14.00 miles Garmin Link
2:00:20
8:35 pace
Got out for a run yesterday morning, although I had to push myself. This bronchial infection just hangs on and makes me feel run down. Plus, my left leg is still hurting, my pace has gone way down, and I continue to be behind in my mileage. Discouraging.
I think I'm at a crossroads with my leg pain. Have been reading a lot about the benefits of barefoot or minimally shod running, and the new theory that cushioned running shoes and orthotics actually cause more problems than they solve.
Just finished Born to Run last night. In the course of the this great true adventure story about American ultra-marathoners connecting with a remote tribe of Mexican runners, the author makes the case against running shoes. His thesis in a nutshell is that barefoot forces you to develop the structures in your feet and adapt a more natural stride.
Yesterday I consciously tried the "barefoot" style, which is more or less the same as Chi Running - upright stance, relaxed, short steps, heels up. Concentrating on this, plus some leg pain even after four days off, kept my speed down, and naturally, despite my intentions, today the leg hurts more than ever.
I might invest in a pair of Vibram Five Fingers and slowly try some "barefoot" running at the track while continuing my standard cushioned training until the marathon. Then I'll make a decision about whether to really concentrate on the the barefoot style or give up on distance running or what.
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4 comments:
Haven't heard about barefoot running although I suppose some of the earlier Kenyan elite runners did it all the time. I would think it would take a lot of foot conditioning which would be much easier starting from childhood. I can remember playing tennis barefoot on an asphalt court. Of course, back then, shoes were foreign items in the summer.
I don't think too many people actually run barefoot, except maybe as part of training. But some people make the case that the stride you would naturally adopt as a barefoot runner is best for distance running and for avoiding injury. Some suggest the Five Fingers foot gloves or other minimalist shoes.
Hurts my feet just thinking about it. Sounds like stone bruise city.
The Nike FREE shoe was built based on barefoot running. I bought a pair but 1) I get rocks stuck in them all the time and 2) not enough support and I can really feel the difference in impact.
I'm compelled by your research, though. Perhaps I could compete again if I studied a bit more so that I could perfect my form and eliminate pain/injury--I'm just not sure I have the fire anymore.
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