Posted: October 29, 2007

Athletics: Margaret Sue Bozgoz, Foot Solutions Elite Team Head Running Coach and an ALL Armed Forces/ALL Army Marathon Runner

Foot Solutions Runner Tamrat Ayalew Overcomes Political Persecution Including Death Threats and Physical Disabilities to Win Marine Corps Marathon Ayalew Credits Custom Orthotics and Unique Training Method for His Victory Ethiopian Tamrat Ayalew, has won the Marine Corps Marathon after placing 12th last year. Ayalew, who is literally running for his life, is 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. Foot Solutions, a world-wide foot care health and wellness company with more than 230 locations, has made it possible for Ayalew to compete and win. Ayalew credits his custom Foot Solutions orthotics which correct his severe suppination and a unique training method that is gaining popularity with professional and amateur athletes worldwide. The training method is called Balanced Walking and it was created by Foot Solutions. It’s a combination of training with Nordic Walking poles while wearing Foot Solutions uniquely patented Chung Shi shoes. Both the shoes and the poles help Ayalew build strength and stability in a non-stressful way. Ayalew’s Elite Foot Solutions coach, Margaret Sue Bozgoz, a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) and an ALL Army Marathoner and Track Runner, who has coached tens of thousands of walkers and runners and who herself has completed 51 marathons, said Balanced Walking with Nordic Poles, often described as cross-country skiing without the skis, is a great training and recovery activity and is the reason many of the members on her team are able to compete and succeed so consistently. Pole Walking 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. Bozgoz, said the poles along with the Chung Shi shoes help runners and walkers at all fitness levels. The Chung Shi shoes 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 superior total body conditioning with less stress and wear and tear on the body,” said Bozgoz. The poles used for the exercise do vary from traditional ski poles used for the slopes. They are lighter and contain straps that enclose the palm of the hand, similar to fingerless gloves. They have removable tips for two types of terrain. Bozgoz said there is a specific technique used to gain maximum benefits from the exercise. Foot Solutions, a recognized world leader in specialty footwear, custom inserts and technology driven health and wellness products is the first company to introduce the concept of Balance Walking in the United States. Nordic Walking Poles, Chung Shi shoes and Balanced Walking classes are available now at Foot Solutions locations throughout the country. For more information, visit www.footsolutions.com or call 1-888-FIT-FOOT. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest