The Stiletto Sprint is approaching, here’s how to sprint in style
Next week, hundreds of stiletto-clad feet will rush down Third Street South in a sea of blazing pink glory. No, it’s not a mega-sale at Sak’s. Instead it’s the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s fourth annual Stiletto Sprint. While this annual event is a great fundraiser for the cancer-fighting charity and the Garden of Hope and Courage, it inevitably also turns into a fierce competition.
And if there’s one thing we know about Fit Nation readers, it’s that you all play to win. So we gathered some tips from last year’s second place winner (who can attest to the competitive nature of the run, he got nipped right at the line). Here’s how to sprint like a boss—even if you’re in high heels and lip-gloss.
Choose your weapon wisely.
“I started researching how to run in heels and I found out Mary Janes are the best because they have that strap that comes over the foot. And then I found out what the minimum heel requirement was (it’s two inches) and I went with that.”
Log some miles. Okay maybe not miles, but at least a few meters.
“Believe it or not, I practiced. I put them on and ran around by my house. Women seem to be pretty good at getting around in heels but for a man, you really have to practice so you don’t twist an ankle.”
Go toes-first.
“Treat them like a track spike and you’ll be good. You want to run on the balls of your feet, that way you don’t have to worry about breaking a heel.”
Keep the rest of your form as normal as possible.
“Everything else is pretty much the same: your body position, your arm position, you’re just running on your toes.”
Plan your strategy.
“I lined up a little ways back, my placement at the start line wasn’t ideal. I didn’t realize that most people went at a leisurely pace, so I had to get around a lot of people. I led all the way until the very end where I got beat by another guy.”
Have fun.
The Fourth Annual Stiletto Sprint races down Third Street South in Downtown Old Naples on Saturday, October 19. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and the kid’s sprint begins at 5:45 p.m., followed by the adult’s sprint at 6 p.m. Registration is $35 or $50 for registration and a T-shirt. For more info, visit www.komenswfl.org.