Week 3 - done and out of the way, Week 4 on Monday

[LeeU]

Woke with a headache and sore throat this morning, I really didn't want to jump on the treadmill straightaway like I normally would.

My youngest daughter messaged me that she couldn't get her car up the driveway where she lives and she needed to get to work (all the buses to/from that area were cancelled) so, having access to 2 4x4's I took Mrs LeeU's Hyundai and headed of in the snow to take her to work.

It's surprising how many people, even professional drivers, that don't know how to drive in snow.

Anyways, back after taking her, 2 paracetamol and a morning of meetings, lunchtime comes around and it's downstairs, running gear on and off I went.

Loved every step.

I've noticed in the Garmin stats that my vertical oscillation has dropped in the last 2 runs (coincides nicely with the barefoot shoes).

Still no elephants on the treadmill so I'm happy with that.

Happy running everyone.

[RunforMum Graduate]

Can you tell me more about your barefoot shoes? Are they recommended for running? Do they give you sufficient support? Would they be for treadmill only? Thanks

[LeeU Graduate in reply to RunforMum]

Barefoot shoes, as per the name they essentially cut back on all padding, etc, and let your feet do what they are designed to do.

I was really shocked to find that, according to what I've read, there are NO studies, etc, that actually show modern running shoes are actually good for you.

A barefoot shoe is essentially a 'boat shoe' or water shoe as some call them, a thin sole and a wide toe box to allow your toes to spread out as they're meant to.

I first heard about them in 2019, when I came across a TED Talk by Christopher McDonald called Are We Born to Run:

ted.com/talks/christopher_m...

I never bought any until this month though, I warn you, they can be pricey for what they are but the pair I have cost me about £75 less than my Asics Gel Cloud 21's that I bought.

[RunforMum Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Thanks for detailed reply. I'll keep this in mind as, as a newbie, I want to get money's worth out of running shoe investment!... Will watch Ted talk, thanks.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to RunforMum]

Hi  RunforMum ,  LeeU has already provided useful information about barefoot shoes, and I know  nowster has a lot of experience of them too. I simply wanted to mention that if you're not used to those sorts of shoes, it wouldn't be advisable to make a sudden change and do all your running in them.

[RunforMum Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Good advice👍

[nowster Graduate in reply to RunforMum]

Absolutely agree with Cmoi !

There's a phenomenon known as "Too Much Too Soon" where someone gets some barefoot shoes, falls in love with the feeling, and overuses them in the first weeks, causing an injury due to overusing something that wasn't used to this new load. You've got to gradually ease into them over a couple of months: first getting used to walking in them, then very carefully increasing the running distances, with rest breaks like in C25K.

The danger is not in the muscles: they adapt quickly. The danger is in the ligaments, joints, tendons, fascia, etc. They don't have a plentiful blood supply and take much longer to adapt and strengthen.

I got a TMTS injury myself: a both-sides sprain on my left ankle. And I'd been wearing barefoot shoes for eight years by that point, but only for walking.

If you're not already used to a minimalist shoe, take your time.

Incidentally, I've heard a "Born To Run 2" book is out now, with recommendations and suggested training schedules for transitioning from cushioned hi-rise shoes to minimalist ones. The original book was more a story interspersed with a few bits of science. It wasn't ever intended as being a springboard to minimalist footwear.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you... hero of the hour and a good run ! Glad the headache went!