John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Monday, October 18, 2010

New shoes with a marathon in 2 weeks?

You read that title correct... after much research about ITBS, I decided to see if getting new shoes would help the pain go away.

And before I jump into that story, I have been asked by a couple of you to share what I am doing about my IT Band.

First, I roll on a foam roller. There are three different colors (I think) and they each express their firmness. Since I am cheap, I bought the most firm which I call Killer. It hurts... the only reason I am smiling here is because I am FAKING it. For the IT Band, start at your hip and roll all the way down, past your knee and back to the hip.... it literally brings tears - which means it is working. BTW: the foam roller can be used for all different parts of your body... Google it!


The next thing I use is the "stick". It is much better if someone else participates in this... preferably someone who does not hate you as this too invokes lots of pain.

 

The stick works wonders. I also will roll on a frozen bottle of Gatorade.

Back to the new shoes... so I was doing lots  of research and some say that ITBS could be occurring because the shoes need replacement. While it is true I will hit 416 miles after the marathon, I did not think I needed new shoes. I only ran 4 miles today, and I tried to run really, really slow. No ITB pain, but I was definitely aware that it was there.

I also got the ITB strap.... just in case. I know that this is just a "band-aid" but I might just need that to get me to the finish line.

What do you think? Would you try to break in new shoes 2 weeks before the marathon. Note: the are the same shoe brand that I have been running in for 6 years.

19 comments:

Emily said...

I often buy new shoes immediately before a race. In February I actually bought them the DAY before a marathon and wore them brand new the next day. I have worn the exact same make and model of shoes for the last 8ish years and have never had trouble breaking them in.

Unknown said...

If you are essentially getting the same shoes as you wear now, and run a few times, I would think they would break in just fine

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

I think you'll be fine with the shoes.

I am just now getting to where I can pick both feet up off the ground and put all my body weight on the roller. And I don't think I even have the firmest one!

Claire said...

Shoes should be fine. I can usually tell about 5 miles in if I'm going to love or hate them. Good luck!

Anne said...

I would say why not, but my PT would say NOT...good luck with whatever you decide and GOOD LUCK on your marathon!!

gba_gf said...

I replace my shoes every 300 miles (ouch, expensive), but if I don't, I do start noticing aches and pains in strange places. I bet these shoes are JUST the thing you need! I'm hoping to have just a few miles on my Marathon pair before the big day. I want them super fresh, but slightly broken in.

RunningFromCancer said...

I would replace them. You will be able to tell how they feel in any of your remaining training runs. Since they are the same shoe I would get them replaced ASAP.

H Love said...

I got new ones 4 weeks out and had a week of working out kinks. Kind of a gamble but if it is the exact pair should be ok. P.S. you look just like me....love the foam roller.

Rene' said...

i bought a new pair and then ran a 30 K in them the next day. you should be fine. I would think a fresh pair would be just what you band needs. now for the foam roller, i need to get one of those.

S Club Mama said...

I would, but I have little experience. I wore new clothes the day of our 1/2 marathon though.

KovasP said...

I'd try breaking them in, but reserve the old ones just in case. You'll know after several runs if the new ones will work or not.

kaitlin said...

Yep, I would get new shoes. I have ran two races in new shoes... the first time, with the same make and model, was great. No problems at all. This past Sunday, with the same make but a different model, I got some blisters. Uncomfortable, and not fun. But probably better than beating my feet to death in shoes with no cushion left in them. =) Have a great race!

Anonymous said...

i use 'em both..which reminds me..I need to get on my bloody roller later today...LOVE the stick..and since i love self torture...only I get to inflict that kind of pain on moi...

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the comment on my blog! I actually got new shoes about a week before my race. Like you, I have worn the same shoe for several years and I don't have to break them in. I ran in them 3 times before the race and my knees and hips felt much better. Also, I love rolling on pvc pipe. It is only $6 at a hardware store and works so well.

Good luck! I will be following along :)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I will be running the ultra with shoes that will have less than 20 miles on them. Not the first time I've done that. I almost always wear the same brand shoe. So 2 weeks is a life time!

You look so great! Love your skirt!

Kirsten said...

Glad you got new shoes and I hope it helps. Sounds like you are doing everything right for your ITB. Rolling is so good for it and the excruciating pain is because it is so tight and inflamed. My chiro friend and running partner Steph did an ART treatment on mine after our long run last weekend and it actually is really helping. Hoping yours keeps getting better!!

Heather said...

I have to replace my shoes often. It doesn't bother me. If they are the same style maybe it won't bother you either.

Angela said...

The pidgin stretch directly after rolling helps me with my IT issues. I roll on a 28oz. can of tomatoes and my dear husband rolls my leg with a rolling pin...

Courtney @ I CAN DO THIS said...

I think it's time! But are you switching shoe models? If so, you might want to break them in. 2 weeks should be plenty of time though, no?