Do these three run shoe tricks for healthy feet forever | Dec 23
Train farther v faster, slow runners and super shoes
Whatup to the new and old folks. Thanks for riding running with me so far.
This issue, we’ll dive deep around feet and shoes because it’s literally the only thing that is between you and that hard ground that we all pound week in and out.
TLDR about what’s coming up;
These three things happen to runners' feet and shoes as they age
Do Super Shoes work for slower runners (aka most of us)?
Which is Better for Running: Going Far or Fast?
How to train for a marathon without killing yourself (from someone who thinks marathons are extremely unhealthy)
My new run-specific strength training plan
Sprinting downhill
Watch & listen to this newsletter here because I love the wholistic learning experience for everyone (video, audio, written and images).
🦶🏼Do these three run shoe tricks for healthy feet forever
Most runners know the importance of shoes to run. If you don't know how important they are, try running really fast or long in non-running shoes, and you will quickly find out.
But have you ever stopped to wonder about the role that feet, and in particular, what role shoes play in the quest to perform better as you age?
TLDR | What is it?
This podcast episode explores the importance of feet and shoes for runners who want to perform 1% better in their lives.
Why is it essential for you?
Understanding the role of feet and choosing shoes can help runners prevent injuries, improve performance, and enhance the overall running experience.
How can you implement this now for immediate gainz?
Asses your heel drop preference, experiment with different shoe types, and consult with professionals to ensure proper foot care and alignment.
Learn more here so your feet can age gracefully with your shoe choices as you age.
👟 Do Super Shoes work for (slower) runners (aka most of us?!)
What is it?
It's about understanding the impact of carbon-plated shoes on slower runners and how to choose the right shoe for optimal performance.
Why is it important for you?
Shorter and taller runners need to look at different types of super shoes.
He also touches on some specific things that certain runners can try: forefoot versus heel strike runners.
And also taking into account your weight
How to put this into action now?
Implement it now by consulting with a running specialist or podiatrist to determine the best shoe type for your running style and body mechanics.
Watch this super shoe deep dive all above or here.
🏎️ Which is Better for Running: Going Far or Fast?
What is it?
Remy B. Reel and I argue debate between running fast and running far and explore the perspectives and preferences of different runners.
Why is it useful for your running journey?
You get to hear another side of the argument that you maybe didn’t consider.
How to do something right now
You can reflect on your own running style and goals, considering whether you prioritize speed or distance. You can adjust your training based on your racing and stop doing things you don’t like (or maybe try more things you don’t like?!)
Learn which one is best for you or yell at the screen why we are wrong here.
Feeling this? Was this useful so far? Will you be a better runner because of all the heat I’ve been bringing? If so… why not…
How to train for a marathon without killing yourself
from someone who thinks marathons are extremely unhealthy
What is it?
Mark Sisson (one of my fav health and fitness writers) wrote this super fascinating take on how to train for a marathon in a balanced and wholistic way.
Why is it important?
Most people do the marathon thinking it’s healthy. While it’s a great and impressive feat, it’s probably a different side of the same coin as being sedentary and not doing anything.
Yes, getting out there and pushing yourself is something you should be proud of, but at what expense? If you’ve trained for a marathon, you know how gruelling and life-sucking it is. Life/run/work/family balance gets thrown out, and you’re just tired, hungry and kind of miserable.
But what if there is another way?
How to implement it?
Know that most marathon training is just being able to run aerobically for a long time. You don’t have to run as much and as far as you think to finish in a respectable time while also living a balanced life.
Read it all here, as my TLDR sum-up doesn’t do it justice - it’s worth it.
💨 Notable Quotable | Future stuff - for your mental
The idea is to sprint downhill, not grind uphill.
© James Clear
The idea is to sprint downhill, not grind uphill.
Look for situations where the energy is already flowing downhill. Invest in relationships where there is already mutual respect. Create products that tap into a desire people already have. Work on projects that play to your strengths.
And then, once the potential of the situation is already working for you, add fuel to the fire. Pour yourself into the craft. Act as if you have to outwork everyone else—even though the wind is at your back.
Don’t know what sprinting downhill feels like? Do things that come easy to you than others. The stuff that you do and time passes by without you knowing or trying very hard.
📊Past Stuff: Training Updates
Overall, in the longest maintenance period I’ve ever been in where, I’m just doing what I want to do. I have an idea of the workouts that I’d like to do each week, and I just kinda go with the flow of it all.
Mon-Wed is usually lighter as I’m more on kid duty in the morning and afternoons. Then, Thu-Sun, I ramp it up. Seems to be going okay. My body loves long rest periods. Except I got a pretty aggressive sinus headache that’s lasted longer than I wanted. I think I’m on the mend and should get back to maintenance.
I’ve been strength training the same way for the last 5-6 years. It’s been great, and I’ve avoided a lot of injuries (as well as started running smarter/not pushing myself to the limit).
It’s a very efficient full-body workout where I do all the proper exercises and lifts. Back barbell squats, single-legged deadlifts, etc. But… I’m not lifting FAST. I’m not quickly moving weight through time and space (the air). Doing this translates to better economic management and efficiency and just generally more power.
I honestly have never had a run and sprint-specific strength training routine. It was great to approach this slowly with the help of Axis Athletic Performance Lab here in Sydney, Australia.
I’ll have more content on this in the near future as I’ll be going through their program and testing with force plates, before and after to see my gains (or lack thereof).
And…
… for December 2023. Enjoy the end-of-year festivities that you may or may not do. As much as I don’t like breaking my routines and schedules, it’s nice to return to it with a fresh head/body.