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2007 Male Boston Marathon Masters Winner and the Reigning Female Boston Marathon Masters Record Holder Both Say The Help They’ve Received From Foot Solutions Is The Key To Their Success
Back again to defend their Boston Marathon titles are Oleg Strijadov, 2007 Masters Boston Marathon Winner and Firaya Sultannova-Zhdanova, the reigning female Boston Marathon record holder. Both runners say it is the help they have received from Foot Solutions, an international foot care health and wellness company, that has made it possible for them to keep running.
Both runners sustained painful running conditions due to poor biomechanics and both were able to get back in the race because Foot Solutions made their pain go away by fitting them with custom accommodative inserts in their running shoes.
Foot Solutions elite running team coach, Margaret Sue Bozgoz, said Sultannova-Zhdanova is one of the fastest and toughest master runners in the world. Like every long distance hard headed runner, she tries to ignore pain when she races. However, there comes a point in time where a runner can no longer ignore that pain.
"That’s where we come in." said Bozgoz.
A custom shoe insert was all Sultannova needed to cure a serious case of Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitus, conditions that sometimes sideline serious runners for good.
Sultannova said the custom arch supports along with Foot Solutions unique Chung Shi shoes, which reduce impact and jarring at the heel strike, has made all the difference in the world. I am truly running and walking pain free now.
Similarly, a simple heel lift was the answer to the painfully tight calves Strijadov was experiencing. “Now, I can run without having to worry about my legs tightening up,” said Strijadov.
Both runners also say wearing Chung Shi shoes, which reduce impact and jarring at the heel strike, has also positively impacted their training and recovery.
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. Additional benefits of the Chung Shi shoe include improved muscle coordination, improved balance and increased core stability.
Sultannova said “they are the shoes every runner should wear when they are not running because they allow the body to recover in a natural way”.
Nordic Pole Walking, which Sultannova also incorporates in her training, similarly exercises the body in a non-impact fashion.
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 flexible poles, engaging the entire range of upper-body muscles. The poles relieve lower body strain and tone the shoulders, arms and back.
Bozgoz, said Balance Walking, the combination of Nordic Pole Walking with Chung Shi shoes, is gaining popularity among runners at all fitness levels. “It is also great for novices because it is low impact, easy to do and allows for social interaction,” Bozgoz said.
The poles used for the exercise do vary from traditional skis used for the slopes. They are lighter and contain straps that enclose the palm of the hand, similar to fingerless gloves. And they have removable tips.
Bozgoz said there is a specific technique used to gain maximum benefits from the exercise.
Nordic Poles, Chung Shi shoes, complimentary instruction and free foot analysis is available at more than 240 Foot Solutions locations worldwide. Additionally, Balance Walking classes are available at many Foot Solutions locations.
Foot Solutions, a recognized world leader in specialty footwear, custom inserts and technology driven health and wellness products, is one of the first companies to introduce Nordic Pole Walking in the US and is the only company offering the revolutionary Chung Shi shoes that enhance the workout experience due to its unique curved sole.
For more information, visit www.footsolutions.com or call 1-888- FIT-FOOT for the location nearest you.
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