Does wrapping medical tape around your shoes/ foot help you run any better at all? or what does it do?

my coach said it had something to do with your ankles?

Answers:

I am a fairly new runner. I have been doing 3 to 5 mile runs, what is a good time per mile to shoot for?

In general, wrapping medical tape around your feet or ankles do not help in your running because it restricts movement. The main purpose of medical tapes is to prevent further injury by keeping your muscles in place. They certainly don't help if you wrap them around your shoes unless they're so worn out that the only thing holding them together is the tape. :)

A relatively new type of medical tape, however, does more. The Kinesio Taping method originated in Japan, and it involves taping over and around muscles in order to either: assist and give muscle support, or to prevent over contraction of muscles. You generally have to go to a specialist trained in the Kinesio Taping method, like a physical therapist, chiropractor, or athletic trainer, to have the taping done. It is usually hot-pink, blue, beige, or black.

One of the biggest proponents of the Kinesio Taping method is Lance Armstrong (Tour de France champion). In his 2003 book "Every Second Counts", Lance noted his team used "a special hot-pink athletic tape that came from Japan and seemed to have magical powers." Since Lance's endorsement, it has become very popular among athletes from numerous fields, including running.

Aside from the Kinesio Taping method, I am unaware of any special medical tape that helps you run better. Perhaps this is what your coach was referring to.

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What do I need to start running?

putting tape around your foot or shoes will not help you run. It can not help your ankles unless it is around your ankles. Other than help keep your shoes on I don't see how it can help.

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