Saturday, April 25, 2009

Celebrate Running at May Events

Spring temperatures have finally arrived in Atlanta, which means great running weather. Be sure to check out these events during the first week of May.

Big Peach Running Co. 5K Run/Walk – May 2
Brookhaven is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Atlanta. Runners hit the streets of this neighborhood next Saturday for Big Peach’s 5K race. The race starts near the Brookhaven MARTA Station and ends at the Big Peach location on Peachtree Road. Top overall finishers and age group winners receive Big Peach gift cards. Proceeds from the race benefit the Georgia Chapter of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Team In Training.

Fit & Feminine Fiesta – May 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with women runners at West Stride’s Fit & Feminine Fiesta. The evening includes sports bra fittings, special deals for ladies throughout the store (including a buy one sports bra, get one $10 off deal), free massages, margaritas and Mexican food. As part of the event, West Stride will raise funds for Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Contact info@weststride.com or call 404-467-1010 for more information.

This week’s route is the 5K race rout for the Big Peach run. You’ll find a map for the route at Map My Run under my group Atlanta Running.


· Start at the corner of N. Druid Hills Rd. and Standard Dr.
· Run down N. Druid Hills and turn right on Lenox Park Blvd.
· Veer left onto Park Vista Dr.
· Turn right on E. Roxboro Rd.
· Turn right on Peachtree Rd.
· End at Big Peach Running Co.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

The Story Behind Running Shoe Insoles

Why do running shoe manufacturers invest so much on the design of the shoe but seemingly so little on the insole? This was the question on my mind the past few weeks as I worked through physical therapy sessions to recuperate from my knee injury. One of the initial recommendations I received was to buy supportive insoles. Which got me thinking about my question.

Ads and articles promote the innovative design aesthetics with shoes that promise support and comfort. But if you look at the insoles in a new pair of shoes, they tend to be thin and a bit flimsy. To help answer my question, I turned to a local expert – Kash, the manager at Big Peach Running in Decatur. Here’s what I learned:

· Manufacturers invest in the design of the mid-sole and the shoe’s structure because these are the areas that absorb the pounding and pressure from running

· The insoles that come with running shoes are intentionally thin because this provides a more comfortable fit when you try on the shoes

· Many shoes are targeted at the $85 to $100 price range; a more expensive insole would push the price above this range

· The mid-sole in new shoes provide plenty of support, so most runners don’t need a thicker insole until well after running 100 miles or more in their shoes

This week’s route is an easy 4-miler in Avondale Estates. You’ll find a map for the route at Map My Run under my group Atlanta Running.

Avondale Estates – 4 miles

· Start at the corner of N. Avondale Rd. and Claredon Ave., by the gazebo
· Turn left and head down Kensington Rd.
· Veer right onto Lakeshore Dr.
· At the end of Avondale Lake, turn right on Wilshire Dr.
· Cross Claredon Ave. and turn right on Sussex Rd.
· Turn left on Dartmouth Ave.
· Turn left on Fairfield Plaza
· Turn right on Essex Rd.
· Turn right at S. Avondale Rd.
· Turn right on Dartmouth Ave
· Turn left on Kingstone Rd.
· Turn right on Claredon Ave.
· Turn left on Wilshire Dr.
· Turn left on Berkley Rd.
· Turn left on Kensington Rd.
· End at start point