Marathon You Can Do It

There is a lot of news flying around claiming that running barefoot is better than running on some fancy running shoes. Although am yet to try running barefoot there are many runners out there who swear by barefoot running, at least on grass. Running barefoot on tarmac is a big NO!

Research on Barefoot running

The latest research on barefoot running has been done by a team from Harvard University. The team studied runners from the United States and Kenya as they ran on tracks.

The researchers found that while people run in a variety of ways, most barefoot runners tend to “forefoot strike — land first on the outer ball of the foot before bringing down the heel.

Advantage / Benefit of Barefoot Running

By contrast, more than 75 percent of runners who wear running shoes land on their heels first. The study suggests this is more likely to cause running injury.

Detailed information is published on harvard univesity website on barefoot running.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Advantage, Barefoot, Benefit, Grass, Harvard University, Heels, Kenya, Runners, running injury, Running shoes, Strike Land, United States

Staying thin is harder than trying to get thin.

The curse of dieting is that 90% of people who lose weight by dieting end up getting their old weight back. Tv star, Valerie Bertinelli managed to lose 40 pounds and she is determined to beat the curse. She is lacing up her running shoes and training to run at this year’s Boston Marathon.

The Boston Marathon is on 19 April for days shy of her 50th birthday. If she finishes the marathon that will be a perfect birthday gift to give herself.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: 19 April, 50th Birthday, Birthday Gift, Boston Marathon, Curse, Running shoes, Tv Star, Valerie Bertinelli

Actor and longtime conservation activist Edward Norton will run the NY Marathon as part of a team raising awareness and financial support for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, a Kenya-based conservation organization. Norton and 3 Maasai warriors will be leading 30 people from all walks of life running the ING New York City Marathon on Nov. 1st.

The three Maasais are Parashina, Parashi and Sunte. They usually run in sandals made out of off-road tires. They call them “Michelins” or “Thousand Milers.” While Parashina and Sunte will wear Puma running shoes Parashi intend to stick to his Maasai Running Sandals.

As part of preparation Edward travelled to Kenya where he ran with the Maasais. Most of the running was around Chyulu hills on the Northern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Norton discribed the experience to runners world magazine: -

“We probably ran about 30 miles a week out there. It’s tough running. A lot of lava rock and rutted roads and thorn bushes. And there’s been a bad drought all this year so it’s very dusty right now, where normally it’s high green grass everywhere. I think it will make New York feel easy for these guys, as long as it’s not cold, which they are not used to.”

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Edward Norton, Green Grass, Ing New York City Marathon, Lava Rock, Maasai Warriors, Marathon Training, Michelins, Mt Kilimanjaro, New York City Marathon, New york marathon, Northern Slopes, Ny Marathon, Off Road Tires, runners world magazine, Running shoes, Rutted Roads, Thorn Bushes, Walks Of Life, Wilderness Conservation, York City Marathon

Usain Bolt Puma Running spikes or shoe are known as Puma Theseus II spikes. Usain Bolt worked with Puma to develop the optimum running shoe.

Material Bolt Running Spike Shoe is made from.

Following this collaborative process, the complete Theseus II was born. Made from synthetic leather with an airmesh upper construction for maximum breathability, it enhances sprinting efficiency due to its stiffness of material.

Image courtesy of Puma Running.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Bolt, Efficiency, Image, Maximum Breathability, Optimum, Puma, Puma Shoes, Running Shoe, Running shoes, Running Spikes, Shoe Material, Shoe Spikes, Shoes Running, Spike, Stiffness, Synthetic Leather, Theseus, Usain Bolt

Shin splints is a pain over the front of your lower leg, that part stretching from the knee to the foot.When you run you feel pain and when you touch the area on either side of your shin bone, it may feel sore and tender.

This injury was made famous by Lance Armstrong during his first marathon. At the end of 2006 New York Marathon he reported he had ran the distance wish shin splints. The amazing thing was that he still managed a sub 3 hours finish. Not bad in your first marathon!

Causes of Shin splints injury

Experts call it overuse injury, that is too much running. That is why Doctors recommend taking a rest from running as the first step in solving the problem.

Step One In Treating Shin SPlints Injury

Stop running and take a rest.

Step two in treating shin splints injury

Ice the area twice a day.

Step three in treating Shin splints injury

Use an anti-inflamatory spray. If the pain is too much you may take pain killers.

Step four in treating shin splints

Finally, when you get back running use a good running shoe.

Normal pain disapear after a short while but if you don’t see improvement consult with your physician.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Running, running injury, Running shoes, Treatment

In 2008 U.S Consumer report tested over 205 shoe brands and the Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 was judged to be the best running shoe. The Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 topped the rankings for men’s and women’s shoes.

The Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 scored top marks in :-

• Cushioning
• Stability
• Flexibility
• Weight
• And Breathability …ah! according to CR, shoes that dissipate sweat quickly keep feet cooler and reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infection.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Consumer Report, Cr, Flexibility, Fungal Infection, Marathon Running, Nike, Nike Air Zoom Vomero 2, Nike Running, Risk, Running Shoe, Running shoes, Shoe Brands, Shoes Nike, Sweat, Zoom

A team of 24 athletes qualified to represent Kenya at World Cross Country Championships in Amman Jordan on March 28.

Husband and Wife team

It will be a family affair for Moses Mosop and his wife Florence Kiplagat. Mosop, who won the senior men’s 12km race at the national championships on Saturday, and Kiplagat, senior women’s 8km champion, were included in the team of 24 athletes.

Runner who couldn’t run in shoes finally makes the team.

If you thought using running shoes was automatic, you are wrong. Another interesting story from the team is that of Country boy Paul Tanui (19) He was removed from last year’s team to Edinburgh because he had no experience in running in shoes.

Kenyan team for Amman:
Senior MEN – Moses Mosop, Mathew Kisorio, Mark Kiptoo, Linus Chumba, Mangata Ndiwa, Leonard Komon

Junior MEN – John Kemboi, Paul Tanui, Japhet Korir, John Chepkwony, Titus Mbishei, Charles Bett Chepkurui

Senior WOMEN – Florence Kiplagat, Iness Chenonge, Linet Masai, Linet Chepkurui, Ann Karindi, Pauline Korikwiang

Junior WOMEN -  Mercy Cherono, Hilda Chepkemoi, Jackline Chepngeno, Jackline Chebii, Faith Chepngetich, Nelly Chebet

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Athletes, cross country, kenya Runners, Kenyan Runners, Running shoes, Training

An ankle injury is also known as an ankle sprain, twisted ankle, rolled ankle, ankle sprain  injury or ankle ligament injury. An ankle injury  is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle.

Purpose of ankle ligaments

Ligaments are bands of tissue—like rubber bands—that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement.

Cause of Ankle Injury

In running, ankle injury result from a sudden twist or a blow that forces the ankle joint out of it’s normal position. This commonly happens when running on uneven surfaces. Runners who run on trails tend to suffer more from ankle injuries. Running on worn out running shoes can cause a twisted ankle.

Signs and Symptoms on Ankle Injuries
The signs and symptoms of ankle injuries may include: Pain, Swelling, stiffness and difficulty when walking.

Treatment of Ankle Injury

1. Rest – take a break from running

2. Ice – to help reduce swelling

3. Bandage (compression) – bandages gives the ankle support and helps reduce swelling, pain and further injury.

If the pain doesn’t go away, see your doctor

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Ankle, leg, Marathon Running, Marathon Training, Running Injuries, Running shoes

One cure of a foot injury is to change your running shoes.

I was reading the blog of Bald Runner, a Philippine runner and this is what he said about his experience with the Asics Gel Kinsei 2.

“I bought an ASICS Gel-Kinsei 2 running shoes after looking for some cure to the pain on the rear end of my right foot. After using it for my running workouts the pain on the rear end of my right foot slowly disappeared”

Cure for Painful Feet While Running

I don’t think it was the Asics Gel Kinsei 2 that cured his foot injury. I remember at one time I used to feel pain on my feet while running, the pain disappeared when I started running with new running shoes. Painful feet while running is mostly caused by worn out running shoes. A new running shoe is the best medicine.

Facts About the Asics Gel Kinsei 2 by bald runner

1. It is the “heaviest” running shoes of ASICS and it advisable to use this only on your running workouts and not for road races.
2. This is the most expensive running shoes of ASICS and with its price, you can buy two (2) pairs of an average-priced ASICS shoes or NIKE
3. It is a very noisy shoe, according to bald runner when you step on the road it makes noisy sounds.

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Asics, foot injury, Nike, Running Injuries, Running shoes, Trainers, Training

Due to its high-impact nature,  injuries are part of running. Marathoners run on hard streets. The impact of each stride is three to four times a runners body weight, transferred from ankles to knees to hips. 

1. Body weight cause of running injury.

The heavier a runner, the higher the impact on the body. A runner who is overweight will experience extreme stress on the ankles, knees and hips. 

2. Over training causes running injury.

3. Lack of rest causes running injuries

Rest is important because it allows your body to repair muscle tears  caused during running.

4.  Poor running technique causes running injury.

Watch out against a running method that causes twisting of the ankles. 

5. Worn out running shoes causes running injuries. 

Worn out running shoes are like a car with shock absorbers. Running shoes help to reduce the impact of running. Poor running shoes increases stress on your feet, ankles and knee. 

Safe running 

written by Constantine Njeru \\ tags: Running Injuries, Running shoes, Trainers, Training