Mentor: Mike Gonzalez
(626) 568-3331 (Number of business)
http://www.clubrunwithus.com/home.html
Day One:
I did a total of 3 hours on my first day. Since it was my first day I didn't do much besides watch the workers size other costumers. My mentor taught me about the different types of running shoes, and how to find the right pair of a certain type of person. He taught me how to recognize weak ankles and low arches, and how those types of problems can affect someones running career. While I was doing my community service hours, I was able to meet Sylvia Mosqueda. She is an elite runner who made multiple attempts to reach the olympics. Although she never ran representing USA, she is still an outstanding runner. I was also able to meet a professional track and field coach. He gave me a few tips on techniques for sprinting and training your body, and mind. By the end of the day I felt like i had an overall good experience on my first day.
Day Two:
I did 4 hours. After reading over a few pamphlets, I felt more comfortable with my knowledge of fitting costumers. and I was able to assist my mentor in sizing future runners. When I sized my first customer I was pretty nervous, there is way more to the right running shoe than getting it in the right size. Having the right shoe can prevent several potential injuries. If I gave them the wrong shoe i could be hurting them with out even knowing it. But the end of the day I fit about 5 customers. Unfortunately, there wasn't any surprise visits from professional athletes/coaches.
Day Three:
On my last day I finished off my hours and did 3 more hours. The store wasn't very busy so I wasn't able to fit vary many people. But one of the Asics representatives came in to the store and was presenting their new line of shoes and clothes to the owner. I was able to watch and help pick out some of the thing I liked. Running is more than putting one foot in front of the other, you have to wear the appropriate clothing. You don't want to wear something heavy that will drag you down, or sags to much, it should be fitted to you can be arrow dynamic.
What questions were raised because of the 10 hours of experience? List them.
I had a lot of questions about technique. There are a lot of things about the mechanics of running I still don't know. So it would be nice to learn about all of that. I think that would help me become a better runner. I also would like to know more about the elite runners. Like why are they so crazy fast! As well as their training plans, diets, and sprint work outs. I'm curious as to how they reach the elite level. Is it more than just being fast, because personally I don't believe anyone can be born an elite runner. It takes hard work and dedication.
What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?
I think the most important thing I gained from this experience is all the new information I got about running. Since I plan on training for a marathon it's good to have these tips so I don't injure myself or cause permanent damage. The people I talk to also help me to create my own training regimen for my marathon. This way it's unique to my running style and goal finishing time.
How did what you did help you choose a topic?
I think what helped me pick my topic was the environment. Being around all of these people who have such a passion for something as simple as running really makes you feel proud. Even though you may not run a marathon in under 2 hours, they still respect you as a runner, and everyone helps each other out. In the running world there are no secrets, at least not any that you can't share with your fellow runner. Also, learning all these cool tips and tricks, like running on a track more than 6 miles is damaging, or that running heel to toe isn't bad, it just doesn't work out your calf muscles as much is really interesting and helpful to me as a runner.
