GeekApproach

Tuesday’s hill workout session went less than well as planned.  Having thicker socks did save my feet a bit, but as soon as we started climbing hills I could feel my feet rubbing (or maybe my sock rubbing) on the bottom of the shoe.  Combined with the difference my foot makes when landing downhill vs uphill, by the second go round I was in pain.  I muscled through it but I definitely had to ice my legs and feet that night.

One of the coaches suggested gel inserts as my next try-out.  Wednesday I did my normal run at Seward Park (in the moonlight no less) with my old shoes and no inserts.  I ran my fastest average mile about 9’25″ which is insane considering the foot damage the previous day, but I definitely felt it again at the end.  Yesterday’s run took me to Lincoln Park again with my newly purchased inserts.

Oh and a word about those inserts: Apparently only ladies need these, and only when they wear heels?  I call BS.  There were many choices but all of the men’s varieties were huge full foot inserts.  I don’t need additional padding on my heels, just along the balls of my feet. I found the ladies variety (and a steal with two pairs included for $5) and went on my merry way.  A word of caution if you’re going to try what I did: Spend the time to get the insert properly aligned under the balls of your feet or wherever you think you need it most.  I spent 15 minutes and after finding something that I felt worked, ended up stopping 5 minutes in to readjust. I’m still not thrilled with their location but, it definitely helped–on the outbound anyway.

The way back? Pain.  Not as bad, but I was definitely running in a different way.  It’s gotta be the hills along the route.  Either I’m getting tired and adjusting my foot’s plant on the ground, or there is something completely awkward with the way I run back downhill.  Gotta figure it out though; this Saturday’s run is at the Washington Park Audobon for 120 minutes.  Hoping I’ve got this thing figured out this time around….