Minimalist and barefoot running update

urraca500 · 10 days

YES.

urraca500 · 10 days

Yeah, I am still wondering what the deal is with me. I have played it conservatively, that's for sure, but I am still surprised I'm not there quite yet. But I think the best thing I did was to just relax about the whole thing.

urraca500 · 10 days

No, don't get the wrong idea. That's not how I tried it out. I started with distances at about 1 mile or so in VFFs. Did ten percent increases. Took time off when my calves were sore. But the ankle issues persisted. On VFFs I never broke 3 miles because of feedback from my body. What I wrote in my post is that my goals are long distance running in minimalist footwear. Not immediate training.

urraca500 · 10 days

I mean, maybe it's possible my form is so terrible I really am not transitioning at all, right? One of the problems is my goal of running long distances. I prefer runs over 6 miles, and that much stress on feet that aren't ready for more minimalist footwear has only led me to nagging injuries and time out.

urraca500 · 10 days

I agree with you. I ran in cushioned shoes about 13 years before wanting to switch. I think that might explain my slow transition. I really wish I could run long runs in thinner shoes!

urraca500 · 10 days

I have been running for about 15 years, and I was always a heel striker. Switching to mid foot and forefoot striking has done wonders for me. I am less sore, and no longer have problems with IT band or knee pain. However, my ankles are still not up to snuff. That's what keeps me from running long miles in the Minimus. Maybe my form still isn't there, you know?

urraca500 · 19 days

Count me in.

sn00ter · 26 days

Oh sn00ter beware the wheat intolerance! That could definitely be the cause. Also, beware really greasy stuff. I usually fuel up with coffee before my runs, though I don't always eat before them.

sn00ter · 26 days

What did you eat before your run?

Knubinator · 1 month

veganicrunner · 1 month

Awesome. I wonder how many barefooters have hookworm?

urraca500 · 1 month

Thanks, Jason!

buughost · 1 month

Sounds like the VFFs were likely the cause here, since you didn't increase your mileage.

urraca500 · 1 month

Yeah, interestingly enough, I adjusted my gait a bit, and I realized that even walking, I am still pushing off. Instead I focused on lifting my foot. Those spots are a little pink instead of the usual soft brown of thickened skin, which tells me they have been through a little overuse. It's not a sharp pain, but I'll follow your advice!

kibitzor · 1 month

I walked a whopping 10 miles barefoot, a real accomplishment. Over on the side of shod activities, I also ran 8.5 miles in my regular shoes. That run felt stellar.

Knubinator · 1 month

I really would refrain from running barefoot for a few weeks. Walking barefoot is humbling and you should try it exclusively before running, your feet will thank you.

Nyght · 1 month

Your training sounds too aggressive. Have your tried actually dialing back? This would mean walking and swimming for conditioning, not running. It sounds like you're not giving your body time to heal properly

Throwrun · 1 month

And ditto on cutting out dairy

Throwrun · 1 month

Try cutting back on wheat and sugar

urraca500

TROPHY CASE

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