When it comes to running, it took me awhile to be a gear head.
Nevertheless,
- Am Fitbit-less
- No mobile phone with
earbuds
- Thirty years of
running every other day, in a ratty T, slump shorts, grotty ballcap – wearing
shoes until they literally fell apart.
In recent months I’ve learned my lesson on that last point. I can’t say
there is any athletic or health benefit to looking slightly more spiffy in T,
shorts and cap. But in the past few years I swear by some gear that has kept me
running for my life, now in my fifth decade. That’s compression socks (to keep
shin splints at bay), patella bands below my knees (to help cushion joint shock)
and Brooks Defyance running shoes.
I tried for longer than I should have the neutral strike shoe, Asics Gel
Kinsei. The shoe seemed fine at first, but was easily the least durable runner
I’ve ever worn, and am firmly convinced that my stubbornness in using them for
my usual eight months to a year contributed to all the injuries I suffered last
year (primarily Achilles tendonitis, severe knee injury). Now, though, I’m back
in Defyance, and the injury threat has fallen into the background.
So here’s the word of caution. If you’ve found a shoe that works for you,
stick with it. Oh, and don’t use that sixty year-old body like a thirtysomething.
Even if your shoes aren’t showing too much wear, change them at four hundred
miles or every eight months, whichever comes first. You won’t be sorry.
Next: Running for Your Life: Sub-Two Gurus
