JUST AS THE SOLHEIM CUP coming to Toledo this Summer combines the tradition and prestige of the game of golf with passion for one’s country, the local running scene combines the tradition of competition with the camaraderie and love between athletes and others of all ages and abilities for our community and one another. Since we’ll all be standing on our feet cheering for our favorite golfer at Inverness Club and around the region, we’ll want to make sure we’re comfortable doing it.
Regardless of our choice of daily routine, athletic lifestyle, work, or activity, happy feet are at the root of our overall well-being and desire to keep it up. Creating opportunities that have the potential to reach everyone in the community is part of what increases inclusion and pride in self and this region we share as home. This can all come together when we address an often-overlooked way to improve personal comfort and self-awareness.
Feel your feet
Feet are often taken for granted when evaluating personal well-being and social equity, but when we make foot health a priority, many of the lifestyle aches and pains we’re dealing with can be reduced or even eliminated. It all starts with what type of footwear we put on, how often we change them throughout the day, and when we replace them with new ones.
The human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments all working together to provide support, balance, and mobility. Those are a lot of moving parts. Additionally, everyone’s feet are set up a little bit differently and should be evaluated individually.
Don’t let the name fool you. Dave’s Running Shop provides performance footwear and orthotics for people of all ages and lifestyle preferences. You don’t have to be a runner to find the right footwear at Dave’s. In fact, a large number of our customers don’t run at all—but they keep coming back because their feet feel good in their selection and they were treated right during their visit.
Getting fitted in the proper footwear consists of several observational and measuring steps. All of these steps are pretty basic, but it takes a trained professional to evaluate what they all mean once put together. During a fitting at Dave’s, you’ll be asked to walk, run or jog, stand in varying ways, and flex your feet through a few low-intensity movements. Measurements will be taken, and your existing shoes will be inspected for wear patterns before any type of shoe is recommended and tried on for comfort. You’ll be able to walk around the store in each pair and ask any questions that arise. It may be that you simply need an insole for the type of shoe you’re already wearing. Ultimately, it’s about what feels best to you, so you shouldn’t ever feel pressured into any one choice during a fitting.
Changing shoes throughout the day is one way to reduce foot fatigue. Those shoes we’ve spent our workday in are not necessarily what we should wear around the house or while exercising. Choosing a pair of soft recovery sandals or ultra-cushioned shoes for around-the-home wear, and running shoes with the right lift for your calf flexibility during your runs, walks, and cross-training routines will help with overall comfort. Remember not to overtighten shoelaces; feet need good circulation to perform at their optimal levels. Going barefoot at some points throughout the day is also a great way to stay in touch with our feet and what they might be trying to tell us.
Unfortunately, shoes will not last a lifetime. They only last so long before the stability and cushioning begin to break down and no longer support your foot health. When worn regularly, shoes typically last about six months before they should be replaced. Frequency of wear, type of activity, wear patterns, and miles put on them will be the primary deciding factors in their overall lifespan. Dave’s maintains a personal fitting history and sends out reminders when it’s time to replace shoes too.
Dave’s Running Shop is the only locally owned and operated footwear store in Northwest Ohio, and was the first running shop in Ohio. Founded in 1973, four area locations serve the community from Sylvania, Perrysburg, Findlay, and Delta. Staff is thoroughly trained on the ideal fitting process and latest footwear technology, and no one at Dave’s works on a footwear sale commission. The sole mission is to fit each individual in what’s right for them and their lifestyle goals.
After getting fitted on a first visit, Dave’s will maintain purchase history and be able to evaluate initial recommendations to meet evolving needs and preferences upon each visit—giving our region’s feet exactly what they need to feel good the whole time we’re on them.
So, enjoy the Solheim Cup this summer. Stand up for Northwest Ohio and be proud of what we’ve built together and all the positive things on the horizon we’ll share in our bright-looking future. Let’s go!
DAVE'S RACES
Runners, get ready to “take your mark” in these exciting community events sponsored by Dave’s Performance Footgear. For more information on any event, including any associated costs/fees, please visit davesrunning.com.
Run4Haiti
Complete your race anytime/anywhere during August 2021. The Run4Haiti is back as a 4-mile virtual walk/run race! Each participant can pick their 4-mile course, record their route and time, and submit it on runsignup.com. The Run4Haiti will benefit Mission Possible, a non-profit with 11 schools and 15 churches in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Our 2,500 students receive an education and nutritious meal in order to be equipped as the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.
Sylvania Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike & Relay
Sunday, August 1, 2021, 7:30 a.m., at the Tam-O-Shanter Sports Complex and Olander Lake, 6930 W. Sylvania Avenue, Sylvania, Ohio. This event features a choice of distance and race for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a short or intermediate length triathlon or duathlon, the Sylvania Triathlon/Duathlon is the event for you.
Zip the Burg
Friday, August 6, 2021, at 130 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, Ohio. 4.3551 Mile Run at 7:25 p.m. Family Fun Run/Walk at 7:30 p.m. Kids Dash at 7:00 p.m. Whether you live in Perrysburg, love to visit, or heard all the buzz, this is your chance to come enjoy the excitement and discover why Perrysburg earned the title of Best Suburban Downtown. Come Zip the Burg and join us for this community run in the historic downtown district!
Toledo Jeep ® Fest 4-Miler
Sunday, August 8, 2021, 9:30 a.m. (1.2-mile stroll starts at 9:15 a.m.) at 310 N. Summit St., Toledo, Ohio. A Virtual 4-Miler is also offered. This year’s dynamic, weekend-long event in Downtown Toledo will be better than ever, drawing many thousands of Jeep enthusiasts to take part in the family-friendly festival. The weekend will be action-packed, including some special 80th-anniversary activities planned with many outdoor activities like the signature All-Jeep Parade through downtown Toledo, a massive Vendor Midway, and much more—and of course the Jeep 4-Miler on Sunday morning.
5K on the Fairway 2021
Saturday, August 14, 2021, 8:00 a.m. at 7711 Timbers Blvd., Waterville, Ohio. Come join us for a unique cross-country-style scenic run on the Fairways of Fallen Timbers Golf Course. This 5k race will cover concrete and grass fairways with a great winding view of the entire course. We are running to honor those we have lost, with all proceeds from the run to go to the Cancer Connection of Northwest Ohio.
Dave’s Fall 5K Training 2021
Monday, August 16-Saturday, October 23, 2021, 6:30 p.m. at 5700 Monroe St., Sylvania, Ohio. The Dave’s Fall 5K program is a 10-week training program that provides expert coaching alongside a fun and motivating community of runners who are working toward a common goal. Training is always more fun with others, and Dave’s Running Shop will get you on the right track to a healthy lifestyle. See Davesrunning. com for full details.
Pemberville 5 Miler
Friday, August 20, 2021, 6:30 p.m. at 104 E. Front St., Pemberville, Ohio.
Line Drives for Larry 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, August 21, 2021, 8:00 a.m. at Biddle Park, 900 N. Glenwood Ave., Wauseon, Ohio. Larry Johnston battled glioblastoma (brain cancer) for 11 months. He was an amazing family man and friend to all, who had an avid passion for athletics. Throughout his journey he never lost hope. Please join us for the 7th Annual Line Drives For Larry: Batting To Beat Brain Cancer 5K, to support awareness of GBM and to keep Larry’s memory alive by funding scholarships for local senior athletes.
Runaway Bride (Women’s Distance Festival)
Saturday, August 21, 2021, 9:00 a.m. at the Shoppes at Fallen Timbers, 3100 Main St., Maumee, Ohio. Women only! This is the 41st annual Toledo Roadrunner’s running of this event. Back again this year—the Runaway Bride! Get out your old bridesmaid’s dress that is cluttering up your closet and chase our Runaway Bride.
Ottawa Hills Back to School 5K Walk/Run
Sunday, August 22, 2021, 9:00 a.m. at 2532 Evergreen Rd., Ottawa Hills, Ohio. The annual Back to School 5K is on and in-person! Please join us for a fun walk/run through the village of Ottawa Hills. This event benefits Ottawa Hills 2021 After Prom, an evening of fun, food, and prizes in a drug- and alcohol-free environment.
Boy Scout Marathon, 10K & Tenderfoot 5K
