I'm not big on change. I wear the same shoe model until the manufacturer discontinues it. Some of my best training guides are ragged, rubber-banded books from the 1980s and one of my favorite T-shirts is a commemorative from several decades ago.

I'm not against change; I'm just comfortably set in my ways.

But recently, out of curiosity or desperation, I've investigated several new running methods and products.

Here's my completely subjective review.

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Compression socks. Yes, these call to mind your grandfather's knee-high support hose. But don't think grandpa, think world-record marathoner Paula Radcliffe. She wears them, too, and for the same reason.Support hose keep venous blood from pooling in the extremities and causing swelling, fatigue and leg pain. Athletic compression socks promise to boost performance and reduce fatigue for the same reason. Compression socks support the calf muscles while promoting blood flow.I first tried compression socks, not while running, but at while standing at work all day. Both brands I tried were comfortably supportive and left my legs energized, not aching, after a long work day.I've since worn compression socks for long runs and several long races. While they did feel a little warm on summer runs, compression socks proved to be comfortable over the miles. They seem to keep fatigue at bay, even in the late stages of the marathon.Another option is a sleeve rather than a sock. This allows you to wear your own favorite socks and have your compression, too.•

Barefoot running. One of the latest fads in running is minimalist or barefoot running. Runners are advised to give up their cushioned, supportive, heavy shoes in favor of lightweight, barely padded, superflexible models or five-toed shoes that merely place a barrier between the foot and the road.I'm not a fan. There's a reason why running shoes have evolved into the structured, sport-specific gear of today. Modern running shoes have allowed many people to run more miles than their biomechanics would ever permit in bare feet or minimal footwear.That said, I do agree with the minimalists who say that we all spend too much of our time in shoes and that we run with bad form that limits performance and causes injury. Rather than give up our high-tech, high-function running shoes, we should all try to walk around more in our bare feet to strengthen our feet, ankles and calves.•

Kinesio tape. Athletic trainers have used tape for years for muscle and joint support, as well as pain relief. A newer elasticized version of athletic tape is available to professionals and to the general public for limited use.Kinesio tape piqued my interest when I read about it in a recent running magazine. When a friend offered me a free sample, I had to give it a try. I've suffered with Achilles tendinitis for several months, limping though workouts and testing various methods and therapies to give me a few more weeks of training for an upcoming fall marathon.KT Tape comes in easy-to-use, pre-cut lengths, and application instructions are included for those runners who like to play doctor. My initial application proved less waterproof and more temporary than advertised.But, to my delight, I found relief from my heel soreness almost immediately. If not exactly pain free, my 15-mile run was at least tolerable.I left the KT tape on overnight and was pleasantly surprised when I hopped out of bed the next morning. No limp, no pain, just a minimal discomfort.

Saturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. 724-898-2525 or shoes@runpa.comSaturday, 9:30 a.m.: Butler YMCA Turkey Trot 5K, Butler. Scenic, fairly level run through Memorial Park. One-mile fun run for youth ages 10 and under. 724-287-4773 or jknauff@bcfymca.orgSaturday, 9:30 a.m.: Dirt Monster 5-Mile Trail Race and 1-Mile Trail Run-Walk, North Park. info@ocfwpa.orgSaturday, 10 a.m.: Pitcairn Run for Sight 5K and 2.4-Mile Fun Walk, Pitcairn. 412-856-9111 or jaiken2@juno.comSunday, 9 a.m.: Operation Troop Appreciation Veterans Day 5K, Hampton Township. Proceeds benefit active duty troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gerardmac977@aol.comNov. 13, 9 a.m.: Armstrong County YMCA Fall Classic 10K Race and 5K Run-Walk, Kittanning. 724-545-9622Nov. 13, 8 a.m.: Hofacre 5K Run-Walk, Moon Township. Walkers can bring their dogs. 412-397-3426 or clarkj@rmu.eduNov. 14, 7 a.m.: Marshall Mangler Trail Race, North Park. Choice of 50K, 22.5K or 8K within North Park boundaries benefits Operation Troop Appreciation. 412-490-0881 or www.eliterunners.comNov. 17, 5 to 10 p.m.: Festival of Lights Run or Walk, Hartwood Acres. No registration necessary for this very crowded fun run and walk through holiday lights benefits Project Bundle-Up. 412-350-2528 or specevents@county.allegheny.pa.usNov. 20, 9 a.m.: Fight for Life 5K, Apollo. Benefits American Cancer Society. 724-568-2517 or dzukas@cancer.orgNov. 20, 8 a.m.: Run for Meningitis, Punxsutawney. 814-952-6509 or littlepitcher12@hotmail.comNov. 25, 8 a.m.: PNC YMCA Turkey Trot, Pittsburgh. Choice of 5 miles, 5K or 1-mile run. bmiller@ymca.org or www.active.comNov. 25, 9 a.m.: New Castle Community YMCA Thanksgiving 5K Run and Walk, New Castle. Discount for families. 724-658-9211 or migliano@ncymca.orgNov. 25, 9 a.m.: ERC Turkey Trot 10K and 5K, Presque Isle State Park, Erie. 814-881-0060 or davecome@erie-runnersclub.orgNov. 25, 9 a.m.: Gobblers Gallop 10K, Ellwood City. Also 5K run at 10. 724-758-6227 or rk@sei.cmu.eduNov. 25, 9:30 a.m.: Gobble Wobble 5K, Buhl Farms, Hermitage. 724-346-4637 or www.gobblewobblerace.comNov. 25, 10 a.m.: Harry Holland GUTBUSTER 8-mile, 4-mile, 2-mile trail runs, Frick Park, Pittsburgh. Sponsored by Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club. 412-341-0684Dec. 4, 9 a.m.: Penn State Shenango Dash for Kids 5K Run-Walk, Buhl Farms, Hermitage. 724-866-5004 or bes5143@psu.eduDec. 5, 10 a.m.: Deerslayer Trail Run, South Park. Choice of 8 miles or 4 miles sponsored by Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club. 724-348-6012.

<B>Steamtown Marathon, Oct. 10:</B> Luke Watson, 1st Overall M, 2:16:41; Heidi Peoples, 1st Overall W, 2:39:48; John McPheron, 2nd 20-24 M, 2:49:36; Bill Melfi, 3:17:35; Holly Bauer, 3:25:43; John Armstrong, 3:27:21; Timothy Washko, 3:29:10; Ed Gavin, 3:38:40; Andrew Glavin, 3:50:22; Amanda Beck, 3:58:05; Pami Dick, 3:59:52; Bob Pipcho, 4:25:53; Kevin McHale, 5:11:31; Nicole Dawson, 5:25:40; David Burnis, 6:06:33<B>Columbus Marathon, Oct. 17: </B>Jason Ordway, 1st Overall M, 2:18:08; Elena Kaledina, 1st Overall W, 2:44:20; Tammy Slusser, 1st 45-49 W, 3:01:27; Jason Acerra, 3:56:59; Ronald Schmoll, 3:34:45; Jeff Koman, 4:13:14; Todd Allman, 3:15:15; Jeff Leya, 3:29:42; John Millea, 4:00:25; Barry Mittermeier, 3:33:30; Melissa Kemp, 4:25:26; Nikki Kemp, 4:14:59; Joelleen Yerace, 4:17:47; Shelly Koman, 4:13:13<B>Farmer's Inn Half Marathon, Oct. 31:</B> Brent Henderson, 1st Overall M, 1:17:14; Holly Bauer, 1st Overall W, 1:40:23; Ben English, 1st 20-29 M, 1:23:23; John Armstrong, 1st 45-49 M, 1:40:47; Mitch Radella, 2nd 45-49 M, 1:42:59; Dean Davis, 1st 50-54 M, 1:54:51; Brian Cochran, 2nd 40-44 M, 1:55:05; Ken Tack, 1st 60-64 M, 2:15:33; Ruth Cochran, 3rd 40-44 W, 2:25:45; David White, 1:46:52; Jason Myers, 2:07:08Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail: lotzak@consolidated.net