So you’ve decided to take on the challenge of running a marathon… congratulations! This is a real commitment to your endurance and motivation and you’ll learn a great deal about yourself in the process of training for undertaking such a task. However, it’s vital to set yourself up for success by choosing the right footwear for your training and the marathon itself, and we can help to find the best options for you.
When you’re running, your feet come under a lot of pressure, especially if you are running on roads and pavements. Finding good shoes is essential to support your feet and your whole body, and to prevent injuries and foot problems from developing. Our range of supportive and comfortable footwear includes options for running on all surfaces and for feet of all shapes and sizes, so you can make the most of our expertise to find the perfect match for you.
Preparing for a Marathon
Preparing for a marathon is all about mental and physical endurance, making the most of your time to build up your stamina so that you can handle 26 miles on the day. If you’ve got yourself a place in a marathon, you’ll want to start training immediately, and if you’re planning for the future, it’s a good goal to motivate yourself. When you’re devising a training regime, you’ll need to pay attention to several aspects of preparation.
Aiming to run a marathon is a big dream and you can ensure that you get the most from your training plan by matching your goal to your preparation. Look at the marathon you are aiming for and prepare yourself for it by planning training runs that are on similar terrain and building up your distance and stamina gradually. It is helpful to break down your goals into manageable chunks so that you can make strategic progress and you will soon see results.
Finding the Right Shoes
Finding running shoes that work for you is always easier if you visit a professional shoe store and make the most of expert assistance. You will need to consider the following aspects carefully when you are choosing shoes for marathon running:
1. How long will your running shoes last? Did you know that a pair of running shoes will usually last for around 400-500 miles? This is not a long time in terms of marathon training so you are likely to need several pairs of shoes throughout your training as each will only last for a few months, especially as you build up your distances. As you train, you will find the brands and styles that work for you and this can help you to choose shoes you love each time you need a replacement pair. Don’t be afraid to try something new if you feel that there is room for improvement though, and talk to our expert staff about finding the best fit for your foot shape and gait.
2. What terrain will you be running on? Trail running requires very different properties in your shoes to road running, and you will need to ensure that you have the right amount of cushioning and support for the surfaces you are running on. If you’re running on roads, you’ll want shoes that are flexible and lightweight, designed to protect your feet against impact on hard surfaces. If you’re trail running, you’ll want to opt for shoes that have more textured soles, for increased grip on uneven surfaces, and a more supportive midsole to protect the feet on rougher terrain.
3. How much cushioning do you need? The way your shoes feel on your feet will largely depend on the amount of cushioning in the shoes. The foam used in the shoe will help to absorb the impact as you run, and this will vary in thickness and firmness. This means that you can match the shoes to your feet and your personal preferences, trying out different cushioning options. Some runners prefer very thick, soft foam for extra comfort when running long distances, but others like a firmer sole that has a little less cushioning. Many runners like barefoot shoes, or shoes with very little cushioning, as they feel they are able to achieve a more natural gait. These shoes do not provide arch support and you will need to adjust your feet to them gradually if you wish to try them, as you risk foot injuries if you are not careful.
4. Do you need extra support? The level of support you require from your shoes will be determined by the way your feet move naturally. For instance, if your feet roll out, or in, when you run, known as overpronation or supination, your shoes will wear differently and put pressure on your feet in different places. Having a gait analysis in a professional shoe store is a helpful place to start. Different shoes will give you different levels of support and finding the best fit for your feet can make a huge difference. If you have existing foot problems such as plantar fasciitis or Morton’s Neuroma, which can create severe pain, you are likely to need a higher level of cushioning and support, and an expert fitter can help you to find a really good fit that will transform your comfort levels as you run.
5. Do your shoes fit well? Your feet are unique, and finding the shoes that will fit best can be a challenge, especially if you are new to running. You should have your feet measured by a professional fitter and take advice on the best options for you. Always try on shoes at the end of the day, as your feet swell throughout the day and this will give you a better fit. Ensure that you have both feet measured and try on both shoes before you buy as there may be significant differences between your feet! You should be able to move your toes in the shoes, so don’t be tempted to buy if your feet feel restricted. The main requirement is for your shoes to be comfortable, so do not compromise on this!
6. Explore using insoles or orthotics. Insoles can change the way your shoes feel and can give you the extra cushioning and stability you need during a long run. These are simple to use and can really increase your comfort levels. Orthotics are another great option to correct any postural problems and create a more stable foundation for your feet, especially if you have any issues with pronation. Here at Foot Solutions, we offer a custom orthotics service and this is a great way to ensure that you get the best from your shoes.
It’s a good idea to talk with the staff in your specialist shoe store to find out more about the requirements and recommendations for marathon running. We can help you to find the best shoes to help you train effectively and hammer your challenge of a lifetime!
Find the Perfect Training Shoes in Ireland
Sometimes, finding the right training shoes can be difficult. Come and visit us at Foot Solutions and we’ll help you to find the best options, looking at where and how you run, your training goals and your foot type. When you’re training for a marathon, you can expect to get through several pairs of running shoes, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to find the brands that work best for you and the level of cushioning and support you want.
When you’re considering running a marathon, you might feel overwhelmed by the training process. Don’t forget that you can join a local running club for encouragement and run with friends for motivation, especially as you are building up your stamina. There are plenty of ways to keep your training plan on track, and you’ll find yourself feeling really positive about your challenge as you get closer to your goal.
Visit Foot Solutions Today
Here at Foot Solutions, our expert staff are on hand to help you find great shoes for every occasion, including running a marathon. We can help to identify and alleviate existing foot pain or foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions and Metatarsalgia, and we can help you to find shoes that will change your life if you are suffering with foot, leg or back pain. We can also give you the benefit of our top tips, showing you how best to care for your feet to keep them healthy and pain free all year round.
Pop in and meet our friendly, professional team to see our range of comfortable, stylish shoes and find the best options for exercising, for work and for nights out on the town. You won’t believe how much difference your shoes can make to your feet and to your general health, and we look forward to helping you find out. We also offer custom orthotics and foot health consultations, and we will be happy to discuss these with you when you visit our store.
