on Shoe Technology
After reading 'Born to Run' I was convinced that I, like the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, could run practically barefoot for hundreds of miles at a time. Seeing shoeless runners breeze past the 10 mile marker at races supported my fantasy.I gave up the comfort of my normal shoes, the Asiics Gel 1150, for a pair of minimal New Balance 690's.Here's the Gel 1150. Note the thick soles, pronounced arch, and more cushy look:
The NBs were lighter and felt quicker and looked better than the Asiics (its proven that neon green makes you faster), and I ran at least a hundred miles in them. When the shimmer faded I realized my feet were killing me, and my Dr. suggested I had developed Plantar Fasciitis.I'm switching back to Asiics again, this time the Gel Kahanas. Hopefully I can return to form before the Marine Corps Marathon this Fall.I guess not everything written about crazy Mexicans running through the desert is applicable to casual runners.