NEWS

Windermere 20. May 2007. The Brathay Windermere Marathon

Adri Hartveld ran in this testing, very hilly marathon using his latest prototype heelless shoe.  He came home second to a competitor nearly half his age and was first in his age class (over 45).  Over 1200 runners took part.  Adri comfortably overtook runner after runner, most much younger and at the end felt really good, suffering none of the muscles and joint aches so common after marathons.  Whilst other competitors literally limped up to the stage to collect their prize and some were in visible discomfort, Adri took his silver and cycled back to his hotel some 6 miles away.   This is not only a testimony to his fitness but a clear demonstration of the beneficial effects of running heelless.

Stoke-on-Trent 6. February 2008 

HEALUS TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS DISTANCE RUNNER TO MOVE FASTER AND RECOVER QUICKER

 

One of Britain’s leading ultra-distance runners is backing a unique sport shoe design to help him challenge for medals at the World Championships later this year.

 

Stoke-on-Trent’s Brian Cole has been using the locally manufactured Healus running shoe, which has no heel, to train for the past two months in preparation for the 35 mile England team selection race in February.  And he believes the shoes are making a real difference to his training programme, by helping him recover quicker and run faster times.

 

This is a major endorsement, because the Royal Marines recruitment officer is an experienced runner, and has been a member of the Great Britain ultra distance running team for three and a half years.   He is one of the favourites for the 100 km title at the UK Championships in May, and regularly trains in the shoes in preparation for races, covering distances of 20 miles or more, and in the Bourne Sports Breakfast Runs every Saturday.

 

Brian said: “I’ve been using the trainers since December 2007 and have already noticed they are relieving Achilles problems, helping me to recover without stiffness after training, and possibly even making me faster.  My times are getting quicker, but I think that’s a combination of my improved fitness and the running position the shoes put me in.”

 

The Healus design was devised by chartered physiotherapist and veteran long distance runner Adri Hartveld, who researched running styles and found the heel on most trainers could encourage poor posture.  He believes this leads to injuries elsewhere in the body, like the knees, hips and back, because of the damage caused by landing heel first when running.

 

Adri Hartveld said: “The natural running style is to land on the balls of your feet, rather than the heel.  Howver the typical running shoe, with its padded heel, encourages people to heel strike, which slows them down – it’s a natural braking mechanism – and can cause injuries.”

 

Healus are currently in negotiations with footwear manufacturers about bringing the design to a wider audience.  In the meantime, they are available for testing on Saturday mornings at Stoke-on-Trent sports retailer Bourne Sports.