Minimalist running, my experience.

The new trend, minimalist running, has been spreading like fire. For you who haven't heard about this before, it's running barefoot or with minimal support. The thought behind the minimalist running is that you are somewhat forced to run more on your forefoot rather than with a heel strike. This will in turn help with a better cushioned stride that protects knees and joints. The less support also helps strengthen your feet (arches).

After seeing this new trend I wanted to find out for myself what it was all about so I got a pair of Vibram FiveFinger shoes. I was told to start running about 10% of what I had been running up until that point. I was very excited to try it out since it reminded me of running barefoot just like I did during my track career. I went out for a short run around the neighborhood. I was surprised to find that it didn't feel so weird after all. I found myself running a bit faster than I normally do, most likely because I did not want to be seen in those funky shoes. After the run I noticed that my achilles tendon was very sore. After all the years of wearing shoes with a built up heels, my achilles tendon had shortened, and now they had finally been used the way they were meant to be used.

After using the shoes for a while I did get more comfortable, but my calves were still getting sore. I guess it takes a while to get used to the lengthening of the calf muscle. My body felt great, and I had less problems with my knee. (I have no cartilage left in my left knee). I know that I had an advantage because of my background as a track athlete, but I think that minimalist running is a step in the right direction. We just have to start really slow, and I mean REALLY slow! You have to let the body get used to its natural position again, and stretch your calves a lot.

I'm currently training for an Iron Man, and I have only used the minimalist running to strengthen rather than as a lifestyle. I do runs up to 3-4 miles, but anything longer than that I use my light trainers. Minimalist running is not for everyone, but I think many problems common running related problems like: knee, feet and back, can be greatly reduced. Please let me know your own stories if you have tried this form of running. Happy running!!