Posted: May 23, 2007

Athletics: Foot Solutions Runner Overcomes Political Persecution Including Death Threats and Physical Disabilities to Compete In Bolder Boulder

Foot Solutions Elite Runner Tamrat Ayalew, 33, is literally running for his life. Currently seeking political asylum in the United States, Ayalew escaped his native Ethiopia after he was shot in the leg, imprisoned and tortured on several occasions. Ayalew’s coach Margaret Sue Bozgoz, a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) and ALL Army Marathoner and Track Runner who has coached more than ten thousand walkers and runners and who herself has completed 51 marathons, said Ayalew is a strong runner who has a good chance of winning Bolder Boulder. Foot Solutions, a world-wide foot care health and wellness company with nine Front Range locations, has made it possible for Ayalew to compete. Ayalew who won the Potomoc Half Marathon in Virginia and recently placed 4th at the ING Miami Marathon and 4th at the Army 10 Miler, credits his custom orthotics which correct his severe suppination. He also says his unique training with Chung Shi shoes and Nordic Poles helps relieve his tight hamstring muscles. Ayalew said Foot Solutions introduced him to the poles and to a new kind of shoe that also helped him keep the pressure off his hamstrings. The shoes, called Chung Shi, have a uniquely patented angled sole that allows the body to stand and walk in a more aligned position. The overall result of Chung Shi Pole walking is a superior total body conditioning with less stress and wear and tear on the body,” said Bozgoz. Nordic Pole Walking, often described as cross-country skiing without the skis, exercises the entire body encouraging an upright posture and balance without placing unnecessary stress on the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Participants use their arms to push off from their flexible poles, engaging the entire range of upper-body muscles. The poles relieve lower body strain and tone the shoulders, arms and back. Foot Solutions Boulder owner Scott Lee said the activity is gaining popularity among runners at all fitness levels. “It is also great for novices because it is low impact, easy to do and allows for social interaction,” Lee said. The poles used for the exercise do vary from traditional skis used for the slopes. They are lighter and contain straps that enclose the palm of the hand, similar to fingerless gloves. And they have removable tips. Foot Solutions Denver owner Todd Murphy said there is a specific technique used to gain maximum benefits from the exercise and it is catching on because Nordic walkers get a superior workout and burn more up to 46 percent more calories when compared to walking or jogging alone. Chung Shi shoes, Nordic poles, walking classes and free computerized foot analysis are available at nine Denver area Foot Solutions stores. For more information visit www.footsolutions.com or call 1-888-FIT-FOOT.