So, I introduced myself in Abide's thread the other day, but I kind of wanted to share my little story just for kicks as well.
I'm 19, from Pittsburgh, PA and haven't ever been a strict runner. I played ultimate frisbee for years in highschool and in leagues during the summer, but couldn't ever get into running just for the sake of running. I tried several times over the years to get into it, but would always end up with week long periods of constant shin splints, knee pain associated with an old injury, and extreme foot discomfort. It didn't matter what shoes I wore when I ran, or how slowly I ran, I always had these problems.
So a week or so ago, maybe two now (time's a blur) my friend postulated that perhaps humans aren't meant to be running in shoes during one of our philosophical conversations during a game of super smash brothers (N64 of course). This got me to thinking, and then researching. I stumbled upon this website, as well as Ken Bob's, and a few others, and then later that day I gave BFR a shot.
I told my parents what I was doing, they called me crazy, yelled at me about glass and heroin needles, but to no avail. I busted out of the door full of energy and reckless bravado, walked into the street wincing at all the tiny little stones at the end of my driveway, started to feel some doubt as I tip toed around a bunch of broken glass, then said "screw it, let's do this" and started running. Went a mile, got back, looked at my feet, noticed that nothing was wrong with them except some burning sensations, and was hooked.
I've been out a bunch of times now, I'm up to 2 miles at a decent feeling pace. My parents still think I'm crazy, but I don't really care that much. My feet feel fine (except for a tiny little blister), and no pain in any muscles or joints!
My favorite thing I've run on so far is painted cement (like for crosswalks and stuff) because it's soft and cool and awesome. I got to run through a bunch of puddles like a kid too, that was also awesome. The worst thing I've run on was some grass with a lot of mysteriously sharp things in it, but even that was really interesting.
Races in the future? Who knows? Right now I'm just enjoying the flavors of different surfaces, the relief of puddles, and the odd stares of people who think I'm crazy.
Also, I'd just like to thank all you people on these forums for the knowledge that let me get a good start at my new favorite past time (other than playing guitar and frisbee). Sorry if the post was too long, but it's too late.
I'm 19, from Pittsburgh, PA and haven't ever been a strict runner. I played ultimate frisbee for years in highschool and in leagues during the summer, but couldn't ever get into running just for the sake of running. I tried several times over the years to get into it, but would always end up with week long periods of constant shin splints, knee pain associated with an old injury, and extreme foot discomfort. It didn't matter what shoes I wore when I ran, or how slowly I ran, I always had these problems.
So a week or so ago, maybe two now (time's a blur) my friend postulated that perhaps humans aren't meant to be running in shoes during one of our philosophical conversations during a game of super smash brothers (N64 of course). This got me to thinking, and then researching. I stumbled upon this website, as well as Ken Bob's, and a few others, and then later that day I gave BFR a shot.
I told my parents what I was doing, they called me crazy, yelled at me about glass and heroin needles, but to no avail. I busted out of the door full of energy and reckless bravado, walked into the street wincing at all the tiny little stones at the end of my driveway, started to feel some doubt as I tip toed around a bunch of broken glass, then said "screw it, let's do this" and started running. Went a mile, got back, looked at my feet, noticed that nothing was wrong with them except some burning sensations, and was hooked.
I've been out a bunch of times now, I'm up to 2 miles at a decent feeling pace. My parents still think I'm crazy, but I don't really care that much. My feet feel fine (except for a tiny little blister), and no pain in any muscles or joints!
My favorite thing I've run on so far is painted cement (like for crosswalks and stuff) because it's soft and cool and awesome. I got to run through a bunch of puddles like a kid too, that was also awesome. The worst thing I've run on was some grass with a lot of mysteriously sharp things in it, but even that was really interesting.
Races in the future? Who knows? Right now I'm just enjoying the flavors of different surfaces, the relief of puddles, and the odd stares of people who think I'm crazy.
Also, I'd just like to thank all you people on these forums for the knowledge that let me get a good start at my new favorite past time (other than playing guitar and frisbee). Sorry if the post was too long, but it's too late.
lol I'm from Michigan so I'm a Wings fan!
