It's posts like yours rob that are really useful to read - whilst their can be criticism of modern trainers forcing your feet to move in a certain way, and with a lot of newcomers to the sport, gait analysis I'm sure is often percieved as something that's just not necessary. I think your post perfectly highlights what gait analysis and having the right shoes for your running style can really do!
I think in an ideal world, where we all had a perfect gait, there wouldn't be any need for structured, motion control, stability, cushioning blah blah blah... but in today's society you even reasonably argue that we've forgotten how to run naturally - that is, how to run as nature intended us, which I think stems from the fairly sedentary lifestyles.
Going off topic a little I know, but it'd be interesting (for a saddo like me at least) to see how many of those who have ran consistantly from a young age require anything other than a neutral trainer? It would appear that the vast majority of us have come into running following a long-term break (perhaps going back as far as schooldays). I guess my comments though are somewhat flawed if the statement that 'virtually all women overpronate' is true
... I'll get my coat
