NatNews

For the most part, running can be a relatively cheap sport in comparison to others that require a significant amount of gear. However, a runner can end up paying a pretty penny when it comes to shoes, especially if he or she has more than one pair in a rotation.

A study conducted by researchers at the Luxembourg Institute of Health revealed that rotating running shoes can decrease the risk of running injuries by up to 39%. Dallas runner and Katy Trail Local Legend on Strava Jack Finn, who regularly runs in the Nike Pegasus, said he currently owns four pairs of running shoes—two daily trainers, one pair of racing shoes, and one pair of trail shoes.

“One daily trainer is my go-to for long runs and workouts, while the other has more cushion for easier recovery runs,” he said. “I think rotating through shoes is an easy way to help prevent injuries since each shoe stresses the legs/feet slightly differently, which helps prevent overuse injuries.”

Local runner Kyle Burnett, who is a member of the Brooks Run Happy Team and typically wears the Brooks Launch 8, opts to have several options available. That’s one of the benefits he experiences of being a Brooks ambassador.

“I rotate about a dozen pairs right now,” he said. “Thank you, Brooks, for keeping me stocked.”

While some runners simply run in their shoes until they look and feel completely worn down, others choose to keep track of the mileage each pair of shoes has experienced. Apps like Strava allow runners to do so, but other options are available, as well. Finn uses Excel to keep track of his shoe mileage, and Burnett uses his Garmin app. Burnett said knowing how worn a shoe is is essential for runners to stay healthy.

“Wearing shoes past their ‘life’ is just asking for an injury,” he said.

Finding the right shoe can sometimes be challenging, but runners are often quickly able to discover what’s most effective for their individual needs and preferences. For Burnett, while fit is important, he is also concerned with making sure that there isn’t too much shoe under his feet.

“I try to find shoes with less cushioning,” he said. “I want to ‘feel’ the ground.”

And whether you want to feel like you’re almost barefoot or running on clouds, it ultimately comes down to what works best for you.

“For daily trainers, it’s got to be comfortable, which, for me, means a little bit of cushion, lightweight upper, and wide toe box,” Finn said. “Durability is also important. For racing marathons and shorter, I’ll sacrifice some comfort and durability for speed. For anything longer, comfort is the most important factor.”

Ancient Roman citizens used to drop pieces of toast into their wine for good health. This is why we have the saying “raise a toast.”

Despite the 90-degree temps expected for at least the next week or so, fall officially begins next Thursday, September 22, and many Dallas residents are ready for a change.

“I love the fall weather,” White Rock Running Co-op member Paige Ryder said. “It’s a great opportunity to spend time outside.”

Even though the season affords opportunities for Dallas residents to enjoy outdoor activities without sweating excessively the second they step into the sunlight, others are a bit more cynical about summer coming to an end.

“The only things I really enjoy about fall are reading in my hammock when the weather is really nice and the ability to ride in the car with the windows down,” WRRC admin and IT specialist Josh Odegard said. “But fall in Texas only lasts two to three weeks, so there’s not really much time to enjoy it before it gets cold.”

One popular annual local attraction among Dallas-area residents is Autumn at the Arboretum, which will include 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash this year. In its 17th year, the spectacle’s theme of “A Fall Fairy Tale” will feature Cinderella’s Carriage, themed pumpkin houses in the beloved Pumpkin Village, and a maze for kids. Other displays will represent classic tales such as Jack & the Beanstalk, The Three Little Pigs, The Sword in the Stone, and One Thousand and One Nights. Autumn at the Arboretum runs from September 17 until October 31.

Another event that has become a staple in some individuals’ yearly traditions is the State Fair of Texas. Beginning on September 30 and continuing through October 23, the fair offers a variety of family-friendly shows, live music, arts and cultural attractions, plenty of food and beverage options, and much more. For Ryder, it’s one event that she doesn’t miss.

“The best fall attraction in my book is the fair,” she said. “The food, nostalgia, and people watching make me come back every year.”

But one doesn’t need to brave the crowds at Fair Park and be surrounded by an array of fried foods that may or may not make sense to enjoy all that the fall season brings.

“My favorite activities in the fall are to go running and watch football,” Ryder said. “Dallas has a great patio scene, and this is the perfect time to watch a game outside.”

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