Runners’ Mailbag: My Injury, Resolutions, Shoe Trends & More

Send your questions on all-things running to [email protected] and I’ll answer them right here in the weekly Runners’ Mailbag.

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How do you handle a running injury?

Not well! I’m currently trying to cope with one and failing un-admirably. I was in the midst of spring marathon training, and it was going great! Until it wasn’t.

It blows! I haven’t run in a month, so I’ve lost my fitness and I’m about to lose my marbles. This is my first real injury (lower back muscle thingy) in two decades of running (humble brag?) and the longest I’ve gone without pounding the pavement. I’d say I’m navigating uncharted territory, but that makes me sound like a brave explorer of new worlds, or something badass.

Truthfully, it’s been quite the opposite. I’ve resembled more of a pathetic coward. Predominantly lying on the couch, stuffing my face with junk, and sulking like a big baby. “Why me?! It’s not fair!” You know, typical loser behavior.

Some advice for others: don’t do what I’ve done. Don’t delay seeing a doctor or physical therapist if your condition doesn’t improve (duh). Don’t stop exercising altogether if you’re safely able to (duh). And don’t take your mind to the deepest depths of despair and think it’s the end of the world. Sure, it is the end of your world, but life still goes on for others.

Regardless of if it’s Achilles tendinopathy, a stress fracture, broken bone, or chipped toenail, you’ll eventually be back on your feet. Spoiler: there’s always someone who’s got it worse than you — with everything in life, including an injury. Remind yourself: this is just a moment in time. And, at the risk of sounding corny, overcoming an injury only makes you stronger and smarter in the long run (pun intended). What a cornball!

I, for one, have now learned not to run through pain (duh). That’s something I should have picked up 20+ years ago when I started the sport. Oopsies. You run and you learn, unless you’re me, apparently.

So, while I unfortunately had to defer my spring marathon, there’s always another race. And I know I’ll come out on the other end more determined and motivated than ever to prove all my imaginary doubters wrong with a PR. And have fun, I guess…if you’re into that sort of thing.

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What’s your new year’s resolution?

I suppose it’s that time of year to make a promise to ourselves we keep for a solid month or two. I typically don’t make resolutions because I’m a near flawless individual, both on and off the roads. But not the trails, though. The trails are an entirely different story. That’s why I avoid running on trails like measles, which is rapidly spreading in the glorious USA, for reasons we can’t possibly determine.

Hmm, perhaps I should resolve to run trails more? Nah. My problem with trail running? Snakes, ticks, and bears — oh my! But also, poison ivy, thorny plants, and tripping over roots — oh my! And just like in space, in the woods no one can hear you scream.

Also, I literally can’t see the forest for the trees. Everything looks the same, damnit! Add in that I’m directionally challenged, and it’s a true miracle if I don’t get lost. Because there’s no conceivable way I can keep track of the whopping two turns I made. Plus, trail running takes FOREVER! My god, every mile feels like two.

But, if I must choose something to work on in 2026, I’d like to include more cross training in my schedule. Just kidding! Fuck you, cross training! Running 4 eva! Besides, I’m not a meathead. I actually do things outside of exercising. Like squats. Ok, bad example. Like reading, then. Although, I admittedly could stand (sit?) to do more.

This year, I finally broke down and bought the Advanced Marathoning book the training plan I follow is based on. It only took me four years and five disappointing marathon results. Turns out, there’s a lot I was doing wrong. Go figure.

But I read non-running stuff, too! Yeah! I once read a whole book on the importance of practicing gratitude! Would it be ungrateful to say I wish I’d chose a different book?

Anyway, we could all read more. No, I’m not just saying this because I run a blog. The written word may be suffering a slow and painful demise with each passing year (death to A.I.!), but it’s one of the best ways to learn something. Of course, I’m well aware many people don’t want to learn anything. Touché.

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What’s the worst shoe colorway?

You might think this is an entirely subjective question. You’d definitely be entirely wrong. There are just certain shoe colors that are objectively uglier. I’m talking about the obnoxious yellow hues, tacky aquamarine blues, and uninspiring grey snoozes. But nothing comes close to the dreadfully mundane all-black pair. I’m talking no other colors, not even a white midsole or slight color accent.

Why would you ever willingly purchase a pair of black shoes to run in? Beats me! These godforsaken shoes aren’t for play! They’re for work! Specifically, service, healthcare, retail, and security workers.

I don’t need my shoes to blend in — I’m not refereeing some snot-nosed 4th graders’ basketball game or serving insufferable patrons in an Applebee’s. I’m not “Eatin’ good in the neighborhood”; I’m running well in the neighborhood, so I need my kicks to stand out to match my loud ego!

Running in a black pair of shoes speaks volumes about your personality. Namely, you’re boring, basic, and bad in bed. Why not spice up your runs (and love life) with a pair that creatively incorporates at least three colors of the rainbow. Have some pride (pun intended?) in what you wear!

Just like in dating, you should never settle. There are dozens of other colorways with better looks and a better personality.

And not so fast, all-white shoes! Sure, you may look “fresh to death” at first, but it doesn’t take many miles for you to resemble a rotting carcass.

Ok, so what’s the best colorway?

C’mon now, that’s an entirely subjective question.

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What shoe trend do you see gaining more popularity?

Dual-density midsoles! For noobs, this means a shoe with two foams in the midsole. This may be a cop-out answer, but I gotta save some brain power for all that reading I resolved to do this year. Just be glad I didn’t answer by saying more plated shoes!

There are many shoes that already incorporate multiple foams, but I think the frequency will only increase in the coming years. Because 2 foams < 1 foam. Wait, no. I meant: 2 foams > 1 foam. Math!

Dual-density midsoles provide a more dynamic, exciting ride, with the foams designed to complement each other. Typically, one foam is more energetic while the other serves as a stabilizer.

You’ll find a dual-density midsole in the Saucony Endorphin Pro and Hurricane, ASICS Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo and Sonicblast, and Nike Vomero 18 and Structure Plus, to name several.

Frankly, it’s not so much about innovation as it is about cash money moolah. Two foams means an ever higher (already insane) price tag.

No shit. What about a less obvious trend?

Ah hell, you didn’t really think brands were going to stop at dual-density midsoles, did you? Oh my god…you did? That’s so cute!

I hope you’re ready for dual-density plates. Yep, don’t be surprised when brands start adding a second plate to a pair and charge an extra $100. Hey, if one plate is good, then two is better, right? It’ll be like a double decker shoe sandwich: foam-plate-foam-plate. Yum! Because stack heights aren’t bonkers enough already.

I’m just glad dual pull tabs hasn’t become a thing. Wait, what? I’m getting word that some shoes actually have a pull tab on the tongue in addition to the heel?! We truly live in hell.

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