By Andrew Smith/reporter
Dedication and perseverance, along with the proper pair of shoes, has kept Luke’s Locker manager Ed Swiatocha running hundreds upon hundreds of miles for more than 30 years.
The Texas Running Hall of Fame inductee spoke to NE students Jan. 26 not only of the health benefits of running but also its impact on daily life. During Start Out on the Right Foot, Swiatocha said he receives a “high” from the intense cardiovascular routine.
“It’s a feel-good feeling, an almost positive addiction that can only be satisfied by going out there and running,” he said.
Dressed as if ready to hit the pavement at any given moment, Swiatocha said that despite the extensive routine he completed the very same morning, his energy level for the remaining day persisted unaffected. A decent night’s sleep, plenty of whole grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables and using the right equipment all contribute to the multi-marathon runner’s enduring vigor, he said.
A majority of Swiatocha’s presentation emphasized the importance of using the appropriate shoes. The dynamics of high or low arches, pronates, supinates and feet width are but a few aspects Swiatocha said he and his associates take into account when prescribing the suitable shoe for every customer, whether a walker, sprinter or jogger.
“The first thing you need to take care of is your feet,” he said. “Start out with small distances and progress from there.”
With correct form, the muscle reflexes of the feet get faster, which promotes a swifter pace, contrary to the belief that the length of one’s stride determines improvement, Swiatocha said.
With an occasional head nod from the audience, he described some of the possible injuries from exercising incorrectly.
For example, Swiatocha refers to some runners as “heel strikers,” those who jog landing on their heel first then followed by their toes. They will more often encounter knee problems, he said.
Swiatocha displayed various styles of shoes, including some that have a space for each individual toe, which he said attempts to revert to a more naturalistic style of running. Properly suited shoes can make a difference.
“The three factors of a successful business are location, location, location,” he said. “The three factors I am concerned with when it comes to shoes is the fit, fit, fit.”
Nelson Pacheco, a member of NE Phi Theta Kappa chapter and the NE running club, helped organize the event.
“Overall, it was a good speech although there were a lot less people than expected,” he said.
NE student Teresa McHugh, who moved from New Mexico, said Swiatocha’s speech was helpful.
“There were shoe styles that I didn’t know existed, let alone so specific,” she said.
Swiatocha left the audience with one piece of advice.
“Set a goal for yourself and go for it,” he said.
