A running question

[Marek]

I know this is a cycling forum, but I also know that a lot of you run. Has anyone come across Barefoot running trainers, basically trainers that have little support and give a more natural feel as if running barefoot. If so has anyone got any experience of whether they are any good as I am thinking about trying a pair out.

Cheers

Marek.....

[Andrew G]

My Dad used to run marathons and the year he did his pb was in a pair of running shoes with a thin sole without much cushioning. They were called PBs . He did his pb but his feet were a bloody mess afterwards so depending on the sort of running you're planning that may be worth bearing in mind. Isn't there a fairly local running shop (Dulwich area) that does proper analysis of your running (videos you on a treadmill) and recommends the best shoe for you and your running style?

[Marek]

Yes, but apparently traditional modern running shoes lead you to run in an unnatural way, heel striking. Have seen some 5 finger running shoes that claim they are like running barefoot and feel more natural and force you to run with mid to forefoot impact. Apparently is a bit painful to start with, but you soon get used to it and your muscles get stronger etc.

Cheers

Marek....

[Marek]

http://www.outdoorfusion.co.uk/p/12632/ ... ce=froogle

[Paul H]

Bit pricey. Probably better to run barefoot on a treadmil.

Most of the top African runners started running barefoot but bare in mind they were young malnourished 40kg youths running offroad. A 100kg middle aged hulk like yourself will probably end up with shin splints, stress fractures and plantar fasciitis in a matter of days.

Ive been working on my technique and try to run on my forefoot and sure it makes a difference.

Gordon Pirie's free online book (Ive posted this before) talks a lot about technique and shoes so I suggest you have a read. It will also tell you how to train properly. [url]http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Pressbox/2204/Gordon_book_040104.pdf[/url]

Or you might want to try these shoes which are meant to get you running on your balls [url]http://www.newtonrunning.com/[/url]

[Dombo]

[quote="Paul H"]Or you might want to try these shoes which are meant to get you running on your balls [url]http://www.newtonrunning.com/[/url]

[kieran]

[quote="Paul H"] A 100kg middle aged hulk like yourself

[Sylv]

[quote="Paul H"]Gordon Pirie's free online book (Ive posted this before) talks a lot about technique and shoes so I suggest you have a read. It will also tell you how to train properly. [url]http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Pressbox/2204/Gordon_book_040104.pdf[/url]

[Phil H]

I asked a friend of mine who switched to the Vibram five finger things a couple of years ago. Apparently it takes a bit of getting used to but it does force you to run more on the balls of your feet so you do less damage to the shins. Allegedly. Running is still evil and wrong though.

[Sylv]

Running rocks

[Andrew G]

No reason to be running if you have a bike. All I can see with the sight of those hundred quid flip-flops and talk of running on your balls is images of you running down the road with that "just been shoved out the door" look.

[higg]

I would side with Paul here, and steer clear of these until you have a good efficient style. Modern trainers may not be truely natural but they've been designed to reduce injuries in your average bloke running for general fitness on tarmac / concrete.

That said running style is important and and to be efficient your gait must be worked at.

Alternatively, try offroad running, just slowly at first (ie) 6 months, while your ankle and knee ligaments get used to it. Reasonably easy and stable surfaces first but then into the woods or across hills with a narrow lasted studded shoe. For me, that's natural running.


Aodan.

[Sylv]

[quote="Andrew G"]No reason to be running if you have a bike.

[Andrew G]

Rode to Norman Park for taining with Blackheath Harriers a few times. 100m is acceptable, it comes in handy as I can always catch a bus .

[Roy Green]

[quote="Andrew G"]My Dad used to run marathons and the year he did his pb was in a pair of running shoes with a thin sole without much cushioning. They were called PBs .