The Value of Your Feet

     The most important thing you can take care of as a runner are your feet. Almost every injury that people get during or because of their running has to do with something wrong with your feet. Common problems that could cause problems with your running:

• The wrong kind of shoes! There are lots of types! Don't EVER just buy shoes because of the way they look or how much they cost. If you get seriously hurt because you bought cheap shoes, I can guarantee the doctor bill will more than make up the difference.
• Motion Control: Shoes for people of a larger body frame, or medium frame who run a moderate amount
•  Stability: Shoes for smaller frame or medium frame people who have flat feet, high mileage, or both
• Neutral: Shoes for smaller frame or medium frame people who have decent arches, and have moderate weekly mileage 
• The wrong size of shoes! Many newer shoes are supposed to be fit snugly or too big for your feet, but NOT running shoes. If your running shoes are either too loose or too tight, you WILL get blisters and you could get pain in your heels, arches, toes, and ankles.
• Not taking general care of your feet. Depending on your body frame or your weekly mileage, you will need to stretch out your feet and probably get them massaged. The arches and the back of your heels especially need taken care of. Damage to your heels and arches can cause problems in your ankles, knees, hips and pelvic region, and even the base of your skull.

If you are serious about running, you must be serious about taking care of your feet. The best way to keep from injury is to keep your feet safe.