Posted: November 27, 2007

Athletics: Foot Solutions, Elite Marathoner Runner Trains with Chung Shi and Nordic Poles

Alena Vinitskaya, 35 (RUS), just fresh off a Twin Cities Marathon finish last month where she took second place with a time of 2:38 is a favorite to win the 2007 California International Marathon. In preparation of this week’s California Marathon, Vinitskaya concentrated on using a method that is gaining popularity with runners worldwide. “My cross training and low impact exercise of choice was introduced to me last year by my sponsor, Foot Solutions after I stressed my calf muscle while running the LA marathon. Foot Solutions, a worldwide foot care, health and wellness company with franchise locations throughout the world (not to mentions several in California), helped me train again. Not only did they teach me a new sport, I was introduced to orthotics that helped support my unusual high arches”, Vinitskaya said. Nordic Pole Walking, often described as cross-country skiing without the skis, exercises the entire body encouraging an upright posture and balance without placing unnecessary stress on the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Participants use their arms to push off from their poles, engaging the entire range of upper-body muscles. The poles relieve lower body strain and tone the shoulders, arms, and back. The sport, which got its start 10 years ago in Europe, is enjoyed by more than 7 million people worldwide. It is just recently gaining popularity in the U.S. Vinitskaya further enhances her Nordic Pole workout by wearing Chung Shi shoes during her workouts. The shoes, exclusively available at Foot Solutions, have a uniquely patented angled sole that allows the body to stand and walk in a more aligned position. Nordic Pole Walking increases calorie burning 50 percent over walking or jogging alone. The overall result is a more effective workout with less stress and wear and tear on the body. Foot Solutions sponsorship of an Elite Running Team allows us to communicate an important message to professional as well as amateur athletes and even those who are just on their feet all day long. The message is “A properly fitted supportive shoe, combined with an accommodative shoe insert can put your feet in balance and, in turn, improve the alignment of the rest of your body.” For more information, visit www.footsolutions.com or call 1-888-FIT-FOOT. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest