The few times I’ve run in the past few weeks, I’ve easily associated the act of running with some form of discomfort, or in extreme cases, pain. I figured that it was something that I’d have to get used to, and that it would get more tolerable after a little while. All my life, I’ve had to deal with various leg and foot pains because of genetics. For the longest time, I figured that the pain was normal, and at best all I could do was dull it. It hasn’t been until only recent years that I’ve had proper footwear and experienced relative comfort. As much as it’ll sound stupid, I was honestly amazed that it was possible for me to be pain-free when I walked.
Which leads back to my Running Room classes. After having one of the clerks fit me with good running shoes, I figured that the pain was something that I’d have to get used to. Running properly was new to me. That, combined with the fact that I’ve dealt with such pains before made me feel like I had to suck it up. What else could I do with the hand I’ve been dealt, you know?
After Sunday’s drop-in class, my shins and the bottom of my feet were feeling a bit numb. I asked the clerk for advice, and she said that things will get better with time, but that she’d make a note for the manager, and the she might have better advice.
I arrived for today’s class a little bit early. The manager was in, so I spoke with her. She took a look at me in me shoes, and she looked aghast. “Your shoes are wrong! You’re over-supinating!” So basically, instead of my foot leaning inwards (due to my flat feet), the shoes and orthotics were over-correcting and making me lean too far outside. GOD! I thought so long ago! She told me that I shouldn’t run today for a few reasons:
- I shouldn’t have to put up with the pain.
- I shouldn’t get the shoes any dirtier (if I’m planning on returning them)
So, alright, I missed the run after the class. I felt bad at not joining the rest of the group, but what could I do? The manager was right. So, when everyone left, she and the current clerk had me try on many pairs of shoes. At one point, I could tell that the manager was having a difficult time figuring out what to do with my feet. We eventually got to a pair of New Balance shoes. I don’t think she was convinced that they were the exact best pair, but they were the best of the ones there. I walked around in them and was feeling alright. I didn’t feel the pain I had with the other trainers I bought. So, I purchased those and agreed to bring back the old pair in the box by this Wednesday.
She told me to try them out on the treadmill to see if they worked well enough. After dinner, I gave it a go. Since the class today was doing 3+1′s, I figured I’d do the same for about 30 mins. To my shock, completing the set was doable. I was tired by the end, but not in the same way that I’ve been tapped out like in the past classes. I was drenched in sweat, and loving it. Most important of all, I felt absolutely no post-pain in my shins and my calves. It’s a damn miracle! I know that treadmill running is a bit easier than running outdoors, but hey, omens are favorable. I am so excited to go back the RR and tell the manager about my positive experience. I want to shout out from the rooftops.
Apparently, I, Jason, can run pain-free. This may take a while for me to get used to.
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