A running question

[Roy Green]

Another thought: go to a good runners' shop, not a general sports store, for your shoes. Some recommends: The Runners Shop, 106 Beckenham Rd; Run and Become, 42 Palmer St, Victoria. SW1

[EdO]

Marek,
You had a look in your shed yet ?

Can't admit to knowing anything about this sorry.

My last two pairs of trainers have been Asics and I've been quite happy with them.
But I'd be interested to know how you get on with a pair of these barefoot trainers.

Not been doing much recently but looking to get that 5k time down again.

[Marek]

Am doing Ballbuster in November, might do some other events over winter. Next time I am out running I will try to change my technique a bit more with faster cadence and trying to land on the mid to forefoot and see how I get on. If proves tough to do with normal trainers might try the Newtons or the five fingers.

Cheers

Marek....

[Dominic]

What are you running in at the moment?

Have you read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Lots about Vibram, barefoot running and the training shoe industry. I think it is a really good book. Quite eye opening really!!

I have been running again since July and after reading the above book went and bought a cheap pair of trainers, by cheap I mean £17. Not much cushioning and concentrating on good technique. No problems so far and am up to running an hour at a time.

Good luck with the Ballbuster!!

[Sylv]

I would advise to start very gradually if you are going to focus on forefoot landing, maybe max 2 miles.

Blisters and very sore calves are what have resulted from my first run this way, 5 miles which had to be aborted to 4.

Mind you I also took out my cushioning soles which probably wasn't such a good idea.

[Marek]

Ok, so on Tuesday I did my normal 10km run and decided to attempt to run forefoot landing. After a couple of km I could really feel my calves, but I did feel faster and actually with concentration it was not too hard to do. Another km and then calves were starting to burn a bit, so did the next 7km with my normal crappy style.

For the rest of yesterday and most of today I have been walking like someone has removed my lower legs. My calves feel as tight as a ducks arse. This is great, lots of pain, and what is it they say, no pain no gain. I think it is the right sort of pain, as in muscles that have not been used before.

So, lesson learnt, I should have only done about a km. Funnily though, I can still actually run, it is just walking that is a bit of an issue. Am going to perservere with this though, a few more sessions and then contemplate moving over to some of the low cushion type trainers.

Right then off to bed, now where did I put those walking sticks to help me get up the stairs.

Cheers

Marek....

[Andrew G]

Have you joined a running club or been out with one Marek?

Lots of folk and coaches who will know what they're talking about and be able to advise you on what's best for you, shoes and running style. Being a big lanky lump may not be the same as what would be best for a short stumpy bloke like me. Different weight, leg length, stride pattern and so on.

I'd be cautious of winging it, particularly on something tough like the ballbuster, as the potential for injury and longer term damage isn't worth risking.

[Paul H]

You are doing the following arent you

As the weight of the runner's body rides over the foot, the entire sole will rest flat on the ground - do not remain like a ballet dancer on
your toes throughout the weight-bearing phase

[Andrew G]

[quote="Paul H"]You are doing the following arent you

As the weight of the runner's body rides over the foot, the entire sole will rest flat on the ground - do not remain like a ballet dancer on
your toes throughout the weight-bearing phase

[Marek]

Don't worry, I am not ballet dancing, at least I don't think so. I don't need a coach, I have watched a few Youtube videos and I am now an expert. I find that the best way is trial and error. I doubt I will be doing the ballbuster with this style of running from what I have read I won't be expert until about 20 weeks away. That means that I should be flying by the time of the March Ballbuster so look out for a win next year.

Cheers

Marek....

[Paul H]

Get some compression socks as well - great for sore calves. I also reckon treadmill running is good for technique as well.

[Sylv]

[quote="Marek"]For the rest of yesterday and most of today I have been walking like someone has removed my lower legs.

[Paul H]

[quote="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

[url]http://www.outdoorfusion.co.uk/p/12632/%20...%20ce=froogle[/url]

Marek.....

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Are they carbon

[kieran]

the royal-grey ones?