Why do you want to work
at Fleet Feet? That’s the first thing Chris and Robyn wanted to know when
I first met them. (Or was it Have you liked us on Facebook yet?)
By working at Fleet
Feet, I could help others achieve their running and fitness goals (of course!).
I also told them that I hoped to become a better runner. And I
have.
I’m Better.
Faster. Stronger. *playing Kanye West in the background*
To run better now and
take your training to the next level (up to eleven for you Spinal
Tap groupies), the following are 6 Things You Need:
1. Technical Socks
For
running, cotton is, indeed, rotten. Synthetic fibers wick moisture away
from your foot to keep you dry and comfortable as you sweat--minimizing
blisters.
I
love my synthetic socks so much that if I ever get a dog that my kids have been
hounding me for, I’m going to name him balega®. (I’ll probably
get overruled, and we’d end up naming him Squishy.)
2. Technical Apparel
I’m
guilty of wearing cotton t-shirts and ratty gym shorts in the past to run.
(Don’t judge me. I grew up in the 80’s.) Really messy and
uncomfortable, right? Wearing cotton apparel to run, that is. Not
the 80’s.
As
with socks, your apparel should be constructed with moisture-wicking, synthetic
fabric that pulls sweat away from your body to keep you dry. Lightweight
and breathable apparel improves performance.
3. Self-Massage
Muscle
flexibility and elasticity enhances fluid movement, and hence, performance.
I use (and swear by) Trigger Point Performance Therapy and the addaday
Ultra Roller to roll out muscle tightness.
Public
Service Announcement: Do not confuse self-massage with self-message. I
only self-message myself when I feel lonely and have no one to talk to.
4. Inserts/SuperFeet
I’ve
been running for over twenty-two (22) years. And for the past year I’ve
been using SuperFeet inserts, and it’s been a game-changer. (I kid you
not!)
Inserts
puts the foot in the proper position, and improves the efficiency of your
foot--promoting alignment, maintaining stability, and reducing fatigue. I
was skeptical at first, but this is one product that I’ve incorporated in the
my running that has changed everything.
5. Compression Socks/Sleeves
Consider
using compression socks or sleeves to improve performance and reduce injury.
It does so by increasing blood flow to the muscles--supplying it with
oxygen and nutrients, and thereby reducing muscle strain and helping rebuild
damaged tissue.
I
used CEP Progressive+ Calf Sleeves in my training for the recent Army
10-Miler, and finished in 1:23:34 according to my Nike+ SportWatch GPS.
(nice, right!?!?)
6. GPS Watch
A
GPS enabled watch offers a great range of features to better track pace,
distance, time and other run data. You can then plug this into your
computer to analyze your data, set goals and map new routes.
As
opposed to using an app and running with your smartphone (which can be burdensome),
I highly recommend using a GPS watch. I find it easier to manage my
training, and set and achieve new goals.
I turned forty-four (44)
this year, and I can honestly say that I’m running better now--with the help of
the above-mentioned things--than I have been in my thirties. It’s a new
and improved Joel. (I apologize for referring to myself in the third
person.) I miss some people, but not the old me.
 |
| Photo Credit: Melissa "Swole" B. |
I
miss you Shoo,
Joel
