Shoes

Many of you are most likely looking to get a new pair of shoes for the beginning of the season.  If you think that you can wear the same shoes that you did last year for cross country and or even track please rethink that.  If you ran a good deal on a new pair over the summer I would suggest thinking about getting another pair for the season.  A GOOD pair of shoes along with form (talked about last week) is the best way to HELP prevent injuries.  This does not mean injuries will not happen but it helps. 

Oh  running, biking, and coming into the season prepared helps too. 

So to help you out in the shoe buying process, go to a "RUNNING STORE" armed with this information to get the best shoe for you.  Also tell them you are a runner for the cross country team and you will normally get a discount.

There is a lot more to buying running shoes than simply trying them on in the store. In order to get the trainers that will offer the best support and comfort during a run, you need to have a basic understanding of how biomechanics work.

In terms of running, biomechanics refers to the way in which your feet land on the ground as you move. Without taking biomechanics into account, you could end up feeling sore, fatigued and frustrated during or immediately following your runs. In turn, you may give up on running altogether. A few of the basics of using biomechanics to choose the right running shoes are highlighted below.

Understanding Pronation

Pronation refers to the rolling motion that your foot makes before it becomes flat with the ground. As your foot lands on the ground, it generally lands on the outside portion of the heel. The accompanying rolling motion or pronation can have a dramatic effect on how successful a run is. The right trainers can correct pronation problems and make running a more fulfilling and effective experience for you.

Overpronation

With overpronation, your foot rolls too far when you are running. A good way to check for this is by examining an old pair of running shoes. Position one old shoe on a flat surface and look at it from behind its heel. If it leans slightly inward, you suffer from pronation.

Correcting Overpronation

In order to mitigate the effects of pronation, you should buy running shoes that offer superior support. Motion-control running shoes are also useful in this situation.

Underpronation

Underpronation refers to feet that do not roll forward enough while running. Using the same test as above, you may notice that the shoe leans lightly outward. This strongly suggests that you suffer from underpronation.

Correcting Underpronation

There are running shoes available that address the issue of underpronation. They are cushioned in order to make up for the incorrect way in which your feet roll when you are running. You are sure to be amazed at the difference that cushioned running shoes make when it comes to your comfort and stamina during a run.

Keep Arches in Mind Too

After conducting the above steps, you should also get a feel for the types of arches that your feet have. The easiest way to determine that is by leaving a wet footprint on a tile surface. Flat feet or feet that don’t have high arches will leave pri