Whoa! Run With the Right Pair of Shoes!

If you're going to run, do it with the right gear.

It was in 2013 when I got hooked on running. It all started when I impulsively registered in this marathon in QC (I'm not mentioning which one) because the office was inviting people to join—for free! So I did.

From the short 3Ks to a series of 5Ks and a bit of a training with the runner-boyfriend, I'm now preparing myself for 10K this year. Hurray!

When I started, I came to a realization that my shoes—a tiangge-bought pair of rubbers—ain't fit for the sport. I wasn't aware of how laspag the shoes will take until it finally gave in.

So I bought my first pair from a shoe store at a mall. It was on sale and it was pink. That was all that mattered to me then.

...not until I was properly educated with serious running. (But hey, I'm still learning the basics!)

Last month, I had the chance to talk to International Triathlon Union Level 2 Coach and Saucony brand ambassador PJ Rivera during the launch of Saucony ISO-series. Since it was a shoe event, my first question to him was: How do you really find the right pair of running shoes? 

Warming up for a short run during the Saucony ISO-Series launch at Capitol Commons, Pasig City.

(Photo from the Saucony Philippines' Facebook page)

Here's what Coach PJ has to say:

1. "One pair of running shoes is not for all occasions."

Coach PJ said not all running shoes are fit for all occasions, especially in terms of mileage. A training shoe is different from a running shoe so, as what he said, if you're looking for a pair to run with for a race, go for racing flats. But if you're up for a training, choose cushioned running shoes to avoid feeling bugbog.

Also, get a training shoe first when you're still an amateur. Professional runners, however, set aside the cushioning and instead use race flats, Coach PJ said.

2. "It's best to know what type of foot you have."

Coach PJ's advice on this? "Go visit a shoe store and get your feet checked." He said through a consultation, you would know what type of runner's foot you have.

If I'm not mistaken, there are three types of runner's foot: the neutral pronator, the over pronator, and the under pronator (supinator).

3. "It's important to keep on changing to different shoes so you won't lock your feet on it."

I think what he means by this is that when your feet gets familiar with the shoe, it would be hard to retire that pair if it wears out. Also, your feet wouldn't be flexible on different types.

Coach PJ said, "When you talk about running, there's always one foot on the ground. If you're standing on on foot, chances are you will wobble."

So instead of always wearing stability shoes to control balance, why not opt for the neutral ones? In this way, you'd be able to balance yourself. It would help strengthen the usual problem parts—the ankles, knees, and joints.

4. "Consider the mileage and purpose."

The best thing that Coach PJ said to me was, "The purpose of running, aside from fitness, is to get faster and better."

He said that if you want an easy run, you choose a pair with more cushioning. For long runs (race-paced scenario), those with less cushion.

Coach PJ also said that the seam of the shoes is what causes the blisters, so go for the seamless ones if you want to take care of your precious feet. The new Saucony ISO-series, for instance, may have more cushioning, but its lighter 'cause it's seamless.

5.  "It's still best to consult your local shoe store for a pair."

Again, just to reiterate, the experts would know better.

Even with all these tips, Coach PJ said that with fitness craze on the rise, it may not come in handy especially when you're main objective in running is to lose weight. His take on this? Running may not help you lose weight.

Why? "Most people who run think they would drop the weight. If you run more, it will only become easier for you. It may burn the calories at the start of the training, but it wouldn't anymore if you do it often," he said.

Coach PJ suggests that if you're serious about losing weight, run and cross-train with other fitness activities.

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The shoes that would make you go "whoa."
(Photo from Saucony Philippines' Facebook Page)

What's really exciting about the event was we get to see the new Saucony ISO-series firsthand. I can say that it's one of the best running shoes there is in the market.

If you've been wondering about all the "whoas," well that's the reaction the running community has with the new Saucony shoes.

Whoa.

The ISO-Series comes in three variations: the Zealot, the Triumph, and the Hurricane.

(To know more about it, click here: Saucony ISO-Series.)

The Saucony ISO-Series performance shoes for men are now available at the Saucony Concept Store, Glorietta 3, and other specialty retailers in Metro Manila. Women's ISO-Series will come out by fourth quarter of 2015.

* * *

The media and athletes bunch together with the Saucony PR team during the launch.
(Photo from Saucony Philippines' Facebook Page)

How about going for a few laps? Game?

'Til the next run!