With spring half-marathon and marathon training schedules ramping up across the Hoosier state, runners and walkers of all fitness levels will soon be pounding the pavement in anticipation for the big day when cardio stamina and endurance are put to the test. But, before the first steps are taken, participants should ensure that shoes fit properly and attire is weather-appropriate. Such preparedness can literally go the distance and in the end, potentially prevent pesky problems such as lost toe nails, blisters, or the more serious injuries like joint stress fractures, muscle sprains and strains and shin splints.
For more than 30 years, The Runner’s Forum has helped thousands of amateur and professional athletes get into shoes that fit and apparel that is sport-specific – and the word is spreading among satisfied customers and, through sponsorship of local fitness events and teams. The Runner’s Forum ‘s employees, who also are participating athletes and have completed marathons and triathlons across the country, have the experience to help beginners as well as seasoned athletes . Their experience is the customer’s advantage – because they have been there and done everything when it comes to running and walking.
“As we move across pavement, our feet hit the ground 1,500 to 2,000 times -- per mile, so wearing the right shoes is important,” said Michael “Smitty” Smith, a Carmel, Ind. – based elite tri-athlete and co-owner of The Runner’s Forum. “Often when a customer walks through the door, we greet them with an enthusiastic smile and then we’ll instantly look at their feet because we are simply interested in getting them fit into the right shoe.”
Criteria for shoe fittings include shape of foot, arch, bio-mechanics and a process called natural gait analysis where a customer takes off their shoes and walks and runs on one of two lanes from the 1996 USA Olympic Games as a Runner’s Forum Fit Specialist observes.
“We watch the customer walk or jog on the track to assess their specific needs for a properly fit shoe. Then we compare multiple shoe options side by side with the customer to determine the best shoe to meet their need,” said Runner’s Forum co-owner Tom BonDurant, also a tri-athlete. “We also ask the customer a lot of questions about their activities and how they’re going about it. We enjoy learning as much as possible about the customer and their fitness goals, so that we can help them dial into the ideal pair of shoes.”
Smitty and BonDurant also suggest layering apparel for success – a concept that involves wearing wicking fabrics. Wicking fabrics encourage dryness by transferring moisture away from the skin to the outside of the fabric and help prevent chills and chafing. A thin base layer helps initiate moisture transfer, the second layer should be for warmth and the outer layer should protect against wind.
“Wearing wicking clothing is a great way to guard against wetness that can often make for a bad feeling on cooler days if all you’re wearing is cotton clothing,” Smitty said. “The key is to dress 15 degrees warmer than what the outside temperature reads. Along with layering, we encourage customers to wear lightweight gloves and hats and running socks to aid in keeping dry.”
While layering is effective in guarding against winter’s harsh elements, BonDurant stresses the importance of undergarments that often act as a shield for the male and female anatomy, too.
“We offer a full range of sports bras and wind briefs that deliver protection and prevent discomfort,” he said. “In the end, it’s all about feeling good, which helps to keep athletes running to their potential.”
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Visit the professionals at Runner’s Forum in Carmel at 620 Station Dr. or call (317) 844-1558
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.
or
Downtown Indianapolisat 122 N. Delaware or call (317) 955-7463
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
E-mail: RunnersForum@RunnersForum.com
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