GEAR Running Store has compiled a list of some of the most often asked questions about running. They cover a wide range of topics, including injuries, favorite running routes, upcoming races, training groups, etc.
We want to make clear that these answers are compiled from a vast amount of resources, including our own personal experiences. These answers are only the opinions of GEAR Running Store and should not be considered the final word. We encourage you to seek second opinions, especially when dealing with medical questions. We have also included a section linking you to some of the best sites for cross-referencing our information.
Have a question for the GEAR Staff. E-mail us here.
THE CURRENT TOP 5 QUESTIONS
Help, I have shin splints! What to do?
What are the best running routes in the Twin Cities?
Can you recommend some area running clubs?
Do I really need to go to a specialty running store?
What are the best races to run in Minnesota?
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General running sites
Check out these links for a broad range of running and training information Runner's World Online Running Network.com Jeff Galloway's Page Let's Run.com Track and Field News –––––––– Sports medicine Dr. Pribut's Running Injury Page American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine The Virtual Sports Injury Clinic |
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How do I get rid of shin splints? Akee Leggs |
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Unfortunately, there isn't a singular root cause of shin pain or "splints" in runners. "Shin splints" is actually a general term to describe a variety of lower leg tendon ailments that can be caused by a number of things including: shoes that are too firm (too supportive), shoes that are to soft (not supportive enough), increasing training volume too quickly, running on uneven surfaces or even inflexibility or muscle imbalances. As such, finding a quick cure for shin splints is often elusive. However, as with most tendon-type overuse injuries, rest/alternative training, stretching (in this case calf stretches) and diligent post-exercise icing will help. In addition, its always a good idea to have a trainer, sports medicine specialist or running shoe store employee take a look at your foot-type, the wear pattern on your shoes and your running gait (stride) to make sure that you're in the proper kind of shoe. |
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What are the best running routes in the Twin Cities? Lewis and Clark |
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We are biased because of our location next to the Chain of Lakes
, but we think there is no better area in the country than the
routes around the Minneapolis parks and lakes. Runners World magazine just voted Minneapolis the 2nd best running city in the
country, largely based on the routes around the lakes. You can
run anywhere from 3 miles to 50 miles and still be running on
paths kept clear for just runners and walkers. You don't have
to worry about cars or bikes getting in your way. They also do
a tremendous job of keeping the paths cleared of snow and slush
during the winter months, so you can run on them year round. For
a map of milage and routes around Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun,
Lake Harriet and Minnehaha Parkway, click here for map of the lakes
We wouldn't want you to run the same routes every single day, so we certainly recommend some of our other favorite routes. There are some great trails in the Twin Cities. Hyland Park in Bloomington has a tremendous route for trail running that offers hills and tremendous scenery on nice soft surfaces. Murphy-Hanrehan Park in the Savage area and Afton Park in the eastern suburbs of St. Paul also has great trail running available. Click here to link to Hennepin Parks website, a great resource for local trail running. The Luce Line trail in the Western suburbs allows you to run on soft crushed limestone with marked mileage and offers you some nice tree lined routes that are especially nice on windy days. |
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I find it easier to run with someone. Can you recommend any groups
or clubs to run with?
Lone Lee |
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The Twin Cities has some of the best running clubs in the country. We have a very high opinion of many of them and suggest that you compare them to find which group offers exactly what you are looking for. We strongly suggest Northwest ClubRun, the Minnesota Distance Running Association (MDRA), the Calhoun Beach Running Club, and the American Lung Association running club (ALARC). Check out the Minnesota running links on our "events" page. |
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Is it really necessary to visit a "specialty running store" to
buy running shoes and running clothes?
I. Owen BigBoxstore |
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Of course we are biased, but we think visiting a knowledgeable specialty running store is one of the most important things you can do to help you stay successful in your quest for running fitness and enjoyment. The purchase of a quality pair of running shoes fit to your specific needs is the single most important part of a running plan.The staff at our store or any good running store that specializes in running (not bikes, skis, all sports and running!) knows running shoes inside and out. We have encountered all kinds of injuries and foot problems and we know which shoes give you the best chance to be successful. |
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I'm new to the area; what are the best local races to run? I B Fast |
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There are a wide variety of quality local races , so it depends
on the criteria you are looking for. There are fun recreational
5K 's that are full of runners of all shapes and sizes. There
are 5K's and 10K's with elite fields of the top local and national
runners competing at the highest level. Finally, there are plenty
of races from 5K to marathon with both elite runners and first
time runners.
We also have some favorites around the country and occasionally we arrange some group trips to these races. Some of our favorite races, locally and nationally: Winter Waddle 5K |