Gait Analysis Equals New Trainers

Mizuno Wave Inspire trainers

The Mummy Tummy Begone battle wages on.  As documented in my post The Truth Hurts, I don’t know how to run.  Well, I thought I didn’t until I had my gait analysed.  That’s right…gait analysis equals a pair of new trainers which makes Karin’s legs and feet quite happy bunnies!  What, might you ask, is gait analysis?  I shall enlighten you.  I heartily recommend that anyone wishing to seriously take up running and embarking on a new fitness regime, get yourself to the nearest PROPER running store to have the professionals tell you what to do and what to wear.  It’s nice to wear pretty, shiny shoes but more than likely, they are not going to be what you need and you risk injuring yourself and more likely packing it in because it hurts too much.

On Saturday I visited Advance Performance in Peterborough and was treated to a thorough gait analysis which led to a moderately painful new trainer purchase courtesy of our credit card.  The gait analysis was really quite interesting.  The salesperson analysed my feet without shoes, asked me what type of running I was doing and even knew a fair bit about the recovering Mummies needs.  He put me in a “neutral shoe” and had me run on the treadmill which was being recorded as well.  He was then able to show me exactly what my feet were doing, where my foot was striking the ground and what style of runner that I was.  Who could have guessed that I was actually a “heel striker” and not a “slapper”?  Think Paula Radcliffe (heel striker) vs. Katie Price (slapper…in all senses of the word!).

After my initial analysis, Mr Advance Performance put me in a pair of proper shoes that would correct any inadequacies that I might have.  They did not transform me into the perfect mother with no extra weight but they sure did make my feet feel delightful and when I ran on the treadmill with them I noticed a massive difference.  He then had me try on 2 other pairs and then I got to try on each of them and then go for a wee run in the car park.  Finally, Mr Advance Performance asked me to rank the 3 pairs of shoes in order of comfort preference.  I settled on the Mizuno Wave Inspire and a new jogging bra (must protect the girls) and skipped out of the store.  I was advised to wear the shoes for an hour or so around the house before setting out on my first run.  I always do what I am told!

My first run in my new running trainers was not a thing of beauty but it was a hell of a lot more comfortable and bearable for my legs and feet.  I could actually pick up my feet after each running stint and now I feel like all I have to think about is being able to breathe properly!  I remedied most of the struggles I had the other night, in fact.  My feet were properly suited for the work, my boobs were properly contained and secure, my earphones were snug in my ears thanks to the correct accessory piece being fitted and my hair was not in my eyes.  Remarkable progress from Thursday night’s debacle.  I’m proud to say that I did my run/walk workout 4 nights this week and ate MUCH more sensibly which allowed me to feel better and feel PROUD of myself for making a start.  I may have lost a pound or two (I’ll weigh myself Monday morning) but I am really pleased with the fact that I’m moving in the right direction.  I’m going to be working with Wendy Powell of No More Excuses to bring Mummy Tummy solutions to the many Mums who have commented here this week.  I’m also partnering up with Rachael of Marathon Mummy for some Guest Blogging on each other’s sites.  Rachael is a REAL MUMMY…in her own words

I hate running. I look awful in lycra, and my body shape owes more to Dawn French than Paula Radcliffe. So running the Virgin London Marathon wasn’t really at the top of my things to do list. I have four children, I work from home, I have an allotment which recently earned a ‘must do better’ letter. So last April, when I discovered that my cholesterol levels were too high, I decided that I’d run the Virgin London Marathon in memory of my father. He’d have found that highly amusing, given that I was the girl who would run a mile to avoid any form of exercise.

I can really relate to Rachael, in so many ways!  Rachael and I are plotting to bring you Running for Mummies which will hopefully inspire you to get up off that couch and get yourself fit.  Maybe we’ll make it into a book…you just never know…we’re both rather clever!

There you have it…my first week of the Mummy Tummy Begone challenge.  Not half bad.  Goals for next week:

• Add a morning fast walk with Little Miss and the pushchair as many days as possible.
• Continue the night run/walk plan and add on a bit more running and walking to extend the workout from 20 to 30 minutes.
• Start proper abdominal strengthening courtesy of Wendy Powell’s genius.
• Add at least 2 Wii EA Sports Active Personal Trainer workouts during the week.
• Continue with sensible eating

What are your goals for this week?  I’ll keep you posted and will let you know when the BRILLIANT guest bloggers will be making an appearance here at Cafe Bebe.  I know you’ll welcome them with open arms!  Until then, good luck on your Mummy Tummy Begone challenge.