Question for Runners - Beginning Jogging

[Reesha]

can anyone find me a good video of proper form? i don't even know if i have it!!!

[jessica47201]

Well, I had to take a PT test today for the military and the results were not that good. One of the events for the Army PT test is a 2-mile run, I have to do at least 17 pushups in 2 minutes and 45 situps in 2 minutes. I past the pushup and situp, but the run was horrible. Since I am 30 yrs old, I have to run it in 20:30. I came across the finish line at 24:28!!! Horrible!!!! I haven't ran 2 miles in 2 years though, so I guess I can lie to myself and say not bad, since I had knee surgury 1 year and 2 months ago, and never did any physical therapy afterward. So, I now have until July 1st, that is when my next PT test is!!! I don't have to pass it, but they do want to see some major improvements or I will have to start going to a mandatory PT group 5 days a week. So I have some motivation for that!!! I'm looking at it that I have to shave about a minute off of every 1/2 mile!! We have markers posted on the side of the road for every half mile. Also, according to my height and weight requirements for the military, I'm over weight and I had to get taped. The body fat tape test came out with the results of me being 40% body fat!!!! That can not be right!!!! There is now way I'm almost 50% fat!!!! But, I'm going to adjust my eating habits, not really diet, I'm just going to choose some healthier foods and start running more, which means I'll have to cut down on my cycling!!! If anyone has any pointers, I'm all game!!! Thanks for listening to my pity-party!!!

[Andrea]

Andrea - do you have a link to any of the barefoot sites that you'd recommend? This concept really intrigues me. I used to HATE running until about 5 years ago when I did quite a bit of it and got in good enough shape to start to understand why people really get addicted to it. Then my flat feet triggered terrible foot pain that orthodics could not help. I eventually gave it up completely and started cycling instead. I'd like to be able to run again but the foot pain has always held me back. This idea of running barefoot to strengthen the foot sounds smart (if a bit scary). I'd like to read more.

Here's an article from sportsci.org: http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0103/mw.htm

And here's a site that's got a lot of info in sort of a blog-like format: http://runningbarefoot.org/
(that one is a little preachy, but it's got some good info nonetheless)

[canonsue]

Ok, now I am interested in the barefoot running. I also have foot pain with doing a walking or running program.

I especially like the Vibram Fivefingers "shoe". Has anyone else used these?

-Sue

[wavedancer]

After reading these posts I became very interested in barefoot running. I am not quite up to going totally barefoot, but I really identify with the concept. So in a moment of impulse, I got a pair of the VFFs the day before going on vacation to AZ (where I am now).

I had to try them out as soon as I got them and thought at first I would just try doing a short walk on pavement and may a little jog on some groomed off road trails nearby.

I had to break into a little jog to cross a busy road and just kept going...It was truly amazing for me. I am new to running (in the past year) and seem to be frequently sidelined because of one injury or another. Some related to my running form, some not running-related.

My running felt totally different in the Vibram "piggy-shoes." I was much more aware of my form (I have been doing Chi Running) and loved the direct connection with the earth under my feet. I ran about 2.5 miles both on pavement and on trails and while I could feel occasional stones and sticks that were a little uncomfortable, I think my landings were lighter and quicker and more centered over my foot, so they didn't really bother me too much.

I had been thinking to myself how much I really didn't enjoy running, but have been trying to do it so I could do some sprint triathlons and get some more weight-bearing exercise. Well, the past few days I have totally enjoyed it

I'm a believer...

[Jolt]

After reading these posts I became very interested in barefoot running. I am not quite up to going totally barefoot, but I really identify with the concept. So in a moment of impulse, I got a pair of the VFFs the day before going on vacation to AZ (where I am now).

I had to try them out as soon as I got them and thought at first I would just try doing a short walk on pavement and may a little jog on some groomed off road trails nearby.

I had to break into a little jog to cross a busy road and just kept going...It was truly amazing for me. I am new to running (in the past year) and seem to be frequently sidelined because of one injury or another. Some related to my running form, some not running-related.

My running felt totally different in the Vibram "piggy-shoes." I was much more aware of my form (I have been doing Chi Running) and loved the direct connection with the earth under my feet. I ran about 2.5 miles both on pavement and on trails and while I could feel occasional stones and sticks that were a little uncomfortable, I think my landings were lighter and quicker and more centered over my foot, so they didn't really bother me too much.

I had been thinking to myself how much I really didn't enjoy running, but have been trying to do it so I could do some sprint triathlons and get some more weight-bearing exercise. Well, the past few days I have totally enjoyed it

I'm a believer...

Nice!! Being on the Cape you should be able to do some nice barefoot beach running too. That sounds really nice right now...

[HillSlugger]

I just ordered me some FiveFingers!

Should we start a separate thread for Barefoot Running?

[Jolt]

I just ordered me some FiveFingers!

Should we start a separate thread for Barefoot Running?

Cool! Which ones did you get?

[HillSlugger]

Cool! Which ones did you get?

I ordered the classics for just wearing around and the KSO for running in. Ordered two sizes of each and will send back what doesn't fit.

I just started a thread for barefoot running.

[GLC1968]

Here's an article from sportsci.org: http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0103/mw.htm

And here's a site that's got a lot of info in sort of a blog-like format: http://runningbarefoot.org/
(that one is a little preachy, but it's got some good info nonetheless)

Awesome, thanks! I've got some reading for my lunch break today.