Question for Runners - Beginning Jogging

[Andrea]

I'd suggest trying a little barefoot running on a groomed surface (like a soccer field) to help you work on form and foot strength. Whether you take barefooting further from that point is up to you- it's not for everyone, but I personally feel that it's been a big part of preventing overuse injuries while I've trained for ultramarathons. (I've worked my way up to running 7-8 miles barefoot and wear shoes for anything longer)

[canonsue]

About seven years ago, as a non-runner, I decided to do a marathon.

Here is how I started. I used Jeff Galloway's method of run/walk. At the beginning, I would run for a minute walk several minutes. During the marathon I would run 5 minutes/walk one minute. (Actually, Jeff can prove that elite runners will finish a marathon faster by doing this for the first half of the marathon.)

I also focused on strength training and loosing weight before I began to run longer distances. Also, I would only run 4 times a week to give my old body plenty of rest.

Another thing that helped me was to go down to a good running store and buy shoes for my type of feet. They put you on a treadmill with a video camera to watch how your foot pronates. Without the proper shoes, I could not have done it.

And yes, six months later and no injuries, I completed the marathon in about 5 1/2 hours. Slow but for a first timer with only six months running, I will take it.

[Jolt]

I'd suggest trying a little barefoot running on a groomed surface (like a soccer field) to help you work on form and foot strength. Whether you take barefooting further from that point is up to you- it's not for everyone, but I personally feel that it's been a big part of preventing overuse injuries while I've trained for ultramarathons. (I've worked my way up to running 7-8 miles barefoot and wear shoes for anything longer)

I think this is an excellent idea! I only wish I had started out that way instead of starting out in clunky shoes and now having to overhaul my form; it's definitely coming along but still needs some fine-tuning. Barefoot on rougher surfaces can be helpful as well, since you really feel it if your form is off. Actually, I usually wear Vibram Fivefingers instead of going barefoot because of all the broken glass I find on my runs; these are like the best of both worlds b/c they protect you from cutting your feet on debris but allow barefoot-like mechanics. I don't believe our feet/legs were designed so poorly as to need a bunch of padding or a stiff sole under them; minimal shoes serve the purpose of protection from temperature/sharp objects without interfering so much with the natural function of the foot. That said, most of us are used to wearing shoes all the time so it takes a while to adjust, get the form down, and build up the muscles that haven't been exercised due to wearing shoes. So, be careful and take it slowly!

[ILBikeGirl]

I joined a running training group a few years ago through our local running club. The group trained by pace (with leaders) for a 10k over 10 weeks. I was in a run/walk group. I really enjoyed the group idea and it kept me motivated to have a leader run up alongside of me and encourage me.

I read Jeff Galloway's program as well and still follow a 5 min run/1 min walk program anytime I'm doing a run event.

I am a slow runner. Last year at a biathlon I was the last runner off the course. Seriously the cop car following the runners came in 20 yards behind me. But I finished that run and jumped on the bike and made up a lot of time.

Best of luck.

[Andrea]

I think this is an excellent idea! I only wish I had started out that way instead of starting out in clunky shoes and now having to overhaul my form; it's definitely coming along but still needs some fine-tuning. Barefoot on rougher surfaces can be helpful as well, since you really feel it if your form is off. Actually, I usually wear Vibram Fivefingers instead of going barefoot because of all the broken glass I find on my runs; these are like the best of both worlds b/c they protect you from cutting your feet on debris but allow barefoot-like mechanics. I don't believe our feet/legs were designed so poorly as to need a bunch of padding or a stiff sole under them; minimal shoes serve the purpose of protection from temperature/sharp objects without interfering so much with the natural function of the foot. That said, most of us are used to wearing shoes all the time so it takes a while to adjust, get the form down, and build up the muscles that haven't been exercised due to wearing shoes. So, be careful and take it slowly!

I had been running for a few years in "motion control" shoes before I tried going barefoot. I'd gone to a local running shop, they watched me (and videotaped me!) on a treadmill and told me which shoes to get. Over a couple of years, I kept having different issues- IT band pain, patello-femoral tendonitis (went to a PT for that one), shin pain, and at one point, I went to a podiatrist because of a re-occurring bruise under my big toe. He gave me some temporary insoles and wanted me to try them before I came back for orthotics. The insoles made my feet hurt so badly after 1 run that I just had to stop running for several weeks. Then I got really hooked on cycling and didn't run for a year or more.

When I started running again last fall, I started having shin pain again. When I started researching the causes, I happened upon some barefoot sites. I was pretty skeptical, but tried it anyway. I mix it up between barefoot and using the Vibram shoes (depending on where I'm running). My feet hurt at first, but it was more of a muscular-type pain (like I'd been lifting weights w/ my feet ) that went away after a day or two. Now, my left foot (which was flat) now has an arch, and I ran a 50k about a month ago without a hint of tendinitis!
Oh yeah- and when I DO wear shoes, it's a Vasque Velocity, which is actually a pretty chunky shoe, but I like it because of the fit and the stone shield in the sole (some of the trails I go to in Arkansas are pretty rocky)

[surgtech1956]

Thanks for all the advice ladies. I appreciate all this feedback. There's always something you don't think about. 'Back in the day'() when I was a runner, I ran with a friend, we did 10Ks, 10milers, marathons, I was never fast 9:00. I ran all winter(Michigan), the only time I didn't run was when the temps were in the 20F range. I found a program 'coach to 5K in 8 weeks', going to give it a try. I will definitely get some good shoes(this was always my mine priorit). Just need to get this 53 year old - 200 lb moving. Thanks for the support.

[GLC1968]

I had been running for a few years in "motion control" shoes before I tried going barefoot. I'd gone to a local running shop, they watched me (and videotaped me!) on a treadmill and told me which shoes to get. Over a couple of years, I kept having different issues- IT band pain, patello-femoral tendonitis (went to a PT for that one), shin pain, and at one point, I went to a podiatrist because of a re-occurring bruise under my big toe. He gave me some temporary insoles and wanted me to try them before I came back for orthotics. The insoles made my feet hurt so badly after 1 run that I just had to stop running for several weeks. Then I got really hooked on cycling and didn't run for a year or more.

When I started running again last fall, I started having shin pain again. When I started researching the causes, I happened upon some barefoot sites. I was pretty skeptical, but tried it anyway. I mix it up between barefoot and using the Vibram shoes (depending on where I'm running). My feet hurt at first, but it was more of a muscular-type pain (like I'd been lifting weights w/ my feet ) that went away after a day or two. Now, my left foot (which was flat) now has an arch, and I ran a 50k about a month ago without a hint of tendinitis!
Oh yeah- and when I DO wear shoes, it's a Vasque Velocity, which is actually a pretty chunky shoe, but I like it because of the fit and the stone shield in the sole (some of the trails I go to in Arkansas are pretty rocky)

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.

[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...

[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.

[Jolt]

I had been running for a few years in "motion control" shoes before I tried going barefoot. I'd gone to a local running shop, they watched me (and videotaped me!) on a treadmill and told me which shoes to get. Over a couple of years, I kept having different issues- IT band pain, patello-femoral tendonitis (went to a PT for that one), shin pain, and at one point, I went to a podiatrist because of a re-occurring bruise under my big toe. He gave me some temporary insoles and wanted me to try them before I came back for orthotics. The insoles made my feet hurt so badly after 1 run that I just had to stop running for several weeks. Then I got really hooked on cycling and didn't run for a year or more.

Actually, IT band issues were what finally made me try barefoot/VFF running--I had seen info about it before and was intrigued but afraid to try it, and then decided to give it a go when the ITB stuff was hard to keep under control. It has definitely helped (along with continuing to work on the muscle imbalance issues that contributed to the problem), although I have had one flare-up even in the VFFs (however, I knew my form was off at the time from having banged up the ball of my foot on a rock while trying to stay upright after tripping). It's amazing, though, how hard it is to keep up proper form throughout the whole run when you've gotten out of condition!

[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!!!