A couple of weeks ago, we were already deliberating what running event we were going to sign up for. As I've mentioned after the PhilHealth run, it's either the Run United on the 17th or the OFW run on the 24th. I wish we could run in both, but it's going to be a bit costly with the registration fees.
We decided on Run United, so went to Riovana at Bonifacio Global City to register. It was a long way off from our place and we could have registered online but we wanted to be able to fit the singlets and not wear over sized singlets as what happened with our recent run. We also wanted to check out Coach Rio's store and scout for some running gears.
Registration was a breeze, with the friendly staff at the Riovana store. There were several computer terminals where we could input all necessary registration information and not many people were in the store that time.
Browsing the store, we did find some nice items to invest on but that would be later, when we become more serious runners. As it is, we are still just fun runners and I still don't run as often as I would like to. Maybe when I level up to 10K, I'll consider buying those compression leggings, and a GPS watch that tracks your running route and speed, maybe splurge a bit with one that has a heart monitor as well.
Before we stepped out of the store, I was eyeing the treadmill they use to help runners determine what type of running shoes they should have. One of the guys must have seen me and he asked if I wanted to have the test. I do, but I said I'm not yet going to buy shoes that day. Well, he said we could have the test and then next time we already know what shoes to buy.
So shoes and socks off, we stepped on a plate first to determine the foot arch. On the treadmill, I had a hard time keeping my hands off the handle bar despite them telling me not to hold on to it. But the treadmill was too fast for me, I wish they gave me time to adjust. Shouldn't we start slow then gradually speed up?
Then when they got a "good look" at my pronation, they abruptly stopped the machine and I was kind of feeling woozy with the sudden motion change. I had to get my bearings straight as I stepped down from the treadmill. I had to keep myself from laughing because it was at that exact moment when the guy told me I would need stability shoes. You bet! Part of my brain and soul was still trying to catch up with the rest of my body lol!
Anyway, maybe when I am really going to buy new running shoes, I'll have that test again. They said I underpronate. Reading through the infographic below, that means I am flat footed, which I believe I'm not...unless I evolved into that.
Well, for those of you who were as clueless like me as to what type of running shoes to buy, the guide below may help you with your choice. For the pronation, you'd have to go with the tread mill test. Just clue in on the personnel if you're not a very experienced runner so the treadmill could be gradually adjusted to the right speed to avoid motion sickness.
Cool infographic! There are also sports stores that help you decide which type of running shoes fit you. :)
ReplyDeletenice info. Maybe I will consider this in searching for running shoes next time.
ReplyDeleteWoah, I never knew marami palang dapat i-consider when buying running shoes! I thought you can just enter a store and then choose one. It just shows how ignorant I am! :D
ReplyDeleteI will take this into consideration when I buy my shoes! I use the treadmill lately more than I run on roads and there is a difference between the two. It can really make you woozy kaya, especially if it is too fast and then you suddenly stop.
ReplyDeleteExactly what happened to me hehehe. I also run a bit strange on a treadmill which is why I prefer my "normal" runs on jogging paths. Which makes me think if this test is really accurate. Maybe another way of doing that would simply be to let someone run a certain distance then there's a video cam to zoom in on the pronation...something like that.
ReplyDeleteMaan, that's exactly what I did when I bought my running shoes. I chose the brand, the style, then the fit. I needed ample padding because I was just beginning to run again. Now that I am running more often, I think it's time to consider what the experts say hehehe
ReplyDeleteThat's what they did at Riovana...just that I think, I would need a re-test when I am really going to buy shoes. I still think I am not flat footed lol!
ReplyDeleteIt really helps when the staff at the store are not just there to get a sale but to help you get your money's worth.
ReplyDeleteI saw a test similar to that before when we went to ROX in Boni High St. But I didn't try it though, I was too shy because I wasn't there to buy running shoes. My boyfriend then, now my husband, tried it though. Wehehe! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought my running shoes two weeks ago, I told the staff in TAF that my sole arch hurts when I run. And he told me that I'm flat footed and I needed a stability shoes, so got my self a stability shoes. I already used it pero hindi pa ako kumbinsido. hehehe
ReplyDeleteI like the infographic. I should test out my arch. I feel like a medium but I could be wrong. Treadmills are always tricky.
ReplyDeletepacopy nung photo sis.. hehe.. i need this when I buy my running shoes
ReplyDeleteAre running shoes the same as gym shoes? I use my badminton shoes for gym, hehe! I am scared to run on the treadmill, I'm worried that I won't be able to keep up with the speed and what happens in movies might happen to me, like falling flat on the treadmill face down. :-D
ReplyDeleteSure by all means sis :-)
ReplyDeleteAlam ko rin medium ako eh but I never got the chance to see my footprint that time hehehe
ReplyDeleteI guess running shoes could bear the brunt of gym abuse hehehe but those who don't run, they use cross trainer shoes, I think...
ReplyDeleteBut badminton shoes will never be okay for long running...malamang matanggal ang gel sole hehehe.
They were really nice to let us try that test even if I told them I won't be buying shoes....just that I think there's a better or more proper way of proceeding with this test. I think I was running all wrong because my main concern is not to hit my head on the rail hehehe
ReplyDeleteThe real test talaga is if you could run some distance with the shoes...sana sa shoe stores they have a small track where you could run hehehe
ReplyDeleteI think I am more a treadmill person too or running on a trial then on the road. It can be very scary running on a road.
ReplyDeleteIt's more scary for me to run on the treadmill as I'm afraid I might hit my head if I pushed the wrong button lol! It just doesn't feel right for me and I like seeing the scenery when I run. I guess I'll get bored on a treadmill.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like fun finding out the right shoes to buy :) I pretty much use my badminton shoes for all my other exercises and in the gym. It gets too expensive to buy shoes for each sport. -jellybelly
ReplyDeleteHehe! Dapat talaga the show stores have charts explaining in simple terms or pictures the kinds of shoes, what activity they are for, what components are needed for these sports activities, etc.
ReplyDeleteThat is very informative, I was just talking to my housemates that I wanted a new running shoes so I could go with them for a jog around the hub. Great post!=)
ReplyDeleteIf I were playing badminton regularly, and I also have a gym membership plus of course my running activities, I would probably have just 2 pairs of shoes....badminton and running shoes. I can use either of the two for the gym activities hehehhe. It does get kind of expensive when you have a lot of sports activities. Wait 'til you get to trail running pa hahaha! Trail run shoes are different from regular running shoes.
ReplyDeleteinformative post. i thought all running shoes are the same. iyun pala merong shoes nababagay sa mga flat-footed (like me). continue writing informative blogs, sis. :)
ReplyDeletethis post reminded me of my stress test a few years back. the doctor was the one regulating the speed so by the time it was inclined and moving fast, i was already panting. i was worried i might have chest pains right there. lol
ReplyDeletei will take note of this.. i really wish i can start jogging already.. hehehe XD
ReplyDeleteOh ang dami pala dapat i-consider. Good thing we haven't buy our running shoes :)
ReplyDeleteMommy Maye
I learned about the various types of a foot's width when I got my first Birks. And from then on, I was aware about it and was educated too. When you purchase shoes from the more expensive shoe salons, these things are presented to you. You really pay for comfort at times and quality too. Naturalizer and GBX are good investments.
ReplyDeleteI run at least 20k a week at the park or in the gym. I'm using light, well-cushioned running shoes from Adidas and Reebok. I suppose Medium ang kurba ng paa ko sis. hehe..
ReplyDeleteI envy you for being active in running and other activities to keep you fit.. how I wish I have even 40% of your motivation.. anyway, i didn't know that there are things to considered when buying running shoes...
ReplyDeleteA while ago, I've checked stores to find a good pair of shoes for running... pretty informative. great! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this! I love the illustration! We're actually in the look out for the best running shoes. The illustration proves useful. Pinned it! ^_^
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Aileen. I think I bought the wrong running shoes. It hurts at the foot arch area everytime.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought my shoes, I only considered the comfortable fit. So far, I'm not yet having problems with it so I must have chosen the right pair hehehe. Inggit naman 20k a week...ikaw na sis!
ReplyDeleteSis, maybe you could put some insole...try mo muna before you ditch that pair sayang naman.
ReplyDeleteI guess checking out the right shoes is one of the difficult things to do... Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. I might as well test this and see for myself.
ReplyDeleteI haven't run for over two weeks na... I need something to inspire me, like a new pair of running shoes haha
ReplyDelete