Carmen
Ayala-Troncoso - Coach, Athlete and Potter
Master’s age group record holder
Track – 1,500m (45-49), 3,000m (40), 5,000m (40) and 10,000
meters (40)
Road – 5km (45-49), 8km (45-49) and 10km (45-49)
Participated in 4 Olympic Trials and 4 World XC Championships
representing the USA and won XC 8,000m and 5,000m race at
the 2006 World Master’s Championships.
I
have been running and racing since 1980. I have only had minor
injuries, mostly lasting 2-3 weeks. Nothing that a few days
off couldn’t cure. However, years of track racing and intense
workouts have taken a toll (I’m now an over 40 runner). I started
with an inflamed bursa on my left hip and this started with
series of nagging, mild injuries, culminating on an overuse
injury on my right ankle which forced me to take 9 weeks off.
Towards the end of the 9 weeks, I ran into Bill Stone who told
me about his orthotics. I have to say that I have never thought
about getting orthotics – choosing instead to work on strength
and muscle stability. Once I saw his orthotics I decided to
give them a try. They were a “soft” design, so it seemed like
a good compromise.
I had my orthotics in time to start my comeback. First walking
in them, they felt perfect instantly. I felt my foot in alignment
with my knee and my hip. I haven’t run one day without them
(over a year). If I forget to pack them, then I just don’t run
that day.
I must add that if Bill Stone was not as knowledgeable as he
is, I’m not sure that I would have gotten them. I only have
to tell him how my foot feels for him to know what adjustments
to make to the orthotics.
Stephan
Schwarze - Engineer, Athlete and Coach for CogniTri
33 Ironman Finishes
2007 Ironman World Championship Hawaii: 1st in M40-44
2006 Finished 7 Ironman races in 5 months all in under 10 hours
2006 USAT National Champion Long Course Duathlon
2005 USAT National Champion Sprint Triathlon
2005 Ironman World Championship Hawaii: Fastest Amateur run
in 2:55
2005 Ironman World Championship Hawaii: 4th in M35-39
I would like to thank Bill Stone for providing great orthotics
to improve not only my biomechanics when running, but also my
race performances.
For
years I’ve had major foot problems especially in marathon running
portion of the Ironman Triathlon. I’ve competed in over 30 Ironman
triathlons and placed on the podium in Hawaii twice. Last year,
Bill worked with me analyzed my foot biomechanics and with the
help of his AcuStep technology he designed a pair of orthotics.
In the following 3 Ironman races, not only did I not have any
foot problems during the marathon section anymore, I was also
able to improve my run split by about ten minutes.
Thanks to Bill Stone – a great service and a great product which
helped me to run pain free and faster!
Trey
Hardee - Professional Athlete Nike Track and Field
2009 Decathlon World Champion
2008 Beijing Olympian Team USA Decathlete
NCAA Record Holder Decathlon and Heptathlon
Before being
introduced to Bill Stone, I was having extreme discomfort in
my feet. Both the top of my feet and ankle joints had been inflamed,
blocked and subsequently shot up with steroids to try and calm
them down. After a few unsuccessful treatments, I was sent to
Bill who fitted me for his AcuStep orthotics. After the first
week of using them in my casual shoes, training flats and track
spikes the pain was gone! The anguish I had associated with
practice wasn’t so bad anymore! Rather than agonizing over the
simplest of tasks, I was back to my old self! Obviously, being
a track and field athlete, my feet play a vital role in my wellbeing
and my performance. My feet help me make a living and my orthotics
make that possible. |
