Instead of the minimalist principles of reducing excess cushioning and stability to make the foot stronger, maximalist shoes are ultra stable and have cushioning that exceeds even the most supportive “regular” shoes on the market.

Maximalist shoes have found an initial market with ultra marathoners who need the extra support for their 100 mile races. However, it is entirely possible that maximalist shoes will also find buyers in the general market who have been unimpressed with the minimalist craze or just want to try something new.

Competitor.com has a good article that breaks down the new maximalist options for runners.

[Competitor.com]

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Garmin makes some awesome running watches, but with so many models, it can be difficult to choose the right kind of watch.Here is a brief summary of the best Garmin running watches. Click on any of the watch titles to be taken to a purchase page for the watch.

Garmin FR10: This watch is an entry level GPS watch that can track your time and pace. It does not have the more advanced features of other models, but it is also less expensive. One nice aspect of the FR10 is that it has a sleek design, which makes it great to wear as a daily watch. One negative is that it does not record elevation changes when running.

Forerunner 110: The Garmin Forerunner 110 is similar in features to the FR10 with two key differences – it records elevation and is compatible with heart rate monitors. Like the FR10, the Forerunner 110 can also be worn as a daily watch. With that said, some reviews have found that the 110 is not as waterproof as the FR10. Additionally, the 110 does not show a runner’s “current pace;” only the lap’s specific “average pace” is shown.

Forerunner 210: The Forerunner 210 adds additional features to the FR10 and 110, including current pace and the ability to design simple interval workouts. Like the 110, however, there are some reports that the watch is not 100% waterproof. It has can be worn as a daily watch.

Forerunner 310xt: The 310xt is an update of the popular Forerunner 305 model. 310xt is designed for triathletes, as it includes a multisport mode that allows tracking of swimming, cycling, and running. Even if you aren’t a triathlete this watch make a great running-only watch. It allows for advanced workouts (i.e. staggered warmups), and uploads all data to the Garmin connect web site via a wireless USB sick. Unlike the 110 and 210, it has much better waterproofing. The 310xt can not, however, be used as a daily watch (too bulky and no power save mode).

Forerunner 405/410: The 410 is an update of the 405. These watches have the advanced features of the 310xt without the multisport mode (they are made primarily for runners). The 405 and 410 are pretty bulky, but can be worn as daily watches. One major issue for the 405 is the “touch bezel,” which allows runners to select options with a iPod like touch function. Many runners have complained that the 405′s bezel does not operate in the rain – most reports say that the 410 improved the bezel’s performance.

Forerunner 610: This watch is also designed for runners. It has a cool touch screen that allows runners to quickly select options. The 610 has all of the advanced options as the 310xt (i.e. advanced workouts, uploading to Garmin Connect, etc). The 610 also has good waterproofing and can be worn as a daily watch. The 610 is probably the best bet for runners who can afford a more expensive option.

Forerunner 910xt: The 910xt is currently the flagship for Garmin watches. It has all the advanced functions of the above models, it is waterproof, and it has great multisport options for triathletes. There is no doubt that it is a great watch – but probably overkill for runners who do not participate in triathlons.

Garmin FR70: Due to its lack of GPS capability, one watch that runners often overlook is the FR70. However, with the purchase of a Garmin foot pod, the FR70 can track your distance and pace just as good as a GPS watch. In addition, the FR70 is waterproof and has the advanced workout features of the higher-end Garmin watches. It can also be worn as a daily watch.

I hope this quick summary of Garmin watches for runners was useful – they are really great devices.

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SPIbelt – Small Personal Item Belt

The SPIbelt is a belt worn around the waist that has a special carrying pocket for smartphones, keys, credit cards, etc. The belt is made of spandex, which provides a tight fit around a runner’s waist without any bouncing. The SPIbelt is so unobtrusive that you forget that you have it on after a few steps. It easily allows you to carry your smartphone and record your runs with the apps mentioned above.

Go Belt

The Go Belt is an elastic belt with carrying pocket that is similar to the SPIbelt. One of the nice features of the Go Belt is that it has two different zipper departments. This can be helpful if you don’t want to put your keys and smartphone in the same compartment and risk scratching the phone’s screen. The Go Belt also includes elastic loops that allows storage of gel packs, and comes with twist ties that allows you to attach race numbers.

Armpocket

If you don’t like to wear a waist belt to carry your smartphone, you could also consider a armband. One of the best armbands is the Armpocket, which provides a secure fit without much bouncing. The Armpocket looks bulky, but its material is comfortable. One of the nice aspects of the Armpocket is that the front pocket has a clear screen that allows for access to the touchscreen.

Belkin Easefit Armband

The Belkin Easefit is similar to the Armpocket. It provides a snug fit with access to the touchscreen. One key difference is that the Belkin has a shorter strap than the Armpocket, so if you have thick or muscular arms the fit might be a bit too tight.

Each of these smartphone holders for runners will allow you to carry your smartphone, and take advantage of the great running apps on the market.

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The general idea is that compression socks help running performance by limiting excess movement of the muscles and improving blood circulation, and also help to improve recovery time by reducing muscle swelling. Recent studies have analyzed whether these socks have actual, tangible benefits, or whether they are simply a placebo.

In one study, researchers found that the performance of treadmill runners who ran with compression socks improved. Another study failed to find any performance gains from compression socks, but did find that runners suffered less soreness after using them while running.

Based on the results of these preliminary studies and the fact that many professional runners now appear to find them beneficial, it might not be a bad idea to give compression socks a try. At least they should be able to keep you warm on cold days!

The post Running Fast with Compression Socks appeared first on The Runner's Resource.

The running shoe industry includes many terms and definitions. Mysterious words such as Injection Molded EVA, Medial Post, and Polyurethane foam, sometimes are only truly understood by the manufacturers. In reality, there are only three shoe classifications that consumers really need to understand: motion control, stability, and cushioned.

• Motion control: Motion control shoes provide the most support for runners. These shoes are made for runners whose feet roll inwards when they land. Pronators sometimes have IT-band and hip problems from the torque caused by this inward roll. One way to determine if you pronate is to view yourself walking in a mirror. If your knees turn inward when your feet land, motion control shoes may be able to help you.

  Another way to detect pronation is if the sole of your shoes are worn more on the inside than the outside. Finally, if a runner has a very low arch, or “flat feet,” then motion control shoes are essential. Often, motion control shoes have a “roll bar” located underneath the arch to ensure that your feet do not collapse when they hit the ground. Popular brands for motion control shoes are Brooks and New Balance, among many others.

• Cushioned: Cushioned shoes are for runners that underpronate (also called supination). As you might have guessed, underpronation is the opposite of overpronation – the foot rolls outward on landing. To determine if you underpronate, look at the sole of your shoes – if the outer part is more worn than the inner part, you may be an underpronator. Cushioned shoes enable feet to roll inward and also have a curved shape to assist the foot with the inward motion. This type of shoe is also good for runners with high arches.
• Stability: Stability shoes are for runners that are fortunate enough to not overpronate or underpronate. These runners do not have excessive roll either inward or outward when their feet hit the ground. Additionally, runners who use stability shoes have normal arches that are not too high or low. Stability shoes are very common – almost every running company makes a stability shoe.

As stated, running shoes are such an important investment for runners. Understanding the fundamental terminology of running shoes can make the buying process much easier.

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When my foot hits the ground, it leaves a print like the far left image. Some people have feet that roll outward, which would leave a print like the far right image; this is known as supination and also is helped by custom orthotics.

My pronation orthotics are designed in a way that, when each of my feet hit the ground, my foot, ankles, knees, and hips are all properly aligned; this ensures that minimal torque is placed on my body. If you are having consistent injury problems, definitely consider trying orthotics. This alignment function of orthotics is what differentiates them from shoe insoles or inserts, which serve mainly to cushion the foot. It is also the reason why orthotics must be custom made out of a mold of each foot.

When you visit your podiatrist or buy custom orthotics online, make sure that this mold is made of your foot. Podiatrists generally use plaster of paris to create an exact mold, while online companies should provide memory foam or some other way to obtain an imprint of each of your feet.

Perhaps the most important thing to know about orthotics is that they absolutely must be broken in. You simply can not start to run with orthotics immediately after receiving them. Try to walk 1 hour a day in them for a few days, then try 2 hours a day a few more days. Gradually increase to spending an entire day in them before testing them out running.

By allowing your muscles to get used to orthotics, you will cut down on the risk of injury. Do not underestimate the muscle soreness caused by orthotics; they activate muscles that you have never used before.

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It’s sad to say it, but summer is over. With the change of season comes much shorter days. Therefore, if you run in the morning and/or evening you are probably noticing how dark it is compared to a few weeks ago.

As I said in a previous post, I run home from work and have already noticed how dark it is compared to last month. In order keep safe while running in the dark, I stronger suggest that you consider buying reflective gear that allows drivers to see you. There are so many horrible stories of runners getting hit by drivers who simply did not see them.

Fortunately, there are a number of options for reflective running gear. You can buy: an ankle band, a wrist band, a vest, a clip-on L.E.D. light, a headlamp or my favorite, the Xinglet.

Whatever you choose, make sure that that drivers can see you. Best of luck with your early morning or night time running.

The post Running in the dark appeared first on The Runner's Resource.

The post Running in the Dark appeared first on The Runner's Resource.