How to get rid of foot fatigue and the winner of this month’s free pedals
Another month has gone by, which means that it is time to pick another winner of the Catalyst Pedal Social Media Picture contest. We took a look at all of the pictures that riders posted to social media and tagged us in and picked one of them to win a free pair of Catalyst Pedals.
This month’s winner is Penny Schwyn. Thanks for your great picture and thanks to everyone for helping to spread the word about the benefits of the Catalyst Pedals.
I also wanted to share an answer to a question that I got the other day about foot fatigue. If you still suffer from foot fatigue even with the Catalyst Pedals you will want to check this out…
Q: I purchased some of your catalyst pedals back in the first wave in hopes that they would help with foot fatigue on rough downhill sections. Although I love the pedals for other reasons, I don't think I have seen an improvement in the fatigue during the ride or the soreness afterwards.
I am wondering if you might know whether there is anything I can do to prevent this in the future? I wear 5.10s with an insole from Walking Company (I wear those in all of my shoes).
It only happens during sustained rough downhill sections. Maybe my feet are just out of shape? :) If so, are there particular exercises I can do to help?
A: Thanks for the email and the chance to help you out. First, I have to say that I am not a medical professional and so I defer to any medical advice you may have gotten.
With that said, I have a couple of things that might help. First, the type of 5.10's you wear matter. I recommend the Freeriders and not the Impacts. The stiff, thick sole on the impacts are a bit much and don't let the feet get a strong grip. Since they have to work harder to grip the soles they will fatigue faster.
Second, using insoles that provide arch support can actually make it harder on the foot to function properly. The way to increase your arch support is to make the foot stronger, not to prop up the arch. If the insoles have any cushion to them that can also make it harder for the foot to get a get grip and function properly.
So, if you are not using the insoles for medical reasons I'd advise trying to get rid of them. Maybe not going cold turkey but maybe on your shorter rides at first taking them out and working up to longer rides.
I'd also advise some "barefoot" training and walking/ running. You don't need to be totally barefoot but you want some minimalist shoes that allow your foot to move freely and don't provide any arch support. Your feet need to be stressed in order to get stronger and some time spend each day walking around the house barefoot and going on some walks/ short runs in your minimalist shoes will help as well.
Over all you want to get rid of as much "stuff" as you can between your foot and the Catalyst Pedal. Once your foot can grip the pedal and allow it to support the foot itself it will be able to function more efficiently.
Of course, remember that it can take some time and you need to build up to the same distances and intensities you are currently riding. Let your feet adapt and strengthen and they will reward you.
That’s it for now, remember to keep posting your pictures of the Catalyst Pedals and tagging us #pedalinginnovations or #catalystpedal to be entered into next month’s drawing for another free pair of pedals.
Until next time…
Ride Strong,
James Wilson
Pedaling Innovations
This month’s winner is Penny Schwyn. Thanks for your great picture and thanks to everyone for helping to spread the word about the benefits of the Catalyst Pedals.
I also wanted to share an answer to a question that I got the other day about foot fatigue. If you still suffer from foot fatigue even with the Catalyst Pedals you will want to check this out…
------------------------------------------------
Q: I purchased some of your catalyst pedals back in the first wave in hopes that they would help with foot fatigue on rough downhill sections. Although I love the pedals for other reasons, I don't think I have seen an improvement in the fatigue during the ride or the soreness afterwards.
I am wondering if you might know whether there is anything I can do to prevent this in the future? I wear 5.10s with an insole from Walking Company (I wear those in all of my shoes).
It only happens during sustained rough downhill sections. Maybe my feet are just out of shape? :) If so, are there particular exercises I can do to help?
A: Thanks for the email and the chance to help you out. First, I have to say that I am not a medical professional and so I defer to any medical advice you may have gotten.
With that said, I have a couple of things that might help. First, the type of 5.10's you wear matter. I recommend the Freeriders and not the Impacts. The stiff, thick sole on the impacts are a bit much and don't let the feet get a strong grip. Since they have to work harder to grip the soles they will fatigue faster.
Second, using insoles that provide arch support can actually make it harder on the foot to function properly. The way to increase your arch support is to make the foot stronger, not to prop up the arch. If the insoles have any cushion to them that can also make it harder for the foot to get a get grip and function properly.
So, if you are not using the insoles for medical reasons I'd advise trying to get rid of them. Maybe not going cold turkey but maybe on your shorter rides at first taking them out and working up to longer rides.
I'd also advise some "barefoot" training and walking/ running. You don't need to be totally barefoot but you want some minimalist shoes that allow your foot to move freely and don't provide any arch support. Your feet need to be stressed in order to get stronger and some time spend each day walking around the house barefoot and going on some walks/ short runs in your minimalist shoes will help as well.
Over all you want to get rid of as much "stuff" as you can between your foot and the Catalyst Pedal. Once your foot can grip the pedal and allow it to support the foot itself it will be able to function more efficiently.
Of course, remember that it can take some time and you need to build up to the same distances and intensities you are currently riding. Let your feet adapt and strengthen and they will reward you.
------------------------------------------------
That’s it for now, remember to keep posting your pictures of the Catalyst Pedals and tagging us #pedalinginnovations or #catalystpedal to be entered into next month’s drawing for another free pair of pedals.
Until next time…
Ride Strong,
James Wilson
Pedaling Innovations