Shoes!

The most frequently asked question I get about running: 

❓How do I get started in running?

I always recommend heading to a local running store (like TC Running Co, the Running Room, Mill City Running) and asking an expert team member for a “gait analysis.”

What is a gait analysis?

They will have you walk (and possibly run) in the store to see how your feet strike the ground (your gait) and recommend shoes that would work well for you.

Next they’ll bring out several boxes (Asics, Nike, Adidas, Brooks, Hoka, New Balance, etc.) of shoes that accommodate your specific gait.

Then comes the fun part – you get to try them on, walk around, run in them, and find shoes that feel AWESOME! 🥳

Once you have shoes that are best suited for your body/gait/feet, you’re a literal STEP AHEAD in your training!

I’d recommend having a couple pair of daily trainers (my go-to currently is the Nike Pegasus 38s) and investing in a race day shoe (Nike Vaporfly 3) to take things to the next level for Grandma’s Marathon!

Happy running!

Brent Silkey

Brent Silkey is a 2024 Grambassador. Meet the other Grambassadors here

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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: Lemon Drop Hill 2010 – first marathon, first challenge facing a hill of that measure, caused me to dig deep and helped me become a better runner 

Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Remember why, remember for whom, it’s not about you.” -When I’m running for a cause like 30 for Freedom – to rescue people out of human trafficking.

A song that must be on your running playlist: “Love Runs Out” OneRepublic – the song playing when I became an Ironman

Reason you absolutely won’t run outside: Hail is the one weather-related reason I wouldn’t run outside!

Running superstition: when the pain starts, smile more!

2024 running goal: to run a 50k every month of 2024 to rescue people from the nightmare of human trafficking and raise $12,000 for 30forFreedom.org in the process.

Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: outside-the-box!