Posted: November 26, 2007

Athletics: Foot Solutions Elite Kenyan Runner Overcomes A Leg Length Discrepancy, Achilles Tendonitis and Knee pain to train for the Tucson Marathon Record

Gideon Talam, 35 has a marathon best of 2:14. He will attempt to break the Tucson marathon’s course record set by Bassirima Soro in 2000. On 2 Dec 2007, Talam will be racing the 26.2 mile distance for the first time in two years. Talam, like some people was born with one leg longer than the other. He quickly started feeling the effects of his leg discrepancy as his body began to wear down after his 2002 marathon win in Bolzano Italy. For the next 3 years, he ran with pain until he was forced to stop running. Talam did not run from 2005-2006 due to Achilles Tendonitis, severe knee pain and frequent tightening of his calve muscles. In early 2007, he started training again. In Oct 2007, Talam and his coach, Margaret Sue Bozgoz decided he was ready to race a marathon. Coach Bozgoz, who has completed 51 marathons herself as well as coached tens of thousands of walkers and runners since 1987 knew what Talam needed. “What he needed, Bozgoz said, was to achieve total balance as his feet hit the pavement. Watching him run for the first time, reminded me of an out of control bike with two flat tires rolling down a hill. His feet, legs and hips were all over the place. Once Foot Solutions fit him with a custom orthotic he immediately began to feel relief and within a month was back to full training. Foot Solutions, the world’s largest franchiser focused on foot care health and wellness, has helped millions overcome similar conditions since its inception in 2000. With over 235 franchises worldwide, the company provides a unique service to its clients. “We find solutions for people whose feet hurt,” said company president Ray Margiano. Consequently, we also help a lot of people who have knee, joint and back problems,” he said. Foot Solutions sponsorship of an Elite Running Team allows us to communicate an important message to professional as well as amateur athletes and even those who are just on their feet all day long. The message is “A properly fitted supportive shoe, combined with an accommodative shoe insert can put your feet in balance and, in turn, improve the alignment of the rest of your body.” For more information, visit www.footsolutions.com or call 1-888-FIT-FOOT. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest