This is one of those things I'm pretty clueless about. But I really wish to start running again, and hopefully if I am fast enough, competetive short distance sprints in this years track and field season.
Alright, I want to start off in the gym getting my endurance up for the time being. My short term goal is to work back to a 5k and eventually doing at least one a week in my workout schedule in addition to any other planned running activities. I did some reading on this topic over at runnersworld.com and figured out that my feet fit best in 9.5-10 sized shoes with D width (average?) if that means anything to you all.
Two years ago, when I was running very often and competing in short distance sprints on my school's track team, I had been using Nike Air Pegasus something or other (bargain bin for like 30 bucks...) that were far less than ideal. I didn't have money to buy better shoes and they were much better than my Vans that I tried to run in, even though they were half a size too small and very uncomfortable because of it. When I finally did have money to spend on good shoes, my coach informed us that it was time to start running in our spikes. So I spent the money on decent spikes instead and have sprinted in them a grand total of 350 meters. I got very sick for two weeks and was forced to quit the sport for the remainder of the year because i couldn't get my rythm back in time and had missed two meets and had no hope of training in the heat to get back into it in time.
Since then I have fallen in love with a couple different sports that have taught me some great lessons. First off, road biking: Taught me that spending 4+ hours in uncomfortable shoes at the top of your performance isn't fun at all. It also taught me that spending money on quality shoes is well worth it. After that, Mountain biking: This taught me that you don't need to spend a ton of money to get a great shoe. In fact, I have found that I prefer skating shoes for platform peddles. So in effect this sport taught me that having the right shoes doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Now I believe I've found what I want for running on flat ground and training at the gym and such. Nike Free Run+ 2 seem to fit my price range nicely (sub $100, these are $90) and have a great many good reviews and very few bad ones. I haven't had a chance to wear a pair yet but will make it a point to. I do like minimalist shoes and don't think I will be happy with anything else. Does my choice sound reasonable for the purpose I have?
The next type I want to look into is something for Trail Running and Hiking. I won't wear anything with a "high-top" because my ankles need to be free. I obviously need something with good grip and durability. I also don't wish to spend very much on these. As they will be a dual purpose shoe I can see spending maybe a little over $100 on them. I've always read that Merrell makes great hiking shoes. So I thought maybe going with something from them would be smart, perhaps one of their Trail Glove series? I like the *idea* of the whole "barefoot" thing, but am weary of it because I live in Arizona and need something protecting my feet from all the thorns and jagged rocks that cover the landscape, at least with respect to the time spent off of the pavement.
Next up is something for hunting. I'm lost, need guidance here. Every hunting specific shoe I’ve come across is a boot in some way shape or form. And all of the shoes I would consider using just aren't colored right for the job. The thought crossed my mind to get combat boots, but is that really necessary? In three-four years I'll be in military anyways so considering that would it be smart to buy a pair? If so, then what brand? I haven't done much research as far as this goes. I am an active hunter though, so I won't be sitting around in one spot very much. Sometimes I'll be sitting still; more often I'll be walking quite a ways to the spot/stand, and other times I’ll be doing nothing but walking around, possibly for several miles. So comfort levels do make a difference, and it gets hot here in Arizona (with very little chance of rain by the way).
While I'm on the subject, I think I should ask about proper socks too. So as far as athletic specific socks I do know what I'm looking for, but when it comes to the trail running/hiking should I look for the same socks as for running and bicycling or should they be more oriented towards hunting/hiking socks. Meaning thick warm socks vs. thin moisture wicking socks?
Am I on the right path?
Sincerely,
-Dylan
Alright, I want to start off in the gym getting my endurance up for the time being. My short term goal is to work back to a 5k and eventually doing at least one a week in my workout schedule in addition to any other planned running activities. I did some reading on this topic over at runnersworld.com and figured out that my feet fit best in 9.5-10 sized shoes with D width (average?) if that means anything to you all.
Two years ago, when I was running very often and competing in short distance sprints on my school's track team, I had been using Nike Air Pegasus something or other (bargain bin for like 30 bucks...) that were far less than ideal. I didn't have money to buy better shoes and they were much better than my Vans that I tried to run in, even though they were half a size too small and very uncomfortable because of it. When I finally did have money to spend on good shoes, my coach informed us that it was time to start running in our spikes. So I spent the money on decent spikes instead and have sprinted in them a grand total of 350 meters. I got very sick for two weeks and was forced to quit the sport for the remainder of the year because i couldn't get my rythm back in time and had missed two meets and had no hope of training in the heat to get back into it in time.
Since then I have fallen in love with a couple different sports that have taught me some great lessons. First off, road biking: Taught me that spending 4+ hours in uncomfortable shoes at the top of your performance isn't fun at all. It also taught me that spending money on quality shoes is well worth it. After that, Mountain biking: This taught me that you don't need to spend a ton of money to get a great shoe. In fact, I have found that I prefer skating shoes for platform peddles. So in effect this sport taught me that having the right shoes doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Now I believe I've found what I want for running on flat ground and training at the gym and such. Nike Free Run+ 2 seem to fit my price range nicely (sub $100, these are $90) and have a great many good reviews and very few bad ones. I haven't had a chance to wear a pair yet but will make it a point to. I do like minimalist shoes and don't think I will be happy with anything else. Does my choice sound reasonable for the purpose I have?
The next type I want to look into is something for Trail Running and Hiking. I won't wear anything with a "high-top" because my ankles need to be free. I obviously need something with good grip and durability. I also don't wish to spend very much on these. As they will be a dual purpose shoe I can see spending maybe a little over $100 on them. I've always read that Merrell makes great hiking shoes. So I thought maybe going with something from them would be smart, perhaps one of their Trail Glove series? I like the *idea* of the whole "barefoot" thing, but am weary of it because I live in Arizona and need something protecting my feet from all the thorns and jagged rocks that cover the landscape, at least with respect to the time spent off of the pavement.
Next up is something for hunting. I'm lost, need guidance here. Every hunting specific shoe I’ve come across is a boot in some way shape or form. And all of the shoes I would consider using just aren't colored right for the job. The thought crossed my mind to get combat boots, but is that really necessary? In three-four years I'll be in military anyways so considering that would it be smart to buy a pair? If so, then what brand? I haven't done much research as far as this goes. I am an active hunter though, so I won't be sitting around in one spot very much. Sometimes I'll be sitting still; more often I'll be walking quite a ways to the spot/stand, and other times I’ll be doing nothing but walking around, possibly for several miles. So comfort levels do make a difference, and it gets hot here in Arizona (with very little chance of rain by the way).
While I'm on the subject, I think I should ask about proper socks too. So as far as athletic specific socks I do know what I'm looking for, but when it comes to the trail running/hiking should I look for the same socks as for running and bicycling or should they be more oriented towards hunting/hiking socks. Meaning thick warm socks vs. thin moisture wicking socks?
Am I on the right path?
Sincerely,
-Dylan
