Running Weapons

I don't really believe in gimmicks in training. You're either hardcore or you're not. Scott Molina once wrote you shouldn't buy new stuff you should train more. And then if you really want to throw money at the problem, buy new wheels. Or something like that. Molina is a wise man. I once saw him in Honolulu crossing the finish line of a race. He was running 100 mile weeks at the age of 15. He's a bit of a legend.

Anyhow, the marketing mill is churning out lots of interesting stuff, some of which is helpful, some of which is slightly embarrassing. Ok - here's what's out there.

Newton shoes. Lots of fast people wear them. Note the four raised bars under the front part of the shoe. That makes you want to lean forward and run as though you're being chased by pitbulls. Buying pitbulls would be riskier but cheaper.

Check out the five toe running shoe. Barefoot running has been the rage. So some think we should mimic this with shoes. I think it's kind of halloweeny - a bit spooky. Never tried them, but they're bound to attract some stares.

And you'll need these socks to match. No vaseline required. T2 will never be the same again.The next one is one of my little tricks. And sea urchins, my friends, are free. You take one of these bad boys and you hold it in between both hands, gently. Now you run. If you feel searing pain through your fingers, chances are you have applied some pressure to the urchin which means you are not running relaxed. Your fingers should not be clenched. Squeeze an urchin once, and you'll remember that the next time you run, I assure you.

And now for compressions socks. You may have heard of Skins. I'm just speaking about the long socks. After each long run, I wear a pair under my work trousers. Makes me feel kinky and my legs seem to recover quicker. Magic? Who knows.

That's Ben wearing his first pair of compression socks. He reckons they, together with his afternoon naps, help with his recovery too.

Always thinking,

~RobbyRicc