Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone can provide some input for me. I have been doing triathlons for ~20 years, and was looking to get my first fit session, but dont want to waste money on someone that will not tell me more than I already know. Doesn anyone have any experience with fitters that might do some of the following:
-use any of the commercial ‘fit bikes’
-F.I.S.T. methodology
-foot cant/leg length discrepancy analysis
-power output measurement
-CdA analysis
Im looking to optimize my power output and aerodynamics, and know a little about both, so I'm not looking for the most basic fit. Anyway, if anyone has an opinion, I would be very greatful for the input. THanks!
Stephen J
Some of you know my battle with plantar faciitis over the last few years. Plantar faciitis is inflamation of the facia tendons and ligaments of the bottom of the foot. The primary pain is in the middle of the heel. The pain is bad in the morning but gets better thru the day. Over time it gets worse to the point where it is difficult to walk in the morning at all. The primary prescription is no running. It was brutal.
My efforts to solve my problem involved the following, and this is in order of what I did over two years, some of it concurrent:
1. New shoes. I had been running on shoes that were over a year old. The tri store I visited upgraded me to a neutral, more cushioned shoe.
2. Cortisone shots. This provided relief for a short time but it always came back.
3. Orthopedic doctors, four to be exact, one was a referral from the tri store. Two said I had a problem with my arches and I needed orthotics. One said I had no problem. One said I had a problem and I needed to quit running till it went away.
4. Three sets of custom orthotics. Two were doctor cast. One of those was unrunnable, kind of like running on a brick. Orthotics provided some relief. The one that worked came from Cornerstone Chiropratic in Gorham and was only $200. The off the shelf sole insert from the tri store did not work.
5. Massage. To release the muscles, facia, etc. This helped to get thru races but not training.
6. Acupuncture. Very cool but didn't help the plantar.
7. Chiropractic care. Cornerstone Chiropractic in Gorham uses the iron man tested and endorsed ACT - Active Release Technique. This provided some relief but temporary.
8. Strasburg sock. The tri store sold me a sock for plantar that you wear at night. It keeps the foot flexed and the tendons stretched. This provided some relief, however, there were a couple of falls in the middle of the night trying to walk to the bathroom in two slippery nylon socks that won't let your feet flex.
So, after two years I could run once in a while but not train. I was buying $100 shoes every three months. Everything was a band aid but no solution.
Then, I heard an add for the Maine Running Company on the radio. They talked about a free gait analysis and a performance guarantee. So I drive up there and tell them my story, the whole story. Then they have me run across the floor barefoot. He says your arch is collapsing and you are a pronator. You need a mild stability shoe not a neutral shoe. We try three different ones. He watches me run and off I go. I have ran three times a week for a month. The first time in three years. No plantar pain.
The moral of the story is feet first. Get a gait analysis. Buy the right shoe.
