Are you in need of a way
to boost your running routine? Maybe you are a beginner thinking about how to
best start running. Why not join in some crazy, color-filled fun and sign up
for the Color Vibe 5K in Galveston, TX this fall? This popular event taking
place all over the country sells out fast, so hurry and check it out! Getting
doused with magical colored powder is a sure way to have a blast, and this is
one run that will have you talking about it for days. Kids are invited too, so
get the whole family involved!
Photo Credit: Sura Nualpradid freedigitalphotos.net |
One thing we want to
mention before you get ahead of yourself with excitement is to not forget about
your feet. Preparing for even a small, fun race is important to avoid injury,
and strengthening your feet in particular will go a long way in determining how
you feel during and after the race. A study done at the Institute for
Biomechanics and Orthopaedics found that using minimalist shoes for running can
help strengthen the muscles under your arch that control the ankle and foot.
There is much debate around the safety of this type of shoe, so we would
encourage you to discuss this option with Dr. Bowman first (an avid runner), so
we can evaluate your current foot health and decide whether it would put you at
risk for injury.
Another thing you can do
is some simple strengthening exercises, easily done in the comfort of your
home. Use your toes to pick up marbles one at a time and drop them in a cup.
Balance on one foot, and work up to being able to stand for one minute on each
foot. A balance ball or small trampoline would also give you an added
challenge. Do some calf raises in a sitting or standing position and alternate
repetitions of walking on your toes and then on your heels.
You may want to discuss
custom orthotics especially if you want to run more in the future. Not only do these add comfort to your run,
they put your feet and lower extremity in the correct biomechanical position to
avoid future problems.
If you have any foot pain
during these exercises or fear that your feet are not prepared for an upcoming
race, don’t hesitate to call us for help! Make an appointment with Dr. Jeff
Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists
today by calling our office in Houston, TX at (713) 467-8886.
I've always preferred the more minimalist running shoes myself. I just bought a new pair of running shoes that have a little more cushion, but they are really bothering the my feet. I need to switch back to the other type of shoe. http://www.drlbilling.com/
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there were so many things that you could to protect your feet while running. My friend Jeff ran in college for the cross country team. His feet are really messed up now. I wish he would have read this article before he started that. http://houstonfootankle.com/services
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