Monday, August 06, 2007

Awesome Group of Bloggers

I want to say that it feels really great to have such an awesome group of friends to blog with and to think we've never met. I so appreciate everyone's comments on my last few posts, what a great bunch of friends runners make.

This afternoon I stopped by our local running store, not by chance but intentionally. James knew I was coming in. I brought my NB's and my Brooks Vapors and my bare feet. He did a gait analysis for me on his treadmill, first bare footed, then with the NB's, then the Vapors, and then back to the NB's. My gait is TERRIBLE, I'm all over the treadmill, at times my left foot gives the appearance I'm making a left hand turn, at times I'm running with one foot totally in front of the other, at other times I'm striking almost flat footed, other times I'm more on my forefoot, then there are those rare times that I'm heel striking...and that's just barefooted and in the NB's. When I'm in the Vapors, which are more of a motion control shoe I tend to keep things closer to proper placement, more often I heel strike with them, but I still feel pain in my lower shins. He says that knowing now more about my gait he believes the pain, while it is associated with the motion control of the Vapors it's more related to my ankles not being strong enough, and that I've built such strong calf muscles and not worked on the muscles on the forefront of my shins...and that my obliques are out of shape as well...I'm a running wreck...in a funny sort of way...I said that he didn't. He's given me some exercises for the ankles and the shins and made some suggestions for the obliques (core area).

My question for the day is along the lines of core exercises. I've heard several bloggers mention that today or tomorrow or whenever is going to be a core exercise day....who has an established routine for core exercises and where did you get it from?

I'm going to start doing quarter mile runs in the Vapors and then a walking return for a week....then build up to half mile runs with walking returns...no repeats just yet....this will help to strengthen some of the along the forefront of my shins that I've basically been ignoring. He assures me that by going to more of a motion control shoe I will be saving my knees and possibly my ITB down the road. I'm willing to try the things he's suggested to see what happens for a month or so. He's also agreed to order my NB 1061's so that I can continue to use them at least thru the marathon in September...he agrees that it is the wrong time for me to totally be switching shoes. But also recommends that I not do more than one or maybe two marathons in the NB's...he says they are a more neutral shoe and that allows my ankles to go all over the place.

Indirectly I believe I've got him for a coach. He wants to continue working with me on my gait, he's willing to be a major sponsor for our TeamAutism running group going to Honolulu for the marathon in December....he wants to donate our shirts and and maybe more for the runners/walkers that are going. Stacey if you read this before I get a chance to talk to you about it...I apologize...I just felt the need to talk about my efforts with James at Elite Feet this afternoon...he's got me very excited. After seeing the vidoe of my gait...I was able to clearly see that I don't have good form when I run....and I believe he can have a positive impact on my future as a runner.

So, I'll use the blog to keep updating everyone on the progress I'm making with the Brooks Vapors. I do agree with everyone that a pair of shoes should feel good right out of the box...but I've got to understand these shoes are trying to get me to run in a way that is different than what I'm accustomed to and I need to give my body some time to adjust.

Tomorrow is a rest day.....no running over a quarter mile...for the Vapors....I don't have to get up before the chickens...woohoo.

Again...you guys and gals are an awesome group....I hope there will come a day when Bonnie and I can meet as many of you as possible......

18 comments:

Wes said...

Hi Randy! Thanks for the kind words on my blog :-) Shins and ankle problems are definitely issues with form, and it seems like you are on the right track to get it fixed! Good luck with your training. I've seen you around our group of friends!!

J~Mom said...

I would love to hear what he suggested for exercises! You know I have long term shin problems as well!

I had my gait analysis done and I am a moderate over pronator. I step correctly and place my foot down ok and then once my full weight goes down it looks like my ankle is snapping inward. It's crazy to see especially in slow motion. It's even more crazy to me that he called it moderate. Anyway, I am so glad that you have someone helping you and it will get figured out! Keep after it!

I love our blogger friends as well! It's such an amazing and supportive group! Someday we will all run Boston together!

Darrell said...

Congrats Randy on perservering through this shin pain issue. Little by little you will get it under control.

akshaye said...

hey randy. i was also looking for a core program and came across one from Jess. So I did a post on it here.

Good luck!

Michelle said...

Randy, you are awesome, too!!

If you ever come to Northern California, you and Bonnie will have to look me up. And then I'll take you guys on a run. ;-)

I'm glad you got your stride analyzed. I hope it helps in the long run!

And I, like Lisa, have issues with overpronation. My wonderful Mizunos have helped stabilize my ankles when I run. That's why I heart them. :-) Luckily, that is my only big stride problem.

ws said...

thank you for blogging, too, Randy. You leave super-uplifting comments that are really helpful.

I have no idea what may or may not be wrong with my stride, but I basically run in either lightweight or cushioning NBs and haven't had any major problems. (knock on wood) When I was younger and heavier I caused myself major shin splints and ankle problems that led to physical therapy. The more proactive you are the better you'll feel and the more your running will improve. It is great you have such a supportive contact at the running store to help.

No running today, huh? I'll believe it when I read it! Have a great day Randy and thanks for being a supportive blogger...

Marcy said...

Wow Randy looks like you got A LOT of answers there! That's GREAT!!! ;D I'm glad you know what the cause of all the probs is.

As far as core exercises go, I use the book Mendy recommended "The Complete Book Of Abs" By Kurt (something or other LOL I'll get back to you) and I know this is cheesy but whatever Exercise TV on Demand has. They've had a couple shows on core training for runners :-)

Jess said...

I've had a gait analysis and I'm neutral, which helps with shoe selection, but because I'm so small, I really only have a few choices.

I love our blog world as well with all the cool people in it. Sometimes I think we should organize a mass get-together at like a resort or hotel somewhere -- it would kinda like a running conference. But I don't like to organize things, so it sound slike too much work to suggest.

Scott McMurtrey said...

sounds like this guy can help you out. that's great. and a nice bonus that he may be willing to be a sponsor too.

get those ankles and shins strong! :)

Unknown said...

My established routine for core exercises is to blow them off. LOL. I don't actually recommend that as a strategy though. I just find it way too boring and therefore don't want to do it. If you find something good and interesting...please share!!

Mendy said...

This reminds me - I've got to start doing core again! Thanks! I have the book Marcy mentioned, and another by same author, I think it's titled "core". They both are great, shows you exercises, but you just gotta do them on your own - no video etc.

I'm happy that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the problems you've had with running lately. I think I really need to have an analysis done too - maybe I can be fixed too.

Backofpack said...

Shoot, Randy. All you gotta do is move up my way and join my 6 am Pilates class. I have six guys about your age who are regulars! I got my core nice and strong, now I just maintain.

My routine is this:
Sunday - run
Monday - pilates
Tues-Wed-Thurs - run (x2 on Thurs)
Friday - pilates
Saturday - run
Repeat for years on end...

Mary Gee said...

I have had many of the same questions... hmmm, pilates.

Pat said...

so you're trying to think of something you and bonnie can do together to strengthen your core?

I can only think of one thing, but you have to do it daily.

Molly said...

I believe that a lot of core work can be done on your daily activity by simply becoming aware of your core...put your hands on your belly button and and "pull" it back toward your spine and "up" tward your rib cage. Become aware of what this feels like and try and work it into your day...standing in line, sitting at your desk, running, walking around the house...you will see a big improvement, especiall if you encorperate some of the ab moves other have suggested!

Ask your guy that did the gait analysis about your hamstrings...I wonder if it would help yo sork on those daily too!

A lot of editorializing tonight!
Take Care

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Man Pat!!!! You made me have to go back and re-read my own post... what did I put in there...daily huh?

teacherwoman said...

I can only imagine how bad my "running" is... eeks! Good luck, and keep us posted!

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

I want to thank everyone for their ideas, suggestions, questions...etc...I'll try to keep you posted as I learn more and as I progress....hopefully towards the form that would be defined as a runner if you looked in Wikepedia....LOL