BigKnitter-
thats a new program from Hal! But it was exactly what i was saying.... a base building period that he just combined with his regular 18 week novice plan ( a GREAT plan, btw).
i thought you took his 18 week novice plan and tried to double it in length, or something.. basically like repeat each week before moving on, kind of thing.

You ABSOLUTELY should have no problem continuing to lose during the base building 12 weeks, since youre not entirely new to running. remember, its all in the deficit, and if you keep your intensity LOW during the 12 weeks, you could drop a decent chunk of weight which equals for you--> FREE SPEED.

Im excited for you... i remember i decided to start training for my first, also an October Marathon, around March, so ~ 6 months before the race. I had a hard time not diving into a marathong training program, but instead decided to train(loosely)/ run a half in May, so i could begin the actual marathon training at the beginning of June. I already had the ability/ experience of running 2 halfs by that point though.

mkroyer thank you for the encouragement!! Some days I think I was nuts to sign up :lol: But I think I can do it.

Bigknitter that looks like a really good schedule. You got it!!!!

Does anyone recommend a specific training schedule for a half? I'm pretty clueless on anything over 5K which is the distance I usually stick with. But doing an 8k at the end of the month and would like to build up to a half.

3.5 mi on Sun and 4 today, pretty steady 12 minute miles. I'm in MD visiting my in-laws and friends over spring break this week, I've been running on a nice trail near my MIL's house. Nice change of scenery and no big long hills here like there are near my house. Gearing up for an 8k on 4/28, hoping to be up to 5 mi end of next week and have a little time to work on speed

Bigknitter, that's so exciting!!! I was looking at the link for your marathon training schedule while I was at work today, and I was so inspired that I decided I'm going to train for and run a 10K in a few weeks using a shortened version of the 10K Novice Training Program on that same site. I figured - I can already run 5 miles pretty comfortably, so why not try it??

Here are my questions for the group though. I'm going to be starting the training program in week 5, as the 10K race I'm going to do is in 3.5 weeks (on April 28). Given that I already do 5 miles as my long runs (and did one just this past Friday), does it seem ok if I up the mileage for the long runs - i.e. do 5.5 miles this weekend instead of 4.5, and increase the long run mileage by the recommended increment (0.5 miles) from there? That would have me doing 6.5 miles as the last long run before the race. Also, does it seem like it would be ok to do the 2 mile runs as 2.5 mile runs instead? That would put my starting weekly mileage closer to where it was last week, instead of decreasing it.

I'm really excited!

btw, beachlover86, there are half marathon training programs on that website as well. I was looking at those too, and thinking maybe someday...

Yes I'm loving the interaction! Yay!

Hal has great programs for all distances, halfs, 10ks what have you.

That Novice Supreme program looks fantastic and I'm super excited for you Bigknitter!

Chickadee - I'm a little uneducated when it comes to the shorter distances, what your suggesting sounds fine to me, but MK will be better able to answer that for you.

Did my first FIRST training run today - it was a 4 mile speed workout. 4x 400s with a mile warm up and a mile cool down. I need to get out there and do a time trial...I'm kinda shooting in the dark with my training pace times right now. Think I may do that Friday instead of the tempo run...kind of defeats the purpose of the program if I'm not running the proper paces.

Jumping back in after a long absence ... hi everyone :wave:

I totally second that comment. It sounds counterintuitive, but it's true. For me, when I get to the longer runs (>15 miles), I end up having to taper and recover around them, which impacts my cross training (calorie burn). Plus your body starts demanding more calories to fuel that run, and it's hard for me to find the right balance. Less burn, more fuel = gain (or at least, no loss).

Over the last 18 months, I've run 10 half marathons, 4 marathons, and two 50K ultramarathons. And I've gained 10 pounds. :fr: NOT to discourage you from training for marathons, they are a wonderful accomplishment. It's just that you have to really watch intake / outgo, better than I have!

I'm finished with my running season and am going to maintain only moderate running with lots of crosstraining to amp up the burn and try to take off some of these extra pounds. I'm going to take some time off of marathon training.

A week after my last 50K race, the blisters are healing, and I got back on the treadmill for a 4 mile recovery jog/walk. Shooting for 10-12 miles this week, but lots of other training and group ex.

MBN- WOW!!!!! you are insane! (in an awesome I'm completely amazed kind of way!) Those are amazing accomplishments!

Thanks guys for the recommendations, I'll have to take a look at them. Ran only 2.5 miles yesterday, I usually try not to run several days in a row, my knees don't do so well and they definitly reminded me of that yesterday. Finished though and taking today off. Plus we have family in town maybe just get everyone out for a nice walk.

Wow thanks for all of the encouragement ladies! Love it :)

Well I was going to do 2 miles today, but yesterday my calf was being weird so I wore my compression sleeve all day. Then I decided to start rolling and trying to massage it, maybe I did it too much because it feels kind of crazy today. I do want to go out and do it but I think I will just take the day off and hope it works itself out before my next run on Saturday.

@MBN - That is some amazing running!! Also yes I have been wondering what I will do when the runs get longer, trying to find any info that will be helpful. In fact if anyone has tips or thoughts on nutrition, or wants to share what works for them as far as what to eat I know I would appreciate it :) Right now I'm really trying to focus more on the fruits, veggies, and getting my protein at 25% of my calories. Most of what I find seems to jive with this, is it really that simple? :lol:

Chickadee: Since Nceuno passed this one off to me... KIDDING ;)

Honestly? do you want my super most HONEST OPINION?

You could run the 10K tomorrow.

If you can run 5, you can run 6.2. An extra 10-15 minutes? Not to mention race day excitement/endorphins? (dont underestimate that)

I think the "10%" rule is taken a bit too literally and seriously alot of the time. Granted, if you are prone to injuries, new to running, etc, the 10% rule is good till you have a feel for the sport, till your body is used to the impact.

Whats your total weekely mileage?

Of course bump the 2 miler up to 2.5 or 3.1..... Youre not following the program anyway (im sorry, i didnt mean that to be mean).

I always found Hals programs to be a bit conservative on the "rest/recovery run" end. Even his advanced prgrams.

i think youre mentally talking yourself down. Ie; if you NEED to step up by half mile increments over the next 3 weeks, then do that..... for confidence, i suppose.

Me? id go out on saturday and run a 6 miler~ THAT would be all the confidence i need to know that i am ready--> AND YOU ARE.

My First 10K (FLASHBACK TIME)--
Id been "working out" for a couple years, consistently, but i was NOT a runner. Maybe a mile here or there on the treadmill....

On Mothers day (middle of Mayish?) I woke up, watched the news, and saw an advertisement for the Bolder Boulder, on Memorial Day. I said to myself, "I think Ill run the Bolder Boulder!" (Say it like Elle on Legally Blonde in your head).

FOr those who are not familiar, the Bolder Boulder is the largest 10K in the world. Kenyan runners, Olympic althletes, all that, PLUS another 50,000 runners on top of that. Huge race, and NOT one you can PR are lol.

So, i had 2-3 weeks to go from NON-runner to 10K completer. I went out that day and i ran 3-4 miles. I ran the next day more, and within 4or 5 days i was up to 5-6 miles. I ran every single day. no rest days (didnt know a THING about running) and on the day of the Bolder Boulder i went out, ran my first 10K in 1:02 something something (EXACTLY a 10 min/mile) and i was HOOKED. I am now competivie at the 10K, locally, and its my favorite distance. Its a HARD HARD distance to perfect, and get faster at.
Marathoning is just about endurance, BOREDOM, and time on your feet (HA!) Love you Nceuno ;)

My point is, its current running "dogma" thats puts boundaries in our heads.

SHATTER THEM

I really, really want to start running... I'm just afraid it will stall my weight loss :( How did you all conquer that fear and push through?

eat less then you burn... end of story.

I lost too MUCH weight marathon training (but i wasnt eating enough, and NO CARBS at all) ended up with a LOT of damage, metabolically/hormonally/reproductively.

its ALL ABOUT DIET. Starting running will merely increase your daily caloric burn, and idf you dont give into the " i deserve a ____ becasue i ran" then youll be fine :)

It entirely different when you start out, in a good way. its not about 2 -5 hour runs, and proper fueling/nutrition strategy, etc.

Put on a pair of running shoes, stay within your points allowed (Dont eat them back, or Activity points or whtever) and enjoy yourself

Wow Kaboom!!!! Nice to see all the activity, well done ladies! So many people with PLANS. I love PLANS!!!!!

My half marathon training is chugging along . I need to get out on trails though as it is a trail half mary. It's just been so impossibly cold and rainy. I can deal with one or the other apparently ......... My hot yoga experiment went super well, if only that wasn't such a time commitment... My hamstring/ Achilles haven't felt this loose in a long time. I just got some compression leg sleeves and I'm excited to try them out. Maybe on a trail run?????

MK: what about Fort Collins? Dh has been lobbying me to move to Fort Collins lately. Thoughts?

mkroyer, thanks a super ton for all the feedback. I really, really appreciate it. You're probably right that I could do it tomorrow (the 5.1 miles I ran last week was fine, and I knew when I finished that I could have gone longer); it's probably more mental than anything. About 95% of my running is done on the treadmill, which is part of why I feel like I need to work up to the race distance and get comfortable with it before being outside on race day. I'm actually going to go walk the 10K route on Sunday to get a feel for it, but from what I've read it's pretty flat, so that seems encouraging. :lol:

Weekly mileage has been pretty consistently around 10 miles/week for the last several weeks (not including any deliberate walking exercise, which probably adds another few miles/wk). Last week's mileage was 11.5, as I did that long run on Friday after a 3 mi and 3.5 mi run earlier in the week. This week was 3 mi on Mon night, 2.5 mi last night, and then if I do the 5.5 mi on Saturday that will be 11 miles.

I'm still somewhat new to running, and still getting used to it a bit I think. I started running in late September when I was pissed off one day, ran a 5K four weeks later, and then had to stop running 2 weeks after that (early Nov) for medical reasons. I started up again in mid-January and ran for 3 weeks, had to stop again for 2 weeks, and then started up again mid-February and have been running since then. So really, I've been a runner for about 15-16 weeks in total, lol. It's only been in the last few weeks that I've stopped thinking, every single time I got on the treadmill for a run, "last time was a fluke. all those previous times were. you can't run, you're not going to be able to do it."

But a little bit of confidence is finally starting to come. My 10K time won't be pretty (I'd love to just get under 1:15, as my long runs on the treadmill will probably be at 4.8 mph), but I think I'll be able to run the whole thing.

I'm totally blown away, btw, that you went out an ran a 10K at all, let alone at a 10 min/mile pace, just 2-3 weeks after starting running! :dizzy:

Just want to say ... I am a BIG fan of run/walk interval training for distance races. I understand the goal of wanting to run an entire race without walking, and that's a worthy goal. But, I'm here to tell you, that many people complete all sorts of races (with respectable times) using that strategy.

For me: walking intervals (even if short), give my legs and lungs a break, allowing me to run faster at the end than I would otherwise have been able to go. It's counterintuitive, but it works. Walking isn't a failure, it's a strategy.

A brisk walking pace is 15-16 minutes per mile. A slow running pace is 12-13 min/mi. Throwing in a few walk breaks really doesn't make that much difference in your overall time anyway.

And -- Chickadee, your first race is a guaranteed PR!! Time doesn't matter, only finishing!!

I've gotten so lazy LOL!

As always though MK - great advice!

And the eat less that you burn...more great advice. I gained a little towards the end of my training...because...I ate too much...shocking. But I knew what was going on, it was no suprise. Most of what I gained has been lost in the almost three weeks since, so not a big deal.

Eating to fuel running is a different mindset that eating to lose weight, it's a hard thing to navigate sometimes.

I'm "supposed" to be resting today...felt like I kind of need a true rest day...but I really NEED to run today...so we'll see if I'm able to sneak out of the office early and squeeze one in.

Ncueno--- youll KNOW what the proper paces are, in the FIRST program..because they will be *too* hard.
Im serious. You run in your comfort zone. Say goodbye to THAT...you will TRULY KNOW what it feels like to be uncomfortable.
Are you doing the FIRST marathon prgram? Half marathon? 10K?
I remember training with FIRST for a 10K to work on my speed, and a tempo run called for 6 miles ~ 2 mile warm up, and 4 miles in under 28 minutes. I thought i was going to die. I didnt make my time goal on that training run. But it was close, and so was the food and stomach bile rising in my throat the whole 4 miles.

The prgram is no joke. BUt it WILL make you better

You can use your comfort zone pace. Call that your "easy/long run/recovery pace" ( i dont remember the specific terminology used). And use the tables from there. Youre threshold is prob goning to be approx 90 seconds to 2 min per mile faster. Thats what your tempo runs will be at. Ya. Thats right. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. And remember, you can do ANYTHING for 20 minutes, or 30 minutes, or 1:30 seconds, etc.......

The hardest for me was the "long runs" and the paces i weas suppsed to hit on those........ My long runs are comfy (arent they all?). I dont think i ever really hit the right paces on a one of the long runs. Maybe *Overall* ~ as in, hauling butt faster than prescribed when i could ( at the end, or going downhill or on fast flats) but overall i was not able to maintain their paces for 8-10 miles staight.

Ummm... Good luck!!! :)

So, i actually RAN this morning. WOW,. On a treadmill, but i ran, none-the less. Tomoorw i have an a.m. Dr. appt, so i plan on running again, only outside this time.. its Been a LONG TIME since ive run outside in the early morning. I need to "train" my legs to move that fast again when i wake up.
Then my daughter has a soccer game at 9 :30 am on Sat, morning, so it looks like i will do ANOTHER early morning run.....

Thast my plan, anyway..... 3 days straight of morning running and i just *might* start to find my groove again

Of course they will be sloppy, and HEAVY, and slow, but i need to forge the habit again. When im running (i mean, consistently) i love running. When i am NOT running consistently, i dread it, and its a real crap shoot whether or not i have a good run or a bad run

Did a mile on Tuesday with my new shoes, felt fine on Wednesday so I went out and did a mile. Now I got shin splint pain again. Took today off and just stretched. Think I will be ok, might walk the whole way tomorrow & try sprinting on Saturday.

I suppose there is no way in knowing whether it's my shoes or my weight causing the pain.

So, got there and ran this am... day 1, down lol. it wasnt AWFUL.... i mean, *I* was awful, but the run wasnt. it felt good to get out there, even if i only ran for about 40 minutes ( wuth a little walking whenever i felt uncomfy). i went to this lake where there was a porta-potty basicallt in view at all times. This is a huge psychological issue for me. It wasnt too cold ( another issue) my feet oved anf felt fine ( another *cough* excuse).
Isnt that what thy all are anyway?

i was blessed today though, because of my early doctors appt i actually got to SLEEP IN an hour, and STILL run. Im usually at work by 7, which means i wake up by 5 to get to the gym before work, etc.
I recently chppoed (*cough* shaved) my hair off, all except for the VERY front, and bleached the entire thing the brightest, yellowest, brassiest blond you ever saw.... so it only takes me 15 minuts to get ready.

i LOVE the feeling of cutting my hair off, and completely changing my look. Its very liberating. I always do something like that, or get a tatoo, whenever i break up with a boyfriend...... heh.
happy trails

mkroyer: Guess to those sayings on the bottom you could add...I don't cry I MAKE CHANGE
Today I ran my 5 mile route it felt great did it inaround 53 min. I was late starting my Garmin. BUT today I had TUNES I was a happy runner:] I got my new iPod got it downloaed with 2 1/4 hrs fast songs and set on shuffle all favorites so it keeps me happy!

Did my 5k time trial yesterday to give me a baseline for my pacing...whoa...ucomfortable ah **** yeah! I warmed up for 1/2 a mile then stupidly sprinted for 3/4 a mile before the wheels started falling off...was able to hold on and came out at 27:50...it was stupid hot, 85 degrees, and if I hadn't sprinted maybe my time would have been a smidge better, but I'm fine with this and it will work well for me. Hard enough to challenge me, but not so hard that I'll start to hate running...I also ran this morning...this will put me at 5 days this week after my long run Sunday...stupid stupid stupid.

On the injury front, I'm battling 3 right now...2 of them have made massive improvements and not bothering me at all this week...except my hip...fortunately I *think* I know what's going on and the precautions and things I need to do to work it out...I think I also need to go see a chiro...pretty sure my left leg is shorter or longer or something, because all the injuries are concentrated on that side. And I also need to stick like glue to 3 days of running, I know this is what my body prefers and it functions best on that load...my injuries improve, I'm happier, etc.

Trying to run smart and pay attention to my body...but resting injuries is not something I do well...so I either have to be diligent about my stretching, hill avoidance or get knocked out completely and have to cross train...ugh...

Great running people! You all are rocking it!

ncuneo, I found out recently that my left leg is definitely a little longer than my right, and that's what was causing my hip pain. I still need to get a heel lift for my right shoe (just 1/8 inch is what was recommended); apparently you can get them just at any drug store or something?

Hello, joining in here!

I am almost at the end of my 5th week of running. I do a walk/run programme.
Week 1 walk 1 min, run 1 min. Continue for 20 mins or so
WeeK 2 walk 1 min run 2 min, continue as above.
I am now walk/running for 35 mins at 5 mins runs at a time, up to 6 mins on Monday.

I also never rest more than 2 days in a row and never run more than 2 days in a row.

I am a barefoot runner. I started literally barefoot on the beach and now I have some minimal shoes.

Why barefoot?
Well about 7 years ago I had an accident and a back operation as a result. I walked with sticks for about 6 months, and then limped or used a stick if I was going further. As the years passed the limp improved unless I was tired or tried to run. I wore flat sandals most of the time, as I was unable to wear heels.
We got a puppy and I walked daily on the beach, my leg got stronger. One day I was chasing the puppy who had gone over to investigate a couple having a picnic! I realised I was running with no limp! I was barefoot.

Some months later I decided to try running. Unfortunately despite expensive running shoes I limped and my foot flopped wildly, so I gave it up. Then my triathlon running daughter suggested I try barefoot, so for the first 3 weeks of my programme I just ran barefoot on the beach. Last week I got some minimal shoes and I can run in them

My first 5k is on May 20th! I hope to do it in a time under 40 mins, but just completing without the leg giving way will be good!

autodidact, that's an amazing story. Congratulations on figuring out what works for you so that you can run!! I'll really be looking forward to hearing about your 5K!

MBN: I'm really going to keep your advice in mind regarding the walking. I think my biggest fear with races is that I'll start out too fast (when I can't control the pace like I can on the treadmill), and then be too knackered later on to keep going through the entire race... and that if I get to that point and have to walk, that I'll be too worn out to start running again. I remember though one night on the treadmill when I began having serious lower abdominal pain after about 20 minutes... I stopped and walked for a few minutes until I felt better, and then I did the last 20 minutes of my run with no problem. I need to remember that, and that I can just walk for a few minutes if I need to, and it's not a big deal.

autodidact - that's just awesome to read! That you went from such a serious injury to running! How did you go about getting used to it? I really want to go barefoot (thus with minimal shoes since there's no beach or nice park trail nearby). I have slightly flat feet and have had joint-issues for years. I feel like if I strengthen my feet they'd do much better running.

--
After my 1 week break I did a 2mile run the other day just fine. But then I wanted to go running yesterday and after just a few steps my shins (insides) started to feel uncomfortable again. I've read so much stuff about shin splints and what it can lead to that I really don't wanna run through it and risk severe injury. But I have to figure out what is causing it. I am thinking it might be my flat feet. From what I've read about that there's 2 ways to approach flat feet and running:
1. Get extra support for your arch with insoles - the downside is that your feet will get 'lazy' and won't improve.
2. Run barefeet/minimal - downside is it takes a while to get used to and could be painful in the beginning. But I've read many cases were people developed such strong feet because of barefoot that their arch returned and they basically "cured" their flat feet with it.

Uhg, I want this figured out so I can go back to running again and get to 10miles.


Any ideas from you guys?

autodidact........very inspirational!!!
I am almost to the point of giving up. I'm thinking I need to lose more weight & concentrate on stretching. I can walk, might just stick to that for awhile.

Well I took 2 days off from everything hoping that my calf would be better, and it was somewhat but was still bugging me today. I did my 4.5 miles anyway, wore a compression sleeve to see if it would help during the run. I don't know if it did. My splits were pretty good though! Everything was under 10:40 and I actually got 9:38 for a mile, and then my last half mile was 9:40. I was trying to be lighter on my feet and faster and I think it helped. Did an ice bath when I got home since that has really helped me in the past. Anyway! Next run is on Tuesday so I think I have some time to recover before then.

@chickadee - I have thought for a long time that my left leg is longer than my right, I can just feel it. I'm feeling totally vindicated now seeing you say you have the same thing, since my boyfriend always laughs it off when I tell him that. I needed some new running clothes and found some lifts at amazon and will try them out.

Just ran 2.5miles (still being careful) and I decided to try and run more on the front of my foot. It felt really weird but much lighter. Maybe I was just running wrong? My calf isn't painful at all now!

philana: Glad it felt better today with the change! I went to a running clinic recently, and that was something they told me to do as well - that I was coming down on the middle of my right foot, and I needed to hit the ground with the ball first. They suggested increasing the cadence of my stride (which feels weird), and trying to think about keeping my feet beneath me at all times (if that makes sense), and that would help in coming down more on the ball of my foot instead of mid-foot. Anyway, I just mention it in case it helps you any further!

Bigknitter: The running clinic I mentioned above was exactly where they told me about one leg being longer than the other. Let me know how the lift works for you - I still need to get one, but am a little scared to try it!


So instead of 5.5 miles on the treadmill today I decided to just go for the 6.2 miles, and I did it!! I went at a nice slow pace (12:30/mile) and definitely felt quite a bit of fatigue in my legs, but that I can handle; it's when my lungs are having a tough time that a run feels hard to me, and that didn't happen at all, even toward the end of the run. It seems like those shorter runs at faster speeds where I am really fighting at the end definitely help cardio-wise with these longer runs. When my lungs are able to keep up like today, I am a happy runner. :)

Hi there, I just did a 5km time trial and did it in 48.07! So there is a starting point.

Barefoot running, arches and flat feet.

Please note I am no expert but I am very happy to share what I do know.
My Dad was an engineer, and interested in industrial archaeology. Often all that would be left of a site would be some kind of arched doorway. As a kid I asked why they were still standing and Dad said it was because arches were so strong. He said the quickest way to weaken an arch was to support it from below and the way to strengthen it was to push down from above.

Assuming that ones foot arch works the same way (I am no doctor, and actually I have no idea) it seemed to me that arch supports in my shoes would make matters worse for my bad leg/foot and going barefoot would help. So I went barefoot a lot. Always at home, with thick socks in winter and barefoot as much as possible outside. It does help that I live on a beach (actually on a sandune). If I wore shoes i wore flip flops or similar as much as possible. Although it was suggested many times that I should wear boots with ankle supports and orthotics with arch supports and a heel lift on my damaged leg I found I was getting strong and stronger just going around barefoot as much as possible.

Fast forward to loosing some of the weight (still some way to go) and my decision to start running.
Note I had been walking barefoot for a number of years at this point. I walked on the beach with the dog. In winter I wore gum boots, and I went barefoot as often as possible.

So running barefoot was just a logical extension of this. Interestingly I did still have to change my stride. This happened naturally when running on the streets in my minimal shoes. They made a lot of noise! I was so embarrassed I moved onto my toes and it all came together.

There are a number of you tube videos that illustrate this.

Chickadee, congratulations on the 6.2 miles!

Philana, so glad changing your stride to the ball of the foot helped your calf. My hubby got painful calves every time he tried to run barefoot, and as soon as he moved to the ball of his foot (he watched on you tube) the pain went away. His trouble is that he is so fit, he is having to take it very slow, and cycle for fitness instead as his muscles adjust.

Drake, keep walking, it will help, honestly. I walked for nearly 2 years before I even considered running. Then when I started running I started so very slowly. Week 1 walk 1 min, run 1 min, keep this up for about 20 mins or so. If this is still hard then do it again for week 2. When you are ready move up to walk 1 min run 2 mins. I did this and today I ran 5km! Not fast, but I ran it!

Hope this answers some questions
Auto.

I didn't even consider my stride possibly being a problem. Food ;) for thought.
This is all new to me.

autodidact: thanks for your thorough response! I so agree on the arch not needing support or it will get weak. My dr told me I had flat feet when I was like 11, they measured insoles for me but I barely wore them. Over time we just 'forgot' about it. And I've always been walking on very flat shoes. Allstars or cheap moccasin-type of sneakers. I've done my backpacking through Europe trip on thin havaianas and had no issues. I walk on my socks as soon as I get home my entire life. I started running only a few months ago and it just doesn't feel right on the shoes I have. I've never had such thick soles or somuch support in my shoes before. Everything I read about going barefoot is that you need to transition into it. But maybe I should just 'start' with it slowly like I did when I started running and leave the overly supportive nikes be. The forefoot-stride is hard on them because the heel is so heavy and big I feel like I need to make a long stride to make sure I am not bumping into my heel. And over-striding is a risk then.

I am so bummed, I don't have money for minimalist shoes right now, I think I have some old All Stars ( this model! click )that would be about the same as minimalist shoes. I might try them for a short run. I've travelled the middle east in them and they are worn out enough that they are pretty wide and leave room for my toes too.

Ahhh...barefoot running...:) Just do your research guys (sounds like you are).

I have to say though...this doesn't make sense. If you take an arch (a structural member let's say a piece of wood or steel) and put a constant force pusing down on it with no support below, if that arch does not have the structural integrity to accept that load, it will fail over time. Now the way the foot is different is that it *can* get stronger (a piece of wood or steel cannot) because it has muscles and tendons...whether or not it will...well that's a completely different issue. I have hear the argument that our arches will get lazy if we provide constant support for them with orthodics or shoes...whether or not I buy that...idk

Barefoot running is like any running concept or issue - there are TONS of opinions on it and you can find doctors and articles to support both. In the end it's like anything else in life, what works for YOU? That's what you have to determine, but you have to be careful along the way so that you don't get injured futher. So just be careful:)

8-10 miler today...supposed to run it at my marathon pace + 15 seconds...sounds fun.

You are right ncuneo, I don't think it's for everyone. I don't even know if it's for me yet. But with the difficulty I am having with my normal nikes, it's worth a shot for me.

I just did a 2mile run barefoot, no shoes at all, started with thin soled wide shoes, but was curious and went completely barefoot. It was quite exhausting to be honest, the paying so much attention and I felt a bit unstable. But I felt like my stride was better. We will see how this goes. I felt silly more than anything. Haha.

Jumping in here. It sounds like most of the folks on this thread have way more experience running than I do, but I figure these are the best folks to learn from.

I'm on week 5 of C25K and it's going beautifully. I'm not sure exactly of my distance because I run on park trails that I can't find mapped, but I think I'm covering about 4k in 35 minutes of run/walk mode. I'm totally hooked and I have to keep telling myself not to jump ahead. (And here I used to think those people who actually enjoyed running were just built differently or, alternatively, crazy!) Occasional shin pain, but I seem to be able to sort that out with the right kind of stretching... I'm hoping it doesn't get worse when I increase my time/distance.

I'm aiming to get to 5k in mid-May and hope to move from there to building up to a 10k. There's a 10k race on July 1 I'd love to compete in - not sure if that's overly ambitious but there seem to be a lot of programs out there that suggest you can work from 5k to a 10k race in about 8 weeks. Something to work towards, anyways!

I need some thoughts on shoes - I'm wearing a pair I bought specifically for running...years ago, when I had great plans that never materialized (the shoes had been sitting in my closet until about 8 weeks ago, when I finally kicked by butt into gear). I also wear the same pair for circuit-training and aerobics. Bad idea? Or does it not matter much at this point given that I'm running short times/distances a few times a week?

Ran my own priviate EASTER 10k did it in 1:04:20 and am very happy with my time. It was just me saw about 20 bunnies 2 hawks dodged a bunch of cowws and calves it was heaven someof the sprinklers are on!

As for vote I vote for shoes lots of padding support and lots of arch support....been a waitress for the last 20 years and the 25 before that I have worked on my feet so this 60 year old body says be very kind to your feet ,arch anckle ect...

Yes I agree, you have to do what works for you. It is interesting though that we have such things as 'racing flats'.

I also think that as I cannot raise the front of my left foot up towards my shins very well, due to my accident, shoes with padding are always going to be a problem for me, unless they are rigid boots. For example, I cannot walk on my heels.

I think it is so important to discuss these things and try as many as we can. I don't think proper minimal shoes are necessary, in the old days everyone used to run marathons in black plimsols, and they are still around. I think allstars would make great minimal running shoes. Actually for me true barefoot is best, but I am too much of a coward! Other people have told me, however, that getting proper running trainers has transformed their lives and their running, and that is great too. It seems to me the important thing is to get out and run, wearing whatever lets you do that!

Have fun running
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PS writing this having just got back from an easy pace half hour jog on the beach.

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I have to say though...this doesn't make sense. If you take an arch (a structural member let's say a piece of wood or steel) and put a constant force pusing down on it with no support below, if that arch does not have the structural integrity to accept that load, it will fail over time.

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Yes, i know what you mean, however I was told a true arch, rather than a beam will hold up almost anything as long as you load it from above and that is why those slender elegant arches can hold entire cathedral domes with no supporting walls underneath. The arch gets stronger when you press from above.

BUT, I actually have no idea! I'm a seamstress, not an architect!! :dizzy:

Are there any architects or engineers out there who can help us? Sadly, my Dad died this year, or I would ask him.

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devadiva: Your private Easter 10K sounds awesome! Glad you enjoyed it so much. :)

autodidact: Thank you!


I went and walked most of the 10K route for the race on April 28 today just to get a feel for it. It's mainly flat with some small hills, and is mostly packed gravel trail rather than paved trail. There are some larger rocks and tree roots sticking through on the trail, so I'll have to be careful of those, but otherwise it seems pretty manageable. I jogged about a mile of it in the middle just to see how the different surface felt, and it seemed fine. It's going to seem like a long route that day, and I know I'll be more worn out doing it outside than on the treadmill, but I'm pretty sure I can do it and am looking forward to it!

Did my first outdoor running since the 50K two weeks ago. I finally feel like I'm recovering from that race. As I get older, I just have to realize that recovery takes longer. Did my usual 5 mile neighborhood loop on Saturday (albeit slowly, with walk breaks) and felt really good after. Then off to church to help prep for services, and still made it to the gym in time for spin class.

Then on Sunday morning, I was finally back out at the beach running with one of my friends. It was a beautiful morning -- I saw 5 different Easter sunrise services in progress. Running on Easter morning along the beach is one of my traditions now, and a wonderfully inspiring way to start the day. I did 8 miles in 1.5 hours, which is still slow, but felt great after.

Running had become almost a chore, and I am mostly looking for the joy again -- and was able to find that this weekend. :D