Running during lockdown

For running enthusiasts, due to the lockdown, we adapt our running training sessions as best as we can while respecting the regulations, namely, a maximum of 1 hour of daily outings within a 1km radius of our home.

Even though the playground is more restricted and precautions must be taken in terms of social distancing, this does not prevent going for a run 1 to 2 times a week; it relieves stress, clears the mind, and keeps you in shape. An essential thing during this particular period.

While some are taking on increasingly crazy challenges: like running a marathon on a balcony or a vertical kilometer in the garden, or a half-marathon in a cellar. It is better to have good equipment, starting with a good pair of running shoes to avoid injury.

1. We help you choose your pair of running shoes

To choose your running shoes well, it is important to consider these different elements:

- Comfort

The first thing to consider when choosing your pair of running shoes is the comfort of fit. You should feel comfortable in your shoe right away, that the shoe fits your foot perfectly; if you feel any discomfort during the fitting, the discomfort will be amplified during your running outings.

- Cushioning

The choice of cushioning will depend on the terrain on which you practice and the duration. Generally, the longer you run long distances like a marathon, the more you will need good cushioning. If you only run on concrete, you also need cushioning to limit shocks. If you run mostly on well-packed trails, less cushioning is needed.

- Drop

The drop is the difference in height between the front and back of the foot in the construction of the running shoe. This will significantly influence the type of foot strike. The lower the drop of the shoe, the more you will land on the front part of your foot. The higher the drop, the more you will land on your heel first and then roll forward. Studies show that with a shoe with a low drop, the risk of knee injuries decreases; conversely, shoes with a high drop would relieve the Achilles tendons.

2. Good to know when choosing your pair of running shoes

We answer the most frequently asked questions you may have:

- When to change your pair of running shoes?

It depends on how often you use your pair of running shoes. It is considered that shoes designed for long distances (like marathons) can be used for between 800 and 1000 km. For the more experienced, you should change your pair every 6 months, while for some, only once a year.

For fractional running shoes, you can use them for between 500 and 800 km. Depending on usage frequency, they are changed more regularly as wear is faster.

In general, you need to pay attention to your feelings; sometimes you cannot visually see the wear of the shoe, yet there may no longer be cushioning, for example, if you start to feel small pains as soon as you run, it is more than time to change your pair of running shoes!!!

- Should you choose a size larger than your usual size for running?

It is indeed recommended to have more space than your daily shoes, for the simple reason that with effort, the foot tends to swell. Depending on the running brands, a half or a full size larger is necessary. To help you, there should be a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

- What is the difference between a pair of trail shoes and a pair of running shoes?

The biggest difference lies in the sole; a pair of trail shoes will have lugs to improve grip on rough terrain, while running shoes will have a much smoother sole. They are generally more flexible and lighter than trail shoes. Trail shoes may indeed have more protection, which makes them a bit heavier.

- What to do to avoid blisters?

The first thing is to have well-fitting socks for running with different reinforcements at the friction points between the foot and the shoe. Then, there is no mystery; you need to have the right size and the pair of shoes that fits your foot perfectly. If, however, your brand new shoes give you blisters, there are specific creams to apply before your run that work quite well!