Shoes

In biblical times your feet were your shoes.    Immaculate care was imperative, since generally your feet got you everywhere.   Even Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, demonstrating the importance of these funny looking appendages we have.   So shouldn’t we be just as diligent when caring for our feet now, especially if we are putting hundreds of miles a year on them on the road or trail. 

The choices out there can be overwhelming.   Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, Nike, Asics, ON, Altra, etc, etc.  Cushioned? Neutral? Support?

We are all made different, obviously.   Some of us have feet that roll inwards (pronate) and require more support in the inner half of the foot.    Less of us roll a little the other way (supinate) and that same shoe will lead to unnecessary pain and injury.   

Most shoe websites allow you to customize your shoe model based on your anatomy.   Additionally, your local running store will watch you walk or jog and recommend certain make or models that fit you best.  

So your friend may have found “the best shoe ever” but that doesn’t mean it is best for you.   Get fitted, experiment with different brands (several online retailers like Running Warehouse allow free returns) and keep your feet happy.   You’ll run easier, get injured less, and may just set a new PR in your next race!

Gut Health

What in the world is “gut health” anyway?   And how does it affect my overall health?   I mean, I poop every day and I think it’s pretty normal … 

Well, gut health is at the forefront of modern research and what scientists are finding is very enlightening.   The gut-brain connection is real and immensely important.   The relationship between gut health and body inflammation is strong.  

Although this field of science is young and still very much changing, several early conclusions can be made. 

              Diversity / variety in diet is best for the microbiome of the gut

Certain foods are known to produce amino acids that decrease inflammatory markers (and inflammation drives chronic disease …)

              Probiotics are immensely individually different and unproven

              Avoid processed foods at all cost

So as you are ramping up your fitness training, and as you are modifying your lifestyle to minimize life stressors, don’t forget about your gut.    What you feed your body may very well be determining what happens to you down the road.