Alright. I've finished the first week of zero-drop running. Sadly I only got two short-ish runs in (5k each), but it was probably a blessing in disguise as my lower legs have been feeling the transition. I did wear my Altras for a 12-hour on my feet workday the other day and it was really good.
So far, my hip/IT band niggles have not raised their head like they did at my two relays this summer, and my feet are feeling good (as long as I pay attention to rolling and stretching). My pace is staying consistent with my 'traditional running shoes' but my exertion level is a tad higher to maintain that pace. I expected this as my legs are doing more of the work of propulsion. That ramp on the old shoes definitely helped me feel a tad quicker.
As for the shoes, I am really liking the Instinct 1.5. It is a bit of an update to the original. The last is slightly different and has what they call a 'sprung toe' to help a 'quicker transition.' I found by internet nerdsearching that this was a complaint against the original Instinct, that it felt like a 'slow shoe.' I look at my 1.5's and see nothing resembling what I know as toe spring, and my feet feel completely flat from heel to toe (and vice versa). Yes, the shoe is cushioned, with 16mm of stack according to Running Warehouse. It is a firm cushion and I do get some ground feel feedback. I can tell when the road surface changes texture in them. I have yet to try the Lone Peaks out because i got too big a size and will have to swap them out.
Are the Altras a gateway drug to barefoot running again? I sure hope so. I may take a bare lap around the park today (less than .33 miles) just to see how it feels, and if I can ever get a lacing option that I like I will do some huarache runs as well. Feeling generally good, though!
So far, my hip/IT band niggles have not raised their head like they did at my two relays this summer, and my feet are feeling good (as long as I pay attention to rolling and stretching). My pace is staying consistent with my 'traditional running shoes' but my exertion level is a tad higher to maintain that pace. I expected this as my legs are doing more of the work of propulsion. That ramp on the old shoes definitely helped me feel a tad quicker.
As for the shoes, I am really liking the Instinct 1.5. It is a bit of an update to the original. The last is slightly different and has what they call a 'sprung toe' to help a 'quicker transition.' I found by internet nerdsearching that this was a complaint against the original Instinct, that it felt like a 'slow shoe.' I look at my 1.5's and see nothing resembling what I know as toe spring, and my feet feel completely flat from heel to toe (and vice versa). Yes, the shoe is cushioned, with 16mm of stack according to Running Warehouse. It is a firm cushion and I do get some ground feel feedback. I can tell when the road surface changes texture in them. I have yet to try the Lone Peaks out because i got too big a size and will have to swap them out.
Are the Altras a gateway drug to barefoot running again? I sure hope so. I may take a bare lap around the park today (less than .33 miles) just to see how it feels, and if I can ever get a lacing option that I like I will do some huarache runs as well. Feeling generally good, though!
