Hello. I've been reading some of the posts and messages an you seem a friendly bunch - if argumentative at times, ha ha! Anyway, I wanted to say hello from the UK and if anyone feels compelled to answer with any advice, well that would be gratefully received!
I've been running since April using C25K, taken part in 1 5k race for charity, and one Parkrun. Soon after buying a spanking pair of trainers, I discovered BFR (think it was due to reading Born to Run - same as everyone else it would seem!) so, my clunkers are now gathering dust whilst I get to grips with all this. I have to say, up front and hope this doesn't get me kicked out, but I don't run strictly BF. I wear Xero's (having read some of the other posts I know most of you will say this isn't BF but somehow sandals seems too minimal to say, well, minimal running!)
I've discovered, since being BF style that it is easier on my breathing. I don't have any breathing issues like asthma but I think that running in shoes meant I took too big strides and just couldn't keep up. Also I do have problems with hips, had 2 ops for hip impingement and chronic muscle wastage due to using crutches too long - this is being corrected and improved upon every day. Ironically, running helps and is pain free unless I do something wrong! However, I have noticed that BF style suits me better as it's much softer, and again, shorter strides.
A couple of points I'd love some advice on...
I've tried and tried to follow "proper running form" as per loads of different teachers such as Chris McD, Eric Orton, Michael Sandler, POSE, Chi etc etc, and I've watched loads of YouTube. I just can't "get it"! How do I "not push off with feet"?, lifting knees high (like 100 ups) seems an impossible feat (maybe I'm just too impatient as , I know this would take a long time to master, is it worth it?), some say land flat foot/mid foot/forefoot - which is best?
Then I read a very long post where lots of people had differing opinions on whether to actually follow a so-called training plan, or to run naturally? When I look in shop windows, I can see my form is bent at the waist even though I try really, really hard not to. I usually think I'm running upright so it's quite a surprise when I see I'm not! Someone suggested (sorry, I don't remember the name) to concentrate on the top half of body and let legs/feet take care of themselves.
My next point is not based just on BF, but running in general. Does anyone else have runs where their body doesn't seem to want to go? The other day I ran 6km (in thin soled shoes as Xero's hadn't arrived), and it was a lovely ride! Then yesterday I went out and had to keep stopping. I only stopped for a few seconds but the first time was at 3.1km - not even my usual 5k. The rest of the 6k run, I needed to periodically walk for 10-15 seconds and I can't understand why! It wasn't even because of my feet, it was more a general feeling of tiredness.
Race events: especially Parkruns. Do you manage to keep up? I've never managed a 5km in less than 40 mins in SHOES, and now I'm taking nearly an hour - surely everyone would have gone home! Is it best to wait until I have mastered whatever technique I need, and then built up a bit of speed?
My aim is to run for distance rather than shorter, fast distances but I'd still like to finish in the middle of the pack, or even last is ok as long as it's by seconds/minute not hours!
Anyone here run in Xero's? I love them and wanted others' feedback
I'm from Farnham, Surrey, UK if anyone else is remotely near there.
Feel free to chip in with anything else. Please be kind though!!
Look forward to hearing from you.
I've been running since April using C25K, taken part in 1 5k race for charity, and one Parkrun. Soon after buying a spanking pair of trainers, I discovered BFR (think it was due to reading Born to Run - same as everyone else it would seem!) so, my clunkers are now gathering dust whilst I get to grips with all this. I have to say, up front and hope this doesn't get me kicked out, but I don't run strictly BF. I wear Xero's (having read some of the other posts I know most of you will say this isn't BF but somehow sandals seems too minimal to say, well, minimal running!)
I've discovered, since being BF style that it is easier on my breathing. I don't have any breathing issues like asthma but I think that running in shoes meant I took too big strides and just couldn't keep up. Also I do have problems with hips, had 2 ops for hip impingement and chronic muscle wastage due to using crutches too long - this is being corrected and improved upon every day. Ironically, running helps and is pain free unless I do something wrong! However, I have noticed that BF style suits me better as it's much softer, and again, shorter strides.
A couple of points I'd love some advice on...
I've tried and tried to follow "proper running form" as per loads of different teachers such as Chris McD, Eric Orton, Michael Sandler, POSE, Chi etc etc, and I've watched loads of YouTube. I just can't "get it"! How do I "not push off with feet"?, lifting knees high (like 100 ups) seems an impossible feat (maybe I'm just too impatient as , I know this would take a long time to master, is it worth it?), some say land flat foot/mid foot/forefoot - which is best?
Then I read a very long post where lots of people had differing opinions on whether to actually follow a so-called training plan, or to run naturally? When I look in shop windows, I can see my form is bent at the waist even though I try really, really hard not to. I usually think I'm running upright so it's quite a surprise when I see I'm not! Someone suggested (sorry, I don't remember the name) to concentrate on the top half of body and let legs/feet take care of themselves.
My next point is not based just on BF, but running in general. Does anyone else have runs where their body doesn't seem to want to go? The other day I ran 6km (in thin soled shoes as Xero's hadn't arrived), and it was a lovely ride! Then yesterday I went out and had to keep stopping. I only stopped for a few seconds but the first time was at 3.1km - not even my usual 5k. The rest of the 6k run, I needed to periodically walk for 10-15 seconds and I can't understand why! It wasn't even because of my feet, it was more a general feeling of tiredness.
Race events: especially Parkruns. Do you manage to keep up? I've never managed a 5km in less than 40 mins in SHOES, and now I'm taking nearly an hour - surely everyone would have gone home! Is it best to wait until I have mastered whatever technique I need, and then built up a bit of speed?
My aim is to run for distance rather than shorter, fast distances but I'd still like to finish in the middle of the pack, or even last is ok as long as it's by seconds/minute not hours!
Anyone here run in Xero's? I love them and wanted others' feedback
I'm from Farnham, Surrey, UK if anyone else is remotely near there.
Feel free to chip in with anything else. Please be kind though!!
Look forward to hearing from you.