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Since the Philadelphia Marathon Runners’ Blog launched a month ago, we’ve been receiving questions from readers on topics ranging from training courses to how to cool down after a long race.  One interesting topic that recently hit our inbox was a question about the timing of purchasing new running shoes.

Dear Kristen,

I heard that you should replace your shoes every few months of heavy training. I’ve been using the same shoes for some time now and noticed that my toenail is turning black. Could it be my shoes?

- Maggie, Philadelphia

Shoe experts suggest you replace your running shoes 250-500 miles depending on your weight. A runner who weighs 220 lbs. may have to replace their shoes every 350 miles while someone who may be 160 lbs. can get away with running in the same shoes for 450 miles.

Injuries such as black toenails or shin splints are generally tell-tale signs that a runner’s shoes aren’t fitting properly or needs to be replaced. Checking the cushioning of your shoes for excessive wear is typically better to examine rather than your soles. Soles tend to outlast the padding in your shoes.

To be sure, bringing your shoes to a knowledgeable running shoe expert is best to diagnose a need for new shoes, but I’ve been told a good rule of thumb is every six months with regular use. And, of course, exercise good judgment. If your legs or feet hurt while running and your shoes aren’t new, there is a good chance it’s time to lose the shoes!*

*If it is time for a new pair of running shoes, be sure to save your old kicks for Perpetual Prosperity Pumps Foundation shoe drops at the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo!

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Recently, the Philadelphia Marathon team received word from the Perpetual Prosperity Pumps Foundation (PPPF) that we have successfully adopted three families in Ghana.  This is a result of more than 1,800 gently used pairs of donated sneakers at the 2008 Philadelphia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. 

 (If you listen closely, both PPPF and the Philadelphia Marathon team are giving you a round of applause right now.)

Source: PPPF Web site.

Pictured are donated sneakers to PPPF.

According to an IHS Global Insight report, the average household income of a Ghanaian family is $762 per year — a level most Americans would find incomprehensible.  This very low amount feeds and sustains a family structure of about 10 relatives living together.

Recognizing the need for change, PPPF developed a program that provides a well, irrigation system, training, seeds and livestock to perpetually sustain an income and provide basic needs for a Ghanaian family.  And they do this with every 600 pairs of sneakers that are donated.  Funding for these necessary tools is provided from the proceeds of reselling donated shoes collected by PPPF in major metro areas.

Partnering with qualified training organizations in Ghana and supplying enough technology transfer, PPPF makes it possible for a family to increase its income as much as 400 percent or more within the first 12 months and as much as 1,000 percent within two years. Families gain livestock such as roosters, hens, rabbits and hutches in addition to vegetable farms, access to irrigation systems, an installed water pump after irrigation training has been completed, a colonized bee hive, 50 assorted fruit trees and mushroom bags. A bicycle is also provided so a family can easily travel to local markets.

Source: PPPF Web site.

A family learns how to use a new water pump.

And if that wasn’t enough, families also receive entrepreneurship skills like networking, accessing microfinance sites and structuring grower networks. They also receive free eye and dental screening, HIV education, bednets and malaria medication.

It’s really amazing to think that your used running shoes can contribute to essentially lifting a family out of poverty. So this November, bring sneakers from your closet, your friend’s closet, your family’s closet to the Health & Fitness Expo and encourage others to donate, too.

We know the Fedri, Frempong and Fatao families are grateful for your contribution, which supports 32 of their combined family members.

The Perpetual Prosperity Pumps Foundation is doing great things and the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon is proud to support such a terrific organization.

For more information, visit www.pppafrica.org.

Filed under: PPPF, Sustainability, Uncategorized by admin
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