A common conversation as a Coach:
Client: My (insert run distance here) time sucked today… I think I need new shoes.
Coach: Did you know that your old shoes are probably better for you as you feet have had time to mold them?
Client: Ya, but they’re really uncomfortable, and my shins always hurt after running.
Coach: Well lets take a look at your technique, maybe you’re landing on your heal instead of the ball of your foot.
Client: Coach, (giving Coach an “are you kidding me” look) everybody knows how to run, we are born knowing how.
Coach: This is true, but are you born wearing shoes? Let’s take a look at how your foot works…
We then proceed to have a chat about the mechanics of the foot, the relatively new invention of the shoe etc., and how if you don’t know HOW to run properly, you should not be running, just the same as if you don’t know HOW to deadlift, you should not be lifting heavy weight…
i.e. it’s not the shoe, it’s the runner in them.
Client comes in the next week with brand new minimalist running shoes.
At least it’s a start.
Check out this cool infographic for some facts about how your feet work, and how it relates to running.
