5 replies to this topic

[ricemeister]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to running, I've been doing the c25k program for seven weeks. I was running in Nike lunar somethings..! Then, after reading about barefoot online and getting halfway through Born to Run I dusted out the 'ole Dunlop volleys and ran in them instead!

The first run I did in my volleys was amazing. It felt effortless and I felt so in touch with what I was doing. I felt as though I could go forever. Alas, my calves disagreed! I only made it 3.5km 1/3 of which was walked. I could barely walk the next day, and the day after was worse! But, after my rest day I warmed up by walking briskly then ran barefoot around the local oval 1.5km until I stepped on a rock and bruised my poor princess arch! It was still an amazing feeling to run like that.

So, that's all I've done "barefoot" but tomorrow I will run again in the volleys and am hoping to check out some fivefingers.

I'm taking the whole running thing really slowly as I had a baby only three months ago and I do not want to risk injuries. So, it seems an ideal time to start conquering barefoot.

Unfortunately, I have been met with mostly ridicule and criticism from friends and family who say a) it's too early after having a baby to run and, YOU'RE RUNNING WITHOUT SUPPORTIVE SHOES?!!!

[maryclaire]

welcome to CR; and congrats on the baby.  My first thought to your last 2 comments from other people is that having just had a baby, it's not your feet that will be needing support!

Take the barefoot stuff even slower than the running venture.  Listen to your body and stop or walk when it tells you to (which you're already doing).  Spend as much time BF as possible around the house.  Read up on the transition to barefoot as much as possible.  Enjoy the journey.

[RunTishRun]

I got the Chi Running DVD and have a run coach who does Chi lined up.

I'd only sprinted a little, but did 10+ km walks regularly - so I want to learn to run without damaging my feet and legs.

Already had knee surgery and heel spurs - don't want more damage.

Happy with Chi so far - doesnt seem to be intent on harming me!

[SeeDanRun]

ricemeister, on 23 February 2011 - 11:11 PM, said:

So, that's all I've done "barefoot" but tomorrow I will run again in the volleys and am hoping to check out some fivefingers.

I'm taking the whole running thing really slowly as I had a baby only three months ago and I do not want to risk injuries. So, it seems an ideal time to start conquering barefoot.

Unfortunately, I have been met with mostly ridicule and criticism from friends and family who say a) it's too early after having a baby to run and, YOU'RE RUNNING WITHOUT SUPPORTIVE SHOES?!!!

Hi ricemeister

I'm a fan of barefooting (if the running surface is right) and minimal shoes, but I'd caution against trying to do too much too soon.  It's important to remember that as much as barefooting is natural, it's not something we in the western world are used to.  I'd practice walking barefoot whenever you can (try not to wear shoes around the house), and try running barefoot later.  In the meantime you can prepare yourself for the transition by doing foot and calf strength exercises, and practicing running with a mid/forefoot strike in your regular shoes (and be prepared for that to hurt, too).  I transitioned to minimal shoes (Merrell Trail Gloves) via Nike Frees, which I use for walking the dog and road runs - I'd recommend them as a 'gateway'.  Remember, even if it's good for your running in the long term, changing your running style will take time and sore legs.

Also, have you considered going to a sports physio or podiatrist to get advice?

Dan

[Max72]

Hi Ricemeister,

As you probably already know relaxin and leastin stay in your body 12 months after you have had a baby. This makes the ligaments and musculature around the joints looser, and puts more pressure on the joint. It also makes the likelihood of hyperextension greater.

Barefoot/minimal running can only help with that in my opinion, as it will reduce stride length, impact and improve loading.

I guess the only thing to consider is distance and terrain. I am no expert but maybe keeping runs down to sub 10k and running on grass might be a good option for now. But most of all just listen to your body, if it feels good during and after your runs, it can't be bad.

[RunTishRun]

Had my training with J-R on Saturday

Getting the form right is more important then distance or speed.

I'm practicing my start over and over - and getting adductors happy before I 'run'.