With the Darien Road Race coming up this weekend (Sunday, 9/14), local runners are doing their stretches, logging their practice miles, and checking their gear. While each runner's style, prep routine, and footwear may differ, there are some recognized best practices, and a recent issue of Runner's World lays out "The 25 Golden Rules of Running"---25 helpful tips for optimal performance.
I particularly liked 19---The New-Shoes Rule.
Replace running shoes once they've covered 400 to 500 miles.
"But even before they have that much wear," says Warren Greene, Runner's World gear editor, "buy a new pair and rotate them for a while. Don't wait until your only pair is trashed." Consider shoes trashed when the spring is gone.
The Exception: A shoe's wear rate can vary, depending on the type of shoe, your weight, your footstrike pattern, and the surfaces you run on.
How long should a good shoe last? Physical therapist Paddy Jarit of Fairfield's PHYtness4u says "A good shoe might last anywhere from 350 to 550 miles, depending on several variables."
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Art Christys
He gave me 100 bucks each birthday and
Christmas, and I’d use the generous gift
For a new pair of running shoes. I’d land
The next wave of Asics, size 10. The shift
Was always natural, and sweet because
The shoes were already paid for by Dad.
Now Dad’s gone. But a few C-notes, muzz-
led in the cards sent as he always had,
Remain - ready to roll. The hoarded bucks
Will finance what I think of as my “Art
Christys,” my own equivalent of “Chucks.”
It strengthens the feet as well as the heart,
Whether ecstasy or agonistes,
To run in what I know are Art Christys.
(c) Duncan Christy