hi all
I'm a newbie to both running and barefoot. My story so far....
I ran in my 20's and loved the feeling of being by myself, listening to my breath and being in the zone. i stopped due to lifestyle and just couldn't be bothered any more....parties were more important. In my early 30's I had my first child and this was my first taste of Plantar Fasciitis. Got orthotics and hated them. After a while I ditched them and the Birkenstock shoes (that everyone raves about...you know, those moulded, shaped sandals?!) and felt good to wear flats again. I did a bit of gym work (weights) after my second child but no running.
So I hit 40 and after a couple of years I knew I wanted to do running again.....except I ended up being a cripple after 10 mins into the run. My calves were like rocks. I was perplexed. I never got injured or felt like this in my 20's. I got a Running Coach to watch me and he said I heel striked. After a bit of time with him, I learned not to and it made such a huge difference. I was ill for a while, and life took over (kids!!!) before I could commit fully to learning to run.
This Jan I started 'learn to run' training sessions through a fb group. Got to 4 weeks and BAM, that plantar fasciitis came back with a vengeance. I tried to persevere but it wasn't going away. I am on my feet all day for work as well. So I went to a podiatrist who did some dry needling, chiropractic on my feet and gave me exercises to do. We ended up getting orthotics (my old ones were not suited anymore...I'm just surprised I kept them actually).
So this was two weeks ago. I haven't ran in over two weeks....not that my running was fast nor long. More like intervals of jogging and walking.
Why am I here?
When I was with the running coach he mentioned (nearly under his breath) about 'barefoot runners' like Vibrams etc. I questioned more but he wouldn't elaborate and said I should stick to striking midfoot and I will be okay in sneakers. I searched up barefoot and did some reading. I thought it was too 'out there' for me and didn't give it another thought....... until now.
In a runners group on fb nearly every second day someone is complaining about PF or Achilles problems etc. Why???? If they are running in the best runners money can buy, why are they still getting hurt?? Seems ludicrous. So here I am in good runners with PF! Not happy Jan! (Sorry, only Aussies will get that bit about Jan).
I then read 'Born To Run' and it opened my eyes even more plus I am also reading Ken Bobs book on the subject at the moment.
My dilemma....
What should I do first?
* Wear my orthotics and start to strengthen my core and hips. So basically, keep running in my orthotics while I heal and strengthen from top to bottom?? Strengthen by yoga etc.
* Or ditch the orthotics all together and start barefoot straight away plus strengthening the core and hips (which I have read can attribute to PF etc).
I am a good 20kg overweight and feel this certainly will impact on my PF as well as my core strength and ability to run BF. Regular massage on my calves will be a must as they are sooooo tight, esp lower inner calf on my left which is quite tender and has been since getting the orthotics. I purchaed a pair of zero drop shoes for work (they arrive this week).
I am afraid though!
Afraid I won't be able to 'bend ze knees' properly when BF running... afraid I won't be able to 'lift' the feet rather than 'push off' like I do now... afraid of the cold on my feet... afraid of what others will say... afraid that it will take me soooooooooo long to adapt and transition to BF that I give up, thus not completing my 10km goal by the end of the year...
Some great advice was given to me in a barefoot running group on fb (I think I saw one of your members was in that group) about taking it slow etc. but after having my orthotics for a little bit I am not sure of which way to go, and this is why I am here....a lot more people to reach out to.
Advice?
TIA... and sorry for the looooong novel.
I'm a newbie to both running and barefoot. My story so far....
I ran in my 20's and loved the feeling of being by myself, listening to my breath and being in the zone. i stopped due to lifestyle and just couldn't be bothered any more....parties were more important. In my early 30's I had my first child and this was my first taste of Plantar Fasciitis. Got orthotics and hated them. After a while I ditched them and the Birkenstock shoes (that everyone raves about...you know, those moulded, shaped sandals?!) and felt good to wear flats again. I did a bit of gym work (weights) after my second child but no running.
So I hit 40 and after a couple of years I knew I wanted to do running again.....except I ended up being a cripple after 10 mins into the run. My calves were like rocks. I was perplexed. I never got injured or felt like this in my 20's. I got a Running Coach to watch me and he said I heel striked. After a bit of time with him, I learned not to and it made such a huge difference. I was ill for a while, and life took over (kids!!!) before I could commit fully to learning to run.
This Jan I started 'learn to run' training sessions through a fb group. Got to 4 weeks and BAM, that plantar fasciitis came back with a vengeance. I tried to persevere but it wasn't going away. I am on my feet all day for work as well. So I went to a podiatrist who did some dry needling, chiropractic on my feet and gave me exercises to do. We ended up getting orthotics (my old ones were not suited anymore...I'm just surprised I kept them actually).
So this was two weeks ago. I haven't ran in over two weeks....not that my running was fast nor long. More like intervals of jogging and walking.
Why am I here?
When I was with the running coach he mentioned (nearly under his breath) about 'barefoot runners' like Vibrams etc. I questioned more but he wouldn't elaborate and said I should stick to striking midfoot and I will be okay in sneakers. I searched up barefoot and did some reading. I thought it was too 'out there' for me and didn't give it another thought....... until now.
In a runners group on fb nearly every second day someone is complaining about PF or Achilles problems etc. Why???? If they are running in the best runners money can buy, why are they still getting hurt?? Seems ludicrous. So here I am in good runners with PF! Not happy Jan! (Sorry, only Aussies will get that bit about Jan).
I then read 'Born To Run' and it opened my eyes even more plus I am also reading Ken Bobs book on the subject at the moment.
My dilemma....
What should I do first?
* Wear my orthotics and start to strengthen my core and hips. So basically, keep running in my orthotics while I heal and strengthen from top to bottom?? Strengthen by yoga etc.
* Or ditch the orthotics all together and start barefoot straight away plus strengthening the core and hips (which I have read can attribute to PF etc).
I am a good 20kg overweight and feel this certainly will impact on my PF as well as my core strength and ability to run BF. Regular massage on my calves will be a must as they are sooooo tight, esp lower inner calf on my left which is quite tender and has been since getting the orthotics. I purchaed a pair of zero drop shoes for work (they arrive this week).
I am afraid though!
Afraid I won't be able to 'bend ze knees' properly when BF running... afraid I won't be able to 'lift' the feet rather than 'push off' like I do now... afraid of the cold on my feet... afraid of what others will say... afraid that it will take me soooooooooo long to adapt and transition to BF that I give up, thus not completing my 10km goal by the end of the year...
Some great advice was given to me in a barefoot running group on fb (I think I saw one of your members was in that group) about taking it slow etc. but after having my orthotics for a little bit I am not sure of which way to go, and this is why I am here....a lot more people to reach out to.
Advice?
TIA... and sorry for the looooong novel.