So, what’s the next panacea in running shoe technology? Which shoe is going to take you across the finish line faster and feeling better than any other on the planet? Well… if BROOKS had their way it would be them. Check out this funny film clip that certainly caught my attention: http://www.brooksdna.com/. Once you’ve seen that, check out the more scientific one they did here: http://www.brooksrunning.com/Technology/. I’ve been in the running shoe industry since September 09/1980 and this has to be one of the most innovative cushioning systems I’ve ever seen. This however does not mean that the shoe is going to be comfortable for you. It does not take overall foot shape and especially heel fit or width into consideration. After all, the shape of the shoe can change the function of the foot. Also, it appears this is only used in their neutral model (for now), therefore if you over-pronate and are not using an orthotic, the “GLYCERIN 8” may not provide enough stability for you. Despite all its boasts in technology and how great the system sounds, you just might find the rest of it to be uncomfortable. But in all, I must admit, I want to try it and that’s truly a first for me; I’m such a sceptic.
This does lead me to some of the other questions I have where the medical industry and actual consumer benefit clashes. Let’s face it, if the medical industry did not generate huge profits there would be no research and development and we’d all be taking traditional herbs, naturopathic tinctures and voodoo-like concoctions whenever something out of the ordinary happens. We’d probably have an underground medical system for profit. With the exception of the very few who are really interested in healing humanity, but have little or no scientific education. We’re in that “damned if you do…” position. Don’t get me wrong… It’s not that I’m against the medical profession. When I ran somewhat competitively, I had 11 different specialists I would see depending upon the problem. I love my family physician. Whenever I had a problem, he’d say, “Who do you want to see?” That was customer service definitely in my best interests. Sometimes he would disagree and tell me why he felt that way and we had a good rapport. When it came to prescriptions, we would discuss the latest product to come across his desk from the pharmaceutical companies. In other words, he was honest and forthright and that’s the way it should be. You didn’t have to worry about half-truths and innuendoes which invade this industry and every other.
Sell. Sell. Sell. Sure, there are a zillion products out there and one million plus snake-oil salesmen trying to get you to buy into something you don’t need, but should really try. There’s another new catch around every corner that wants to appeal to your senses to trust and believe that they are only out for your best interest. Even the most cynical person has to admit that under the entire charade there is still an element of truth. The key is to not fix what isn’t broken and don’t jump too quickly into the “hype”. Especially when it comes to running. We all want to be fitter, faster and don’t want to work very hard in order to get there and most of all… we want it NOW!
In the hit movie “WHAT ABOUT BOB?” Dr. Leo Marvin talked about his “ground-breaking” book called “BABY STEPS”. The premise was that you shouldn’t try to change everything at once. It means setting small, reasonable goals for yourself. One session at a time, one tiny step at a time -- doable, accomplishable goals. In our weekly newsletter I also include some different styles of tunes to run with if you are of the iPod generation. There’s an ulterior motive for this as well. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a runner, musician, artist, electrician or whatever skill you take up; it can’t be done in a short period of time, nor can you expect leaps and bounds in performance in a short period of time. The best thing you can do is set small and achievable goals with a short term plan and another plan over a longer period of time. Then you systematically chip away at it adding whatever you think you may need to achieve it. That’s what being on a running program is all about. Other than having a plan, you are simply running and not training.
So, what’s the next panacea in running shoes, clothing or nutrition? No matter what it is, you still have to run and better still… you had better have a plan because by simply running, it’s only going to take you so far. It isn’t in the shoes, although they can help. It isn’t in the clothes you wear, although they help a little too. And, the right food will help you go longer. There are benefits too in having a good running sports watch, but all that doesn’t mean a thing unless you have trained well and have stayed injury free.
Have a great running week!
Russ & Lorne
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