EACH FALL, THE KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE hits the streets of Downtown Toledo to walk or run to raise money that saves lives, while celebrating survivors and those living with breast cancer, and to honor loved ones lost. Be a part of the mission again on Sunday, September 26th.
A common perception about the word “race” is that you must be really fast, young and fit, an everyday athlete, or at peak fitness, when really it’s just about setting a personal goal and putting one foot in front of the other. As with other races here in the Glass City, individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate in one of the Komen Race for the Cure events. There will be walkers, wheelchairs, joggers (who really are just runners enjoying the view slightly longer), and, yes, really fast people too, not to mention others who participate and support virtually—all of them united in one mission, one goal, one lifestyle.
Regardless of whether someone is walking, running, or standing and cheering this day, happy feet will be at the root of their comfort and injury-free activity. Choosing the right footwear when participating in opportunities that support great causes in the community will benefit one’s overall well-being.
Whatever way you choose to be involved in this and other community events, make sure your feet will still love you when you’re done.
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. Considering 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 shoe laces; 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 your purchase history and be able to evaluate initial recommendations to meet evolving needs and preferences upon each visit—giving your feet exactly what they need to feel good the whole time you’re on them.
Stand up to support Susan G. Komen’s mission here in Northwest Ohio, and be proud of what we can do and all the positive things on the horizon we’ll share when we defeat breast cancer together. 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 full details on each event, including any applicable fees, please visit davesraces.com.
Mel Brodt High School Invitational
Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.
Miakonda Trail Ultra
Saturday, September 4-Sunday, September 5, 2021 at Camp Miakonda, 5600 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, Ohio. Ultra, relay, and 100K at 10:00 a.m. 15K at 7:00 a.m.
Pioneer Days Friday Night 4 Miler
Friday, September 10, 2021, 6:30 p.m. at 301 N. 3rd St., Kalida, Ohio.
5K Run for Life
Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Dana World Headquarters, 3939 Technology Dr., Maumee, Ohio. 5K at 9:00 a.m. Kids Fun Run at 9:45 a.m.
Bark in the Park
Saturday, September 11, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at 16618 TR 208, Findlay, Ohio.
Holy Trinity Eagle 5K & Eaglet Fun Run
Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Evergreen High School, 14544 Co. Rd. 6, Metamora, Ohio. 5K at 8:30 a.m. Eaglet Fun Run at 8:00 a.m.
Pulmonary Fibrosis 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, September 12, 2021, 9:00 a.m. at 2801 W. Bancroft St., Mail Stop #119, Toledo, Ohio.
Alexa Brown 5K
Saturday, September 18, 2021, 8:45 a.m. (Kids 1K at 8:15 a.m.), Main St., downtown Clyde, Ohio.
Grasshopper 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, September 18, 2021, 1:30 p.m. at Lakota High School, 5200 Co. Rd. 13, Kansas, Ohio.
Redhead Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, September 18, 2021, 9:00 a.m., at St. Peter Lutheran Church, K980 Co. Rd. 17D, Napoleon, Ohio.
BE FAST 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, September 19, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at 2200 Kenwood Blvd., Toledo, Ohio.
11th Annual Run the Res 5K/10K
Sunday, September 19, 2021, 2:00 p.m. (Run the Res Kids Fun Run at 1:00 p.m.) at Gray Park, Fostoria, Ohio.
Sylvania Schools Elementary Cross Country Series
Wednesday, September 22-Thursday, October 7, 2021, 5:00 p.m. at 5403 Silica Dr., Sylvania, Ohio.
One Step at a Time
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 9:00 a.m. at Camp Lakota.
2nd Annual As We Grow Diaper Dash – A Virtual Race
Monday, September 27-Sunday, October 10, 2021. Race can be completed anywhere.
Race for Grace PAIL Remembrance 5K Run/Walk
Wednesday, September 29-Saturday, October 2, 2021, 9:15 a.m. (One-Mile Remembrance Walk at 9:30 a.m.) at 407 Stearns Ave. (near Deshler Reservoir), Deshler, Ohio.
