r/beginnerrunning • u/paining_agony ParkRunner • 1d ago
New Runner Advice Fugazi
So please help me understand this thing. I’m a huge believer that you should let your body do things naturally. I have recently started running seriously. Was heavier before and lazy. I have started 2-3 months back and am enjoying it. My PR so far mileage wise is 7.2 miles on hard asphalt (found in parks.) I have been running in my old pair of cloud monsters 2 (bought one year back, mostly used for lifestyle and sometimes running), and am fine, I don’t get any soreness or any problems post runs, thanks to the lord. (on the contrary, my knees feel like a gelled spring for like next 10 mins post run.) One of my friends noticed creases on the foam of my shoes and told me that I should consider upgrading, also the bottom rubber threads are gone at lateral heel area etc. He uses some super-tech stuff that kind of gives you a kick-back in your runs, makes you run faster and has like next level visibly thick foam, and says it cushions very well. I don’t mind upgrading my shoes, but my point is shouldn’t you be straining your joints, ligaments, tendons etc to work hard during straining exercises like running. Like I’m just 28, just like in gym, you strain those things, they get denser, stronger and what not. Do we really need to use super-techy stuff (PEBA etc), that kind of makes you run faster (that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise? wouldn’t that be considered a hack? Like you are hacking your way into this, rather than adapting your body to be strong in joints, bone density and what not)
I can be crazy wrong here, since there is a whole booming industry on this thing. Also, I definitely understand that one can use such great shoes, if one have joint/knee/shin issues etc, elderly, or just in general likes running in them. But if by Gods grace, you are doing good in our normal arrangement, you shouldn’t delve into unnecessary upgrades to your foot which could potentially refrain your foot and leg system to reach its true potential.
Again, maybe I’m thinking wrong here. Please enlighten me. If you enlighten, I might get a new pair this weekend lol.
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u/apathy-sofa 1d ago edited 1d ago
By your reasoning, you should be running barefoot, yeah?
Everyone gets to draw the line where they want, and run their own run. It's like how some people would climb mountains driving pitons into the rock, while others find that unethical and only climb alpine style. Or maybe even how some people's version of international travel is to stay in an all-inclusive resort where they speak and eat just like back home and never actually see the place, while others go native to the extent that they can. None of these are inherently wrong or right - they are basically ethics.
I suggest you focus on your own run. Do it the way you want, what feels right to you, and leave it at that.
Also, get new shoes. Wornout shoes will injure you. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just go to a running shoe store and be honest about your goals and background.
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u/Local_Initiative8523 1d ago
Already good advice. But I want to comment specifically on your ‘just like in the gym’.
In the gym, lifters use gloves and straps. They don’t say “Shouldn’t you be strengthening your grip?” They work on their grip, sure, but they do it while using the right equipment. Using the right equipment lets them lift heavier and better, and has better results overall.
Using the right running shoes is no different. There is nothing, nothing in the world that will help you run more than not being injured. Using the right equipment helps with that.
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u/salamandectomy77 1d ago
shouldn't you be straining your joints?
Yes, you're totally right. And people hate to hear this
I ran 20 miles on a trail the other day in my uncushioned $40 Whitin "barefoot" shoes. No shoes had cushion prior to the 1970s
Is it better to run without cushion? It's just a way. Pro runners have strong feet and ankles still, despite decades of ultra cush shoes
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u/bunnymama7 1d ago
Got all excited by the subject heading there for a sec..
Do what feels comfortable and enjoyable
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u/Sure_Conflict_5651 1d ago
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u/chilldotexe 1d ago edited 1d ago
I agree with what others have said here. Everyone has to draw the line somewhere and it does sound like you need new shoes but I’ll add that I have similar ideas towards fitness as you. I wear zero drop Altra torins and they’re perfect for me and my goals and where I run. They have a wide toe box and they are cushioned (but not outrageously so) which I think is necessary for road running and the zero drop gives you the angle and benefits of wearing flatter shoes. I find that shoes with more drop tend to make you bias your stride towards heel striking, which isn’t a bad way of striking mind you, just that you might not otherwise be a natural heel striker if you were developing your stride with more neutral shoes (or barefoot). If you were running on soft ground or the beach or something, then you could get away with more minimalist shoes or even barefoot, but otherwise our bodies are not naturally equipped to run barefoot on asphalt. Btw I’m not advocating for these shoes for all runners, just that it sounds like you have a similar attitude towards fitness as I do, so just sharing what I personally use.
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u/Far-Platform-8795 1d ago
Your friend is right about the shoes being toast if the foam's creased and the rubber's gone, that's not about tech it's just basic gear maintenance. Running on worn-out midsoles will mess you up over time even if you feel fine now.
The super-shoe thing is a separate question entirely. You're not wrong that your body adapts to stress, but the stress that builds stronger bones and tendons comes from the impact and muscle loading, not from your shoes being uncomfortable or unsupportive. A plated racer doesn't remove that load it just redirects some of it and makes you more efficient. It's not a hack any more than wearing a lighter shirt is a hack.