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  1. chuckcwall

    Huaraches with toe spring?

    Hello everyone! Can anyone recommend a pair of huaraches that have toe spring? (Or do huaraches by definition lack toe spring?) I have a pair of Unshoes Wokovas that I like a lot for running, but when I'm walking in them, the front edge of the sole always gets caught and folds back under my...
  2. chuckcwall

    The "M-word" again

    Thanks everyone! At this point, I am leaning towards mixing it up with more different kinds of workouts, really just for the sake of enjoyment. But I will read the Maffetone book when I get a chance. I suppose I should speak up in defense of "science," since I currently make my living as a...
  3. chuckcwall

    The "M-word" again

    Much good advice given, thanks Nick, Bare Lee, BG, Ramzev, and others. I'm not fast by any means, but just to be clear, I can run much faster than 14-15 min/mile. That very slow pace is running at a constant heart rate of 180-age. So after 8 months, I do in fact feel like I could be running...
  4. chuckcwall

    The "M-word" again

    Mike, Thanks for your input--I have read the Maffetone and Sock-Doc websites extensively, but I do admit to not reading the book. I did do the MAF test regularly, and the results were just flat every month or getting slower. As in I never got faster at the same heart rate, even though all my...
  5. chuckcwall

    The "M-word" again

    Distances are short, time spent running is 30-60 min at a stretch, 3-5 days a week. Occasionally a whole week off when I've felt tired, sick, or the Achilles tendon feels twitchy.
  6. chuckcwall

    The "M-word" again

    I liked Robbi's post where she referred to Maffetone stuff as "the M-word." Also, this post may read as if I'm just writing to complain, but that is not my intent. So, I've been trying Maffetone with the 180-age training, refraining from speed work, etc, for almost 8 months now. During this...
  7. chuckcwall

    Most complete explanation of training protocols I've seen yet

    Lee, what device do you use to set/measure pace alerts? Would you recommend it? Thanks!
  8. chuckcwall

    Hello from Ohio!

    Welcome! It's not right next to Lakewood, but when visiting my in-laws we often run on the Mill Stream and Big Creek trail systems (mostly in Middleburg Heights & Strongsville). Very nice paved bike paths, the pavement is a little rough in some spots but that will be good practice for a barefoot...
  9. chuckcwall

    I did it....:)

    Congrats! That's great--there's no substitute for running with a smile on your face! I'm guessing things will be getting cold in Minnesota soon, and you may need to switch to minimalist shoes. Going completely barefoot has a sort "self-limiting" factor, but it's very easy to do too much too soon...
  10. chuckcwall

    A step backward into shoes?

    Reluctantly, I've started running in shoes again. I've had Achilles tendon problems that just keep coming back over a year after the initial injury. My latest doctor, who does endorse barefoot/minimalist running overall, suggested that I wear a more supportive shoe with a little bit of heel...
  11. chuckcwall

    Transitioning to Trails

    Dawsy, I often carry a pair of minimalist shoes (VFFs or huaraches) in a fanny pack. That way, I can try a trail barefoot and then I just put the shoes on when my feet get tired or if the trail is too rough.
  12. chuckcwall

    Arms and Hips

    Lately I have been playing around with the arm swing in a couple of ways. I used to make my arms swing straight forward and back, and now I'm allowing my arms to swing diagonally a little across the chest. I've also been adjusting the angle of the elbows, and making an angle that's a little...
  13. chuckcwall

    Lifting Your Feet?

    When I first started barefoot/minimalist about a year ago, my major problem was way too much pushing off with the calf muscles, and sometimes I would run entirely up on my toes. My whole upper body would bounce up and down, and I constantly had strains and injuries in my calves and Achilles...
  14. chuckcwall

    Can I expect this to improve?

    ThomDavid, Great progress and keep at it! I'm a little over a year into this barefoot/minimalist thing, and it is still an ongoing and productive journey. While my progress over the whole year has been significant, it has not been linear, and there are definitely days or even weeks when I need...
  15. chuckcwall

    Recommend a Nutritional Education....book

    I haven't read Why We Get Fat. Looks like it was published after Good Calories, Bad Calories, so it may be an elaboration/continuation of similar themes on various diet-health-obesity issues.
  16. chuckcwall

    Recommend a Nutritional Education....book

    Many good suggestions above, and I would second the recommendation for reading Eric Schlosser. I just finished Wheat Belly by William Davis, which was very short and to-the-point. Also reading Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes, which is a little longer and more in-depth but very...
  17. chuckcwall

    Any BFRers in Louisiana?

    Hello everyone! So, it looks like I may be moving to Louisiana for work, probably living in Houma which approx. 1 hr from New Orleans. This is likely to be a temporary (1-3 yr) gig. I went down for a visit to "scope it out" last weekend, and maybe some folks here can help answer my questions...
  18. chuckcwall

    More surgery for me!

    Good luck! You are an inspiration to everyone struggling with injuries. And thanks for building such a great website!
  19. chuckcwall

    vivobarefoot trail: thoughts?

    Scedastic, I did not notice much of a weight difference. I do agree with SillyC that the tread on the Neo Trails is very aggressive. Which is great for mud and snow, but the tread pattern is so large that it's distracting when running on pavement.
  20. chuckcwall

    vivobarefoot trail: thoughts?

    I have a pair of the Neo Trails, and I like them a lot. They were my go-to shoe for running and walking in snow and cold weather last winter (not that we had much of either in MA). I like the fit, protective but very flexible sole, with good traction. I didn't like the insoles that came with the...