I went out for what I wanted to be a 5 mile run. I was in my standard stability shoes, not my minimalist shoes. I could only go 2 miles before the pain in my shin was so intense it forced me to stop. Since I had just finished reading Ken Bob Saxton's "Barefoot Running, Step by Step" book, I decided to try his method. I stripped off the shoes and socks and started to run around the outdoor track in my bare feet. The track is not as soft as it seems once those shoes come off. But what's great is that all the pain in my leg was totally gone! I decided to give my tender tootsies a break and try running on the grass on the inside of the track. That's when the laughing started. It felt so good to run barefoot on the grass, with absolutely no pain that I started to laugh out loud. I just ran and laughed and then almost cried because it just felt so amazing. I knew I needed to take it easy though and I stopped at a half a mile. Barefoot running uses different muscles than when you heel strike in cushioned running shoes. People tend to go a little nuts when they start barefooting and I can see why. You just don't want to stop! But I'm making myself take it slow so I can really enjoy it without injuring myself. I did 4 miles today in my minimalist shoes and it felt good. Then I took them off and went for a mile barefoot. I'm planning on picking up a pair of Vibram Five Finger shoes as well, so that I can get the barefoot feel when it's cold outside, since it IS January and all...
How do you like the new Nikes? I've been wondering about them. Do they feel pretty good for a mid to front strike shoe?
ReplyDeleteYes! I am ready for some more reading recs. I finished the Non Runners Marathon Guide for Women. TOO FUNNY! Loved it! Not sure if you have read "Born to Run" yet. But the reviews are incredible and they were all right! Great book. Even for nonrunner it's a great book.
Good luck with your marathon training!
The Nikes have been good. I did an 8 miler in them on Saturday and it went well. I haven't ever really been a heel striker, so it hasn't been a huge change for me. And the book reviews are up next! Enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteHi there I just found your blog from Ken Bob's facebook page. I've always wanted to blog, but just can't seem to find the time...anyway I too started off with Nike Frees to try and transition from my blocky stability shoes to see if it would help my injuries go away. I have to say that I had a hard time changing my stride in the Frees. I bought the thinnest pair of Vibrams I could find, hot pink leather too! I began on a 100m indoor track and ran 200m at a time, 3-4 times a week. Next week, 300m, following week 400m. It took me 8 weeks to get up to 5k. I bought an outdoor pair of VFFs, Komodo Sports, and began to try and run outdoors. I read Born to Run, and everything else I could online about stride and barefooting. I'm happy to say that ONE YEAR from the day I began with the hot pink VFFs, I ran my first half marathon in the Komodos, and Personal bested my time by 8 minutes. My injuries are a thing of the past. I am not a natural runner, I have severe exercise induced asthma which I control with inhaled steroids, as well as a very inefficient stride from all the decades of my life that I could not exert myself. I'm 45 years old now, and the minimal shoe movement/VFFs have given me a lifestyle that I hope will be with me till I drop dead on the trail lol. I have also lost 100lbs and kept it off for over 10 years now, and running allows me to eat :)
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work, it's worth it!!
I love hearing stories like this! Thank you so much for sharing :)
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