Training for the marathon Feb. 19? Get the right gear

With the Springfoot Marathon almost exactly three months away, many participants in the 26.2 and 13.1 mile races are starting to train.

Good Morning El Paso anchor Stephanie Valle is participating in the half marathon. She is spending the following weeks finding out what is necessary to succeed in the race, and sharing what she learns.

This week, she’s focusing on gear and shoes.

“A lot of people … may buy online or go into the store, and they get what’s cute or what’s pretty,” said Chris Rowley, the owner of Up and Running, a specialty store geared toward runners with all levels of experience. “That shoe doesn’t necessarily have the support, or it’s not designed for the type of arch that they have.”

Rowley sized up Stephanie’s feet to find the right shoes for her.

“We watch you walk, we take a look at your arch and then we determine based on those few things which shoes would be best for you,” Rowley said.

Up and Running is even equipped with a treadmill for those who want to try a shoe the way they’ll be using it: while running.

Examining Stephanie’s socked feet from a distance, Rowley immediately noticed her low arches. He recommended a shoe with firm foam to support the arch of her feet.

As for apparel, Rowley said clothing is important, too.

“With the technology today on all the apparel, moisture-wicking is what you want,” he said. “You don’t want to have something that’s cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture, so you’re going to have that sweat sitting on your body.”

The moisture-wicking technology even exists in socks.

“All the socks we have are moisture-wicking,” Rowley said. “Pull the moisture away from the foot, and then it will help prevent blisters.”

Rowley says the investment is worth it, considering the success of a runner is dependent on their feet and their endurance.

Springfoot Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is still open for interested participants.

A sign-up event is Thursday, Nov. 17 at Fool’s Gold Bar, 2700 N Mesa St. from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M.

You can also sign up on its website.

Up and Running is located at 3233 N. Mesa St. in West El Paso and 1475 George Dieter #O in East El Paso.