So, I started running two years ago. My footwear of choice was the Nike Free 5.0. The sole reason for purchasing said shoe was due to my hammer toes. The Frees have no seems and therefore did not bug my toes. Absolutely no research was done to find the "right shoe" for my foot, stride, etc... I ran in ignorant bliss with no issues whatsoever. Then after a long run my knees were a bit sore and I figured it had to be due to insufficient shoes. Nevermind that I had just run 10 miles in one shot without running 10 miles in a week. Yeah, bit too much of an increase, thus the pain.
Unfortunately I fell for the running shoe hype and went through several pairs with varying levels of support to fix my overpronation and cushioning in the heel. I suffered through a variety of ailments all prompting the switch to a better shoe. During this time my wife, you know her as Norm Deplume, discovered barefoot running. She loved it. More importantly, she had no injuries. This prompted me to go back my old Nike Free 5.0's. Guess what? No problems. I was in the midst of training for a half marathon, and running 25 miles a week pain free. As an added bonus the previously mentioned hammer toes were becoming less hammerie. Sweet.
So, the next logical step is to step out of the shoes all together, right? Yes and no. I am competitive with my running and do not want to start over. So, I am doing it gradually. I ran 5 miles tonight in the Frees and after my cool down I lost the shoes and went for a light jog. I did .15 miles barefoot. It was awesome! I am planning to do my normal runs in the Frees and do cool downs barefoot. I will slowly increase the distance and pace. Gonna be a fun trip.
Unfortunately I fell for the running shoe hype and went through several pairs with varying levels of support to fix my overpronation and cushioning in the heel. I suffered through a variety of ailments all prompting the switch to a better shoe. During this time my wife, you know her as Norm Deplume, discovered barefoot running. She loved it. More importantly, she had no injuries. This prompted me to go back my old Nike Free 5.0's. Guess what? No problems. I was in the midst of training for a half marathon, and running 25 miles a week pain free. As an added bonus the previously mentioned hammer toes were becoming less hammerie. Sweet.
So, the next logical step is to step out of the shoes all together, right? Yes and no. I am competitive with my running and do not want to start over. So, I am doing it gradually. I ran 5 miles tonight in the Frees and after my cool down I lost the shoes and went for a light jog. I did .15 miles barefoot. It was awesome! I am planning to do my normal runs in the Frees and do cool downs barefoot. I will slowly increase the distance and pace. Gonna be a fun trip.
