay, I've taken an unplanned blogging hiatus. The past two weeks have brought very exciting opportunities, so while I've been busy living – I've not kept a very good record of my whereabouts and updates. This blog entry is way overdue, but I think it's the perfect time to share.
On Monday, I received a newsletter from my local running store (T&R Endurance Sports) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Normally I don't read every single e-mail I get, but this is definitely a must-read. Especially since I'm training for the mini-10K in Central Park for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and I need to make sure I remain teachable when it comes to my running and exercise behaviors.
Find out what's happening in Merrickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I love going to T&R because it's not a corporate chain – so nice to see the same face there everyday. That face belongs to the owner Mike. He's a local and a diehard runner. In fact, he is there everyday and he really knows his stuff! (Once I went in one week before my 1st half-marathon and I was foolishly picking up calorie gels/goos which are the norm for long-distance events...and he discouraged me from doing so...rather than trying to get the sale, because he realized that trying anything new within a week before a huge race is very bad form!)
I've been meaning to get a "treadmill pronation analysis," which determines what matches your foot, your stride, and motion of your run. I highly recommend doing this, especially if you are just starting out. Some people have flat feet or high arches (like me), they could even be pigeon-toed, bow legged or knock-kneed. We all have different bodies, shapes, sizes – and – therefore, have different needs. An ill-fitting shoe can make your running experience unbearable.
Find out what's happening in Merrickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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HERE IS THE LOWDOWN ON A RUN SHOE FITTING:
1st: What is your size? Are you convinced that you can still fit into your High School tuxedo or prom dress? Well maybe, you are one of those lucky people that can, (or unlucky, depends on how you look at that) but there is nothing the fits better on your body than something that truly fits. Yeah, you know the feeling, it feels like home. So, the same applies to your running shoes. "Tight fitting" or "snug" shouldn't be the best way to describe your running shoes. Think a little roomy. So when you are here, we will measure your foot, get an idea of your foot shape, and that will lead you in the right direction.
2nd: Look at Your Feet: Yeah, call it a fetish if you want, but we get up close and personal with your feet if necessary. We have been doing this a while and we have seen a lot of feet. Bunions, crooked toes, missing toe nails, six toes on one foot (just kidding, I was checking to see if you were reading) are some but not the limit of what we have worked with. We have collaborated with a wide range of medical professionals and they are all pleased in the thorough analysis we provide.
3rd: Watch You Run! Who cares if the shoe looks good, let's see it in action? We not only do we perform a treadmill pronation analysis when you come in, we are looking at the complete runner in motion, not just telling you, hey you pronate, let's get you a stability shoe. We will determine what matches your foot, your stride, and motion of your run. So after the video analysis, we then...
4th: Put it all together. We pair you up better than Match.com. Your shoe will be honest, true, and a faithful companion on all of your trainings even you drag them through rain, mud, and the oh so unlucky doggie deposit. Even after so many great runs together, you and your running shoe may have a bad run together, but your shoe will be forgiving, and ready to run another day with you until the relationship ends (usually around 500 miles) and then like a good friend, your shoe will step aside, and let you step inside another shoe, and continue your journey of fitness.
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I recently purchased a pair of new sneakers. I was immediately drawn to the Asics Gel Blur 33. These sneakers (see picture attached) are part of their lightweight series and I've never been more comfortable – I didn't even need to break them in!!!!! Not to mention, they look fabulous!!
I'm including an excerpt from the weekly T&R newsletter, I really felt it was so valuable to share with you fellow runners: to motivate you to get up and move, to sign up for a race, to go shopping for a new pair of shoes that actually fit, fit into that bikini, or to just learn more about running in general. Check out the T&R, if you're ever in Brooklyn, or visit their website: http://www.triandrunforyourlife.com/
T&R Endurance Sports is a complete specialty endurance/multisport store specializing in triathlon, running, cycling, and swimming. We are committed to bringing high quality performance products and services to both our endurance and community athletes. Whether you are training for an Ironman, marathon, sprint triathlon, racing in a local 5k, joining a yoga class, or just trying to improve your health, T&R Endurance Sports has hundreds of products available to meet your fitness needs. Our knowledgeable staff offers invaluable advice, support, services and specialized programs that will fit whatever your desired performance outcome may be. OUR MISSION T&R Endurance Sports is a complete endurance/multisport store servicing the local Brooklyn community, all of New York City, the neighboring Tri-State athletes, and inspiring athletes world wide for all their performance needs. T&R Endurance Sports is committed to enhancing the experience of our patrons through the products we carry, the relationship with the community, as well as professional coaching services available to enhance sport enjoyment, progress and safety.
