See Me Run

Last week I posted about my knee woes. I’ve sought help after the Doc has shoved me out the door and practically made the physical therapy and doctor’s appointments for me. They have helped slightly, but not ultimately.

Since I am a pretty active gal, I've analyzed what hurts my hurts and what doesn't:

jumping rope - NOPE

plyometrics - NOPE

running stairs - NOPE

weight lifting - NOPE

cardio machines - NOPE

dancing - NOPE

aerobics - NOPE

running - YES

It has baffled me and many other trainers that I can do a ton of high impact activities, but not run. WHAT. IS. UP. WITH. THAT.

There are a handful of runners at my gym. I’m not talking joggers or even half-marathoners. These people are serious, big time, hardcore runners (they have earned those italics). They are hoofin' it so blasted fast the treadmill has a hard time keeping up. I just sit on the weight bench and watch them in wondrous awe. Their talent baffles me.  When they pass I bow my head in respect.

OK, I’m back. Moving on.

Anyway, they all started wearing these new shoes. They had vibrant colors and were, well, cute. I finally started picking their brain and inquiring what was on their feet. They all repeated the same answer:

Newtons

What? Where was I? I've pretty much tried one of everything over the years that Sport's Authority has to offer.  It turns out that this is a new shoe that is designed very differently and can only be purchased at Newton approved stores. Oooo. They are also not your predictable running shoe.  They are designed for a mid-sole strike.

A mid-sole what?

It goes by many names these days: barefoot running, Pose Running, Chi Running, Evolution Running, mid-foot running, forefoot running, etc. In simple terms, the techinique requires you to decrease your stride, increase your cadence, and stand upright landing on the midsole part of the foot (not the toe!).

Now, to digress, I am a heel striker when I run-- BIG TIME. I never ran in high school or college (I was far too busy eating Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes with the little white swirls on top to bother myself with that silliness!). I’ve never been instructed in my running at all until that past few years. Even then, I was coached to run with a heel strike.

The Newtons are desgined for a midsole strike -- very, very different. They have padding in the midsole area to accomodate this technique and no (or not much) padding in the heel.

Well, after talking for months with these athletes about their shoes I started wondering if this different running style would work for me.

I reviewed the things that did not hurt my knees -- and lo and behold -- they are all land on the midfoot.  AH HA!  I knew I needed to figure out how to get my feet into a pair of these (especially since the triathlon was soon approaching!).  My birthday was conveniently approaching, so I bought myself some shoes for my birthday (I had maxed out the gifts from the Doc already ;).

So, now, two months after wearing Newtons, I have worked up to jogging once or twice a week for 45 minutes. It really does feel fantastic. I always have whined that all I want is to be able to jog for 30 minutes with no pain. Wish granted.

I must say, however, that I am now MUCH more aware of the demands that running has on my feet, ankles, and calves. The salesguy who sold these Newtons warned me, as did the info that came with the shoe to start slowly with the shoes and new technique. Only a mile, then switch to the old shoes and gradually build my way up. Did I follow their wise advice? Of course not! I went out for a 50 minute run on the first day -- and the tendons all over my feet let me know that was a bad course of action.

I don’t think these shoes are for everyone, they just happen to help me. I don’t have to wear special orthotic inserts in my shoes. I don’t have an outright injury I’m dealing with. The science behind this natural running form and the shoes just made sense to me. And they work for me.

Plus, they each have a very cool pic of Sir Isaac Newton:

I only put this out there for you to think about. It just might be a match for you like it is for me. The Newton website is fascinating with great articles on running, the midsole strike technique, videos, and even cute little stick figures demonstrating the run.  I have spent far too much time there.

A few more thoughts:

-  They run small.  These are the first pair of size 10's I've ever worn in my life.
-  They are pricey.  I got mine for around $160.  I was spending nearly the same on other workout shoes, so this did not make me flinch (that much).
-  I do not wear these for lifting weights.  I switch shoes.  I'm just a snob that way.
-  I do not wear these for going on walks.  Again, I have another pair of shoes for that.
-  I do not wear socks when I run with them.  They are THE LIGHTEST shoes I've ever put on my foot and have amazing ventilation.  I love the wind whipping through my toes :)  I just don't want a sock to get in the way of that.  I just put them deep in my closet so I don't smell that much.
-  Nope, I still have zippo desire to run a marathon, or even a half of a marathon. I’ll leave those amazing feats to you guys :)

-  Nope, I haven’t however, tried these babies -- yet. Heck, I’m the pround founder of the "Try Anything, Expert of Nothing" club.  The Vibram's and barefoot running are just around the corner, I suppose :)

What about you, Fit Momma's?  Have you tried this midsole strike?  What do you think?

** BTW -- Newton Running did not ask me nor compensate me in any way for this post.  I just like to pass on WHAT WORKS.  

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