I've had my "monkey" running shoes for three weeks now. With a busy schedule week after week, I haven't had time to run as often as I'd like but progress has been made nonetheless. My toes are used to having their own sleeve, my calves have strengthened in new and different areas, my feet have adjusted to running without padding, and the instinct to land ball first, instead of heal, is completely natural.The greatest news of all is that these barefoot buddies have, so far, rid me of a left knee strap and right knee support. It appears the theory that running barefoot (eliminating heal strikes) does indeed optimize body mechanics and reduce wear and tear on joints and ligaments. I remember clear as a bell just a few months ago, while still in running shoes, my right knee would begin to ache at 2.7 miles. Each consecutive run shortened the distance until I could barely run over a mile without pain. Today I ran 2.07 miles, it felt great, and I'm very excited. I plan to gradually increase my mileage and as I do, I'll keep you posted.
If you use Vibram running shoes please share your story. I'd love to hear from you.
1 comment:
Glad you are enjoying your new "shoes". Kind of funny - I decided to treadmill barefoot the other day to see what it feels like. I ended up with a blister on the ball of my foot - oops! After posting my mishap on facebook, I had a couple of friends warn me about plantar fascitis (condition affecting the arch of the foot).
Post a Comment