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'26.2' - The Marathon Training Website: Barefoot Running Style - Avoid These ProblemsNatural running. In recent years Barefoot, Forefoot or Natural running has seen a tremendous increase in popularity. Every major running shoe manufacturer has several models designed for this type of runner. So what’s the motivation for adopting forefoot running? – The shoes are much lighter, the running style is claimed to produce fewer injuries, and it is more efficient. (See our original article on Natural Running). Will you have any problems if you switch over to this running form? Below are my 'lessons learned' and recommendations if you are considering this running style.
I adopted forefoot running about three years ago and have been quite injury-free ever since. It did take me a while to be comfortable with the switch over from the traditional heel strike-first stride to forefoot first. Even today I occasionally ask myself is my forefoot striking the ground first? After the first week or so I noticed a slight ache in the arch of my left foot. When it didn’t go away, I used a gel arch support and also alternated runs with my old cushioned shoes and it gradually improved. I also had some soreness in my calf muscles which had very rarely been a problem for me previously. My wife also suffered from the same problem. Proper stretching after the run seemed to take care of the soreness. My Recommendations. If you are considering changing your running style to barefoot or forefoot, then here are a few tips based on my own experiences.
Conclusion. Every runner is different and what worked well for me may not be as successful for you. Overall I recommend this running style because I feel there is less strain on the body ( although the bio-mechanical benefits have yet to be proven). I’m looking forward to trying this style out for the first time over 13.1 miles in an upcoming half marathon event.
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