Welcome back to another Round-Up at Doctors of Running! April was an exciting month with the launch of a new series along with a wealth of interviews that we've been eager to share. April also kicks off the spring footwear season, meaning a lot of daily trainers and road racing shoes are ahead for us all. Read on to check out the ten big things we did in April as we gear up for a very exciting May full of surprises at DOR.
Ten Things To Check Out From April 2022
at Doctors of Running
at Doctors of Running
1. Launching Our Sustainable Futures Series
We were excited to launch the beginning of our Sustainability Project this week, a long term series dedicated to looking at the future of footwear as the industry shifts towards greener pastures. Our goal in the series is to better understand why companies are making the shift to sustainable footwear and explore the science behind making products more efficient for the future of our planet.
In our first volume, we talked with Keith Sterns, Senior Product Manager at Reebok, to discusss their Floatride Energy Grow model and explore Reebok's intentions for the future.
Read Volume 1 of our series here: https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2022/04/reeboks-push-towards-reenewable-future.html
In our first volume, we talked with Keith Sterns, Senior Product Manager at Reebok, to discusss their Floatride Energy Grow model and explore Reebok's intentions for the future.
Read Volume 1 of our series here: https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2022/04/reeboks-push-towards-reenewable-future.html
2. DOR Giving, April 2022:
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| Image by Shan Riggs |
We are giving $124.40 to the East Coast Greenway, which is a developing 3,000 mile multi-use pathway connecting 15 states and 450 communities from Maine to Florida. The East Coast Greenway is a non-profit organization with a mission of connecting people to nature and communities via a safe, accessible Greenway. As physical therapists, we know that a major barrier to exercise is having a safe place to do so. Trails like the Greenway provide a safe, convenient place for people to get outside and get moving.
In an incredible fundraising effort, ultra runner Shan Riggs departed Key West, Florida, on Saturday, April 16, in an attempt to become the first-known runner to cover the entire 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway. He and his partner, Joshuaine Grant, who is providing bike support for the run, are trying to raise $30,000, or $10 per mile, to support the Greenway. This is not Rigg’s first cross country running trip - in 2020, he ran more than 3,200 miles from San Francisco to Connecticut, completing a west-to-east run of the continental United States. He raised more than $45,000 for Foodshare, which is part of Feeding America. Doctors of Running will be hosting Shan and Josh on the podcast in June to hear all about the trip and everything that goes into him running an average of 40 miles per day for this great cause.
To learn more about Shan and Josh’s trip, check out https://www.eastcoastgreenwayexpedition.com/. Please join us in supporting their efforts!
3. The Truth About Midsoles, with Geoff Burns
Dr. Geoff Burns is a physiologist and engineer with an expertise in running. He works for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a Sport Physiologist, and he conducts academic research with the University of Michigan. His work has focused on running biomechanics and performance. Geoff is a runner himself and competes internationally in ultramarathons. He was the 2016 USA national champion in the 100km and has finished 5th at the 100km World Championships, twice, in 2016 and 2018.
We had the great honor of sitting with Geoff to do our biggest episode yet on everything midsoles. Geoff unloads his knowledge for us to uncover everything from material science to properties of midsoles. This is a must-listen episode that you can find here:
Direct Links: Apple | Spotify | Anchor
We had the great honor of sitting with Geoff to do our biggest episode yet on everything midsoles. Geoff unloads his knowledge for us to uncover everything from material science to properties of midsoles. This is a must-listen episode that you can find here:
Direct Links: Apple | Spotify | Anchor
4. The Asics Metaspeed Sky+ and Edge+
This month Asics sent information out to unveil the latest update to their racing line: the Metaspeed Sky+ and Edge+. Here are the details:
Metaspeed Sky+
39mm heel, 34 mm forefoot
205 g, 7.2 oz estimated
Key change: higher toe spring for stronger downward push, 4% more FF Blast Turbo
Metaspeed Edge+
39 mm heel, 31 mm forefoot
210 g, 7.4 oz estimated
Key change: 16% more Flytefoam Blast Turbo, lower toe spring curve than v1 for easier roll forward-forward motion
Plate Details:
“For the METASPEED SKY+ the plate is constructed for pressing the foam to give the stride runner a higher bounce back. For the METASPEED EDGE+, the plate is constructed for rolling roam, to help the cadence runner’s gait to give them a more efficient kick-back.”
5. Monthly Q&A: Why Do Rockers Work for Inflexible Toes?
Reader Question: I run only 2-3 times a week - sometimes only once - primarily because running invariable results in either:
1) blisters on the inside of the ball and big toe of each foot;
and 2) pain in the ball of each foot, which can become pretty prohibitive.
I also have markedly inflexibly big toes in that they simply don’t bend back fully and make some movements difficult/ impossible. I’ve been to a podiatrist and been told I have flat feet and overpronate. From him and I bought a pair of tailored insoles designed to help mitigate the effects of these issues. They work a little, but far from perfectly. Is this something on which you can offer any advice?? Anything - anything at all! - would be greatly appreciated: be that suggestions on running shoes I could try, or exercises, or…?
In case it’s helpful, I currently run in a pair of Saucony Endorphin Speeds - these don’t cause blisters but the balls of my feet do become sore after a couple of runs; and Inov8 Terraultra g270s: these bring on blisters but don’t exacerbate the pain in the bones.
I’m confused by all of this! Many thanks for you time and consideration.
Answer: If you have extremely limited 1st toe mobility, then you need a shoe with adequate toe spring/a forefoot rocker. That is why the Terra Ultra g270 and the Endorphin Speeds are working for you.
It is extremely common to develop flat feet/overpronation to get around inflexible toes. This allows your feet to go off the medial side of the toes, bypassing the stiffness. Pronation itself is not an issue IF you have control over it. However, the limited toe mobility will certainly cause excessive pressure on the balls of your feet (trying to get over the stiff big toe) and blister from your foot shifting to get around this.
A shoe with a significant amount of toe spring will be helpful. You do need to make sure that the toespring doesn't extend your toes, but keeps them in a neutral position and allows you to transition forward. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of shoes out there that have this feature. Most Hoka shoes will have this, the Saucony Endorphin Shift series is excellent at this and many more.
Got a training shoe you want us to check out? Let us know at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
1) blisters on the inside of the ball and big toe of each foot;
and 2) pain in the ball of each foot, which can become pretty prohibitive.
I also have markedly inflexibly big toes in that they simply don’t bend back fully and make some movements difficult/ impossible. I’ve been to a podiatrist and been told I have flat feet and overpronate. From him and I bought a pair of tailored insoles designed to help mitigate the effects of these issues. They work a little, but far from perfectly. Is this something on which you can offer any advice?? Anything - anything at all! - would be greatly appreciated: be that suggestions on running shoes I could try, or exercises, or…?
In case it’s helpful, I currently run in a pair of Saucony Endorphin Speeds - these don’t cause blisters but the balls of my feet do become sore after a couple of runs; and Inov8 Terraultra g270s: these bring on blisters but don’t exacerbate the pain in the bones.
I’m confused by all of this! Many thanks for you time and consideration.
Answer: If you have extremely limited 1st toe mobility, then you need a shoe with adequate toe spring/a forefoot rocker. That is why the Terra Ultra g270 and the Endorphin Speeds are working for you.
It is extremely common to develop flat feet/overpronation to get around inflexible toes. This allows your feet to go off the medial side of the toes, bypassing the stiffness. Pronation itself is not an issue IF you have control over it. However, the limited toe mobility will certainly cause excessive pressure on the balls of your feet (trying to get over the stiff big toe) and blister from your foot shifting to get around this.
A shoe with a significant amount of toe spring will be helpful. You do need to make sure that the toespring doesn't extend your toes, but keeps them in a neutral position and allows you to transition forward. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of shoes out there that have this feature. Most Hoka shoes will have this, the Saucony Endorphin Shift series is excellent at this and many more.
Got a training shoe you want us to check out? Let us know at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
6. The Science of Training and Nutrition for Women
Contributors Andrea Myers and Megan Flynn hosted two very special guests, Selene Yeager and Jennifer O’Donnell-Giles MS RD CSSD to discuss a broad range of topics surrounding women's health & training–nutrition, hydration, the menstrual cycle, strength training, and more! This is one of our most info-packed podcasts ever, and a new favorite for the team.
7. Recapping the US 100k Road Ultra Championship
Chief Editor Matt Klein and Senior Contributor Nathan Brown were at the US 100k Road Ultra Championships in Madison WI this last weekend to support Matt's wife, Regina. Regina, who runs professionally for Salomon, placed 3rd overall in the women's race, grabbing a podium spot with only 1 mile to go in the grueling 62 mile race. Additionally, our recent podcast guest Geoff Burns also competed in the men's race, and pulled off a 2nd place overall podium spot in the men's race. Check out this video of them breaking down some of the shoes that were worn at the event!
8. Current Shoe Deals at Running Warehouse
Our friends at Running Warehouse have some really cool deals going on right now for folks looking for everything daily trainers to their next racing shoe. Here are a few of our favorites we've spotted. Note: the following are affiliate links that support Doctors of Running.
Adidas Adios 6
Deal: $94.88 | Review
The Adios 6 is a very fun lightweight trainer that is nsappy and exciting thanks to lightstrike.
Adidas Boston 10
Deal: $109.88 | Review
Longtime readers will know we'll yell at the top of the hill about our love for this shoe til the ends of the Earth. A versatile trainer that gets better with time
Saucony Kinvara 12
Deal: $89.95 | Review
One of our favorite lightweight do-it-alls of 2021.
Drymax Socks
Prices Vary
Drymax doesn't have a most eclectic of designs, but they are some of our favorite running socks in the market for quality.
Our friends at Running Warehouse have some really cool deals going on right now for folks looking for everything daily trainers to their next racing shoe. Here are a few of our favorites we've spotted. Note: the following are affiliate links that support Doctors of Running.
Adidas Adios 6
Deal: $94.88 | Review
The Adios 6 is a very fun lightweight trainer that is nsappy and exciting thanks to lightstrike.
Adidas Boston 10
Deal: $109.88 | Review
Longtime readers will know we'll yell at the top of the hill about our love for this shoe til the ends of the Earth. A versatile trainer that gets better with time
Saucony Kinvara 12
Deal: $89.95 | Review
One of our favorite lightweight do-it-alls of 2021.
Drymax Socks
Prices Vary
Drymax doesn't have a most eclectic of designs, but they are some of our favorite running socks in the market for quality.
9. Get Hydrated on the Long Run | Running Gadget of the Month
Amphipod Hydraform 12 oz Handheld
$24.95 at Running Warehouse
$24.95 at Running Warehouse
The perfect hydration tool to carry you through your long runs. I have tried many handheld bottles, and this is my hands-down (haha) favorite. You don’t have to grip the bottle at all - you just hang the strap on your hand and the bottle’s shape keeps it in place. This bottle has been durable for me and is a staple of my summer season running. I used it all through marathon training and loved it so much I now own 2!
10. Sub 2 Round-Up
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Sub 2 provides us a chance to talk about a lot more things, including some subjects that typically don't make the podcast, in a fast, efficient manner. Check out our latest Sub 2s from April!
Inov-8 Parkclaw G280 and Optimal Flex Points - Matt discusses the new road-to-trail shoe from Inov and how important shoe design is regarding flexibility
The Best Way to Carry Your Phone - Content manager Bach Pham digs into the value of a belt for running
The Cloudboom Echo Review - Matt checks out On's racing shoe
Preview: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer - In a rare two man episode, Nathan and Matt cover the 5k/10k newcomer
Shoe Rundown at the 100k Championships - Nathan and Matt share what shoe choices they are seeing for the ultramarathon race
Puma Fast-R, Better than Alphafly? - David loves the Fast-R and considers if it is his new race day choice over a fan favorite
Is The Asics DS Trainer Still Relevant? - Matt explores if this classic stability racer is still important in today's market
Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 and Stack Height - What is the value of a 12mm drop shoe?
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 vs. X - What does Reebok's new offerings provide for runners?
How On Stabilizes the Monster - Matt looks at the new On Cloudmonster and shows how it is surprisingly stable
All Rockers are Not Alike - Nathan uses the 1080 to discuss the difference between rocker designs
Introducing the Puma Fast R - Matt highlights what is unique about this new super shoe
114 Mile Review of the Alphafly - David's favorite shoe gets a long term update
Trail Shoes and Rockers - Matt discusses the More Trail v2 and its rocker for trails
The Razor Excess 2 and the Function of Plates - Matt delves into plate integration and the Razor's
The Cloudboom Echo Review - Matt checks out On's racing shoe
Preview: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer - In a rare two man episode, Nathan and Matt cover the 5k/10k newcomer
Shoe Rundown at the 100k Championships - Nathan and Matt share what shoe choices they are seeing for the ultramarathon race
Puma Fast-R, Better than Alphafly? - David loves the Fast-R and considers if it is his new race day choice over a fan favorite
Is The Asics DS Trainer Still Relevant? - Matt explores if this classic stability racer is still important in today's market
Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 and Stack Height - What is the value of a 12mm drop shoe?
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 vs. X - What does Reebok's new offerings provide for runners?
How On Stabilizes the Monster - Matt looks at the new On Cloudmonster and shows how it is surprisingly stable
All Rockers are Not Alike - Nathan uses the 1080 to discuss the difference between rocker designs
Introducing the Puma Fast R - Matt highlights what is unique about this new super shoe
114 Mile Review of the Alphafly - David's favorite shoe gets a long term update
Trail Shoes and Rockers - Matt discusses the More Trail v2 and its rocker for trails
The Razor Excess 2 and the Function of Plates - Matt delves into plate integration and the Razor's
Coming Soon at DOR
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
May is lining up to be one of our biggest months ever. We have some huge reviews coming that we're excited to share a very exciting ROAD trip ahead. Finally, we have a long awaited guide we're excited to drop. Additionally, all the podcasts are incoming with some great episodes ahead. Make sure you are following us where you listen to podcast by searching Doctors of Running!
Have questions? Send us an email at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
More Recent Reviews from Doctors of Running
New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer
Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite
Skechers Razor Excess 2
Find all shoe reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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