Since the creation of mankind, people have run barefoot. Our bodies were designed to run. Have you ever actually watched a young child run? Not only are they having fun, but pay attention to their style: mid-foot strike, foot landing beneath their body. THAT is how we are supposed to run.
Over the last maybe 50 years (I am guessing here), shoe companies decided we need cushioning and arch support and this and that. And I agree there are people that do, in fact, need that support. However, the vast majority do not. Not only do conventional shoes affect your stride, but they also weaken the muscles in your feet and can damage your knees, hips, and http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifback.
I have no desire to go out and run completely barefoot. But I totally agree with the concept. Minimalist shoes are a good alternative. My husband even recently jumped on my bandwagon on minimalism and bought a pair of New Balance minimalist shoes. He loves them! And like me, he is now running pain free - no more pain in his knees and hips from running.
Minimalism/Barefoot is NOT something you should immediately go out and do. Like I said, your foot muscles are weak from conventional shoes and you must strengthen them. There are http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifexercises you can do that will help. As far as running, take it slow. For me, using the Couch to 5k program worked well for my transition. It built up my running distance gradually over a period of time.
Will there be pain involved? Yes, you are building muscle. Your feet and calves will ache and burn. Take care of yourself, stretch well, and listen to your body and you will be fine. (Stealing an example from my favorite minimalist website):
Neo: "Why do my eyes hurt?"
Morpheous: "Because you've never used them before."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Chicago Marathon
It was awesome! Pastor finished at about 5 hours which I think is phenomenal considering a month ago he didn't think he would make it at all due to injuries. Great job Pastor!
It was awe-inspiring. We were waited for Pastor at just before the 26 mile marker to cheer him on. It was crazy watching the steady stream of runners, hundreds of people passing by every minute. It would not surprise me in the least if someone told me I watching 10,000 runners go by in that hour. We cheered them on, we gave high fives. We saw Spiderman and Buzz Lightyear running, as well as 2 cavemen. It was really cool!
Was I personally inspired? Yes, I couldn't wait until my next run. And after watching those guys run 26.2 miles, my measly 25 minute run didn't seem so hard anymore. And....I am tentatively considering a half marathon in Columbus next fall. If I can talk myself into it.
On a side note, my heart goes out to the family and friends of the runner who collapsed and later died at the Chicago Marathon. Say an extra prayer for them.
It was awe-inspiring. We were waited for Pastor at just before the 26 mile marker to cheer him on. It was crazy watching the steady stream of runners, hundreds of people passing by every minute. It would not surprise me in the least if someone told me I watching 10,000 runners go by in that hour. We cheered them on, we gave high fives. We saw Spiderman and Buzz Lightyear running, as well as 2 cavemen. It was really cool!
Was I personally inspired? Yes, I couldn't wait until my next run. And after watching those guys run 26.2 miles, my measly 25 minute run didn't seem so hard anymore. And....I am tentatively considering a half marathon in Columbus next fall. If I can talk myself into it.
On a side note, my heart goes out to the family and friends of the runner who collapsed and later died at the Chicago Marathon. Say an extra prayer for them.
Goodbye Week 6!
5 minute walking warm up, 25 minute run
Despite not running the last 5 days, walking all over Chicago for 2 days, and spending 12 hours in the car over the weekend, I went for a run first thing this morning. I could tell my body was a little tight, but it felt good to get it out! I have been so antsy about running since Saturday, I even lost sleep! But it just wasn't possible.
I felt good this morning, I didn't struggle at all. My breathing was good. I think. I couldn't hear myself huffing and puffing over my headphones anyway. And I got a little of that antsy feeling out of my system. Not all though.....We shall see about that!
Despite not running the last 5 days, walking all over Chicago for 2 days, and spending 12 hours in the car over the weekend, I went for a run first thing this morning. I could tell my body was a little tight, but it felt good to get it out! I have been so antsy about running since Saturday, I even lost sleep! But it just wasn't possible.
I felt good this morning, I didn't struggle at all. My breathing was good. I think. I couldn't hear myself huffing and puffing over my headphones anyway. And I got a little of that antsy feeling out of my system. Not all though.....We shall see about that!
Friday, October 7, 2011
You know you're a runner when......
You fall asleep while visualizing yourself doing interval training around a track!
Yes, I did that last night. The weird part is that I have never done interval training. Maybe this means I am ready for it.
I was a little sore after the Race for Education. I had some minor ToFP just below the base of my toes. And my calves were a little tight. I feel pretty good today and want to go for a run, but I won't have the time. I have to get everyone packed, we leave for Chicago this afternoon. Between errands, packing, work, kids, no run today. Bummer.
But Chicago will be so fun! We are stalking Pastor up there for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday! Actually, we are going to lend some moral support; he has admittedly struggled during his training for this race. So we want to cheer him on! And it will be cool to hang out together over the weekend.
Maybe I can get my run in tomorrow in the big city......That would be awesome!
Yes, I did that last night. The weird part is that I have never done interval training. Maybe this means I am ready for it.
I was a little sore after the Race for Education. I had some minor ToFP just below the base of my toes. And my calves were a little tight. I feel pretty good today and want to go for a run, but I won't have the time. I have to get everyone packed, we leave for Chicago this afternoon. Between errands, packing, work, kids, no run today. Bummer.
But Chicago will be so fun! We are stalking Pastor up there for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday! Actually, we are going to lend some moral support; he has admittedly struggled during his training for this race. So we want to cheer him on! And it will be cool to hang out together over the weekend.
Maybe I can get my run in tomorrow in the big city......That would be awesome!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Race for Education
5 minute warmup, 10 minute run, 3 minute walk, 10 minute run
Today is the Race for Education at my kids school. It is their only fundraiser for the entire year and they raise about $20,000. People can sponsor the students either by paying per lap or just a flat donation. The kids have fun and get some exercise and parents don't have to worry about buying useless, overpriced crap from a bunch of little fundraisers throughout the year.
I always go and run with my kids and/or volunteer to help. This year I ran. I was out there for almost 2 hours between my 3 kids. I got my Week 6 Day 2 run finished in the first hour and ran some extra laps. The second hour, Caitlin came out and I ran Week 5 Day 2 with her. I didn't finish with her on the last 8 minute run (I was exhausted!) but still managed to run a few extra laps. She did great, I think this was the most laps she has ever ran since she started school.
My total distance for this morning was 5.5 miles. A personal record for me in distance. It is also the longest I have gone in my minimalist shoes. My arches hurt. And I need a nap. However, I have to return to teach my 8th period class. At least it's only one today.
I am so proud of all the kids going out to run today. I was out with preschool through 5th grade. They all did great!
Today is the Race for Education at my kids school. It is their only fundraiser for the entire year and they raise about $20,000. People can sponsor the students either by paying per lap or just a flat donation. The kids have fun and get some exercise and parents don't have to worry about buying useless, overpriced crap from a bunch of little fundraisers throughout the year.
I always go and run with my kids and/or volunteer to help. This year I ran. I was out there for almost 2 hours between my 3 kids. I got my Week 6 Day 2 run finished in the first hour and ran some extra laps. The second hour, Caitlin came out and I ran Week 5 Day 2 with her. I didn't finish with her on the last 8 minute run (I was exhausted!) but still managed to run a few extra laps. She did great, I think this was the most laps she has ever ran since she started school.
My total distance for this morning was 5.5 miles. A personal record for me in distance. It is also the longest I have gone in my minimalist shoes. My arches hurt. And I need a nap. However, I have to return to teach my 8th period class. At least it's only one today.
I am so proud of all the kids going out to run today. I was out with preschool through 5th grade. They all did great!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Weight
You would think that after nearly 2 years of running, I would have lost at least some weight. But no. I have managed to lose the extra I have gained, from a 2 week vacation at the beach and 2 weeks off from running due to injury. But my body seems to want to stay exactly at my current weight.
I would like to lose 30 pounds. That would put me within (the upper) range of weight for my height. I don't diet well, I admit. But I do try to watch what I eat. It's unfortunate that I like to cook, especially bake. However, I give a lot of that away.
I currently run between 6 and 10 miles a week. I hope to increase that in the near future. People tell me I am building muscle and that's why I'm not losing. I might have believed that the first 6 months, but not at this point. I realize I am doing other positive things for my body, like building up my cardiovascular systems. But I admit, this is kind of bumming me out.
I would like to lose 30 pounds. That would put me within (the upper) range of weight for my height. I don't diet well, I admit. But I do try to watch what I eat. It's unfortunate that I like to cook, especially bake. However, I give a lot of that away.
I currently run between 6 and 10 miles a week. I hope to increase that in the near future. People tell me I am building muscle and that's why I'm not losing. I might have believed that the first 6 months, but not at this point. I realize I am doing other positive things for my body, like building up my cardiovascular systems. But I admit, this is kind of bumming me out.
Monday, October 3, 2011
I need to catch up!
I need to blog about my last 2 runs (Week 5 Day 3 and Week 6 Day 1). They may appear to be out of order, but I assure you, they are not!
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 20 minutes with no walking
This was a chilly and damp run. I made Pastor go with me for some moral support (thanks again!) because the last time I ran that kind of distance, only 10 days into my minimalist shoes, I ended up with some serious ToFP and had to take 2 weeks off. I realize I have built up to this now and am stronger. But it was always nice just to have someone to run with. It was surprisingly good, despite the sprinkly weather. I got to try out my new jacket, which I think I will hold off for colder weather, I was roasting in it. I felt good finishing Week 5!
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, jog 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, jog 8 minutes, walk 3 minutes, jog 5 minutes
This was a piece of cake after Friday's run. I ended up on the treadmill because it was about 44 degrees and raining. I just don't have the gear for that. Yet. I feel awkward on the treadmill with this running style. But I found a pace that worked and went with it. By the end of this week, these broken up, short runs will be over. I feel like this will be a milestone for me. And I can honestly say I can't wait!
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then jog 20 minutes with no walking
This was a chilly and damp run. I made Pastor go with me for some moral support (thanks again!) because the last time I ran that kind of distance, only 10 days into my minimalist shoes, I ended up with some serious ToFP and had to take 2 weeks off. I realize I have built up to this now and am stronger. But it was always nice just to have someone to run with. It was surprisingly good, despite the sprinkly weather. I got to try out my new jacket, which I think I will hold off for colder weather, I was roasting in it. I felt good finishing Week 5!
Brisk five-minute warmup walk, jog 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, jog 8 minutes, walk 3 minutes, jog 5 minutes
This was a piece of cake after Friday's run. I ended up on the treadmill because it was about 44 degrees and raining. I just don't have the gear for that. Yet. I feel awkward on the treadmill with this running style. But I found a pace that worked and went with it. By the end of this week, these broken up, short runs will be over. I feel like this will be a milestone for me. And I can honestly say I can't wait!
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