Attempting Minimalism

Pose running didn't do it for you?

I don't really want to sound mean and I am really no one to talk or anything. But you really need to get a new hobby or something. You post on here non-stop. It's very obvious. I mean do you have like a minimum number of threads that you need to start per day? I just seems that every thought that pops into your head you need to post in in here.

I think Pose is a type of minimalist running, but I never tried it. I was just asking about it.

I'd like to help, but you must construct your posts using paragraphs. That thing is impossible to read.

Serious? wrote:

I am really no one to talk or anything.

Then why not remedy that?

Txrunnergirl,

The Posetech running forum would probably be one of the best places for you to get advice on minimalistic footwear running. An individual who runs efficient using the Pose Method Technique will be capable of running as many miles as he/she wants with minimal or NO footwear. Unfortunately it is a little more complicated than just adapting by running miles. If you make your way over to the Posetech forum we will help guide you through the transition. Good Luck!

htttp://www.posetech.com

Big Thinker wrote:

I'd like to help, but you must construct your posts using paragraphs. That thing is impossible to read.

Sorry, I noticed that too after I posted it...

I've been struggling with injuries for the past couple of years despite 3 pairs of orthotics, taking a lot of time off from running, drastically reducing mileage, improving my nutrition, etc. I've been interested in the idea of minimalism (http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=1468037&page=0), but have been reluctant to go against everything I've heard about needing orthotics, more cushioned shoes, etc.

Well, clearly none of that is working. I have been hovering around 20-30 mpw for over 6 months now and am still having problems. So as a last-ditch effort, I'm attempting minimalism. I figure this is as good a time as any since I'm not running high mileage.

However, I'm not sure exactly how to make the transition without developing tendonitis in my foot. The other day, I ditched my orthotics and cushioned shoes and ran 4 miles in my Mizuno Idatens. I'm a midfoot/forefoot striker, so it wasn't too difficult. The only problem I had was muscle fatigue since I was working muscles that were weakened by my other shoes and orthotics. I decided that it would probably be safer to switch back and forth between the flats and normal trainers.

I just bought some Brooks Glycerins, so last night I ran 5 miles in them without orthotics. The first thing I noticed was how much easier it to feel what the shoes were doing in relation to my feet and running form more than when I wear orthotics. I noticed that even when I tried to land on my forefoot, the shoes somewhat forced me to land on my heels. It was almost like my feet were fighting with the shoes. The heels on the Glycerins aren't even that thick.

When I had about 1.5 miles left, I got frustrated and took my shoes off. I ran the rest of the way barefoot, which felt a lot better except for the sharp rocks every now and then (most of the trail was grass/dirt though). I never realized how heavy trainers are until I had to carry them in my hands. My arches are somewhat sore today, so I'm a little worried about getting tendonitis.

For anyone who is a minimalist, how did you make the transition safely? Should I switch between normal trainers, racing flats, and going barefoot? How much running during a week would you suggest with each? I know some people would say to go cold-turkey into barefoot running (from what I've read in previous threads), but I don't think that will work with me because I can already feel that my feet are not in that kind of shape yet.

Sorry,

Thats

http://www.posetech.com

Try using the minimalist shoes as much as possible and reducing your mileage as necessary. Run on dirt as much as possible. Gradually build up.

You can go the other route -- alternate between big heavy shoes and minimal ones but I found this way worked for me better.

Is this the new kick you're on? Didn't you stir up a huge pose running debate a while ago? Now we are instructed to debate minimalism too?

Go around in bare feet or aqua socks all the time when you aren't running. Run cold water over your feet to reduce the inflammation of the tendinitis. Then just sort of feel your way. Run in what you're used to for a couple of days and then in a racer, then maybe every other day in the racers until you're ready to go full time.

im doing the same thing right now. i do morning runs in frees. walk around all day in frees. then for my afternoon run i switch between adidas supernova light and a heavier trainer. eventually i would like to just stick with the supernova light but i need another pair so i can switch off every other day.

At least this topic relates to running. The front page has topics on Rush Limbaugh, Fred Thompson, Feud with neighbors (cat trolling thread), search engine, and the Cavs (at least sports related and they do run in BBall).

txRUNNERgirl,

Start over.

You really need to start over with your running and thinking. Forget EVERYTHING you know about running form, how your foot strikes the ground, what shoes do what for whom. Forget everything. Start over.

For shoes, I use a track shoe ground down with a flat Vibrum outsole glued on. The brooks z1 spike is the best for this in my opinion. Put away your regular trainers and never run in them again.

For training: Run as if you are coming back from breaking both your legs and being out of running for a year. Do as little as you need to. Make sure that you are not getting hurt. I had two athletes from very different backgrounds do essentially the same thing. One was a 56 year woman who had never run in her life and one was a 29 year old woman who wanted to go the marathon trials. 15 min runs each day is where they each started and never really went up by more than 10% a week. The older one is running 5 times a week for about 40 minutes, runs around 48mins for a 10k and is now 60years old. She’s never even had so much as an ingrown toenail. The other, under my coaching, ran a 3:06 for her first marathon, 1:26 for the half, before going to another coach. She now does not run and was injured within three months of leaving my program.

You’re training your body to be different, to move different and to be stronger. Forget the fitness aspect, that’ll come with time. Besides, true running fitness is one of the most patient disciplines in all of sport. Restructuring your muscles and neuromuscular fitness is a whole different ball game. I feel that 300 miles is a good point where you can start running longer and 1500 miles is a good benchmark where you are fully adapted.

Most of all, error on the safe side and in a few months you’ll be stronger than ever. Push yourself even in the slightest and you could be back to square one. The hardest part of running is not the training itself, it’s NOT TRAINING when that’s what’s called for, even though you feel fine.

If you want me to walk you through the process via email, I’d be happy to help…

just out of curiousity, what the hell are you coaching credentials besides those 2 lame anecdotes?

Hal is my pal wrote:

Is this the new kick you're on? Didn't you stir up a huge pose running debate a while ago? Now we are instructed to debate minimalism too?

Me or txRunnerGirl? I don't think I have ever stirred up any debate

If you do it, make sure you have perfect biomechanics, or else you'll destroy yourself in no time flat. That's the truth that POSE, or all other minimalist advocates, don't want you to hear. The other soft-truth it will take you years before you can run the mileage you want to run.

I'm not asking for a debate. I'm asking for advice.

txRUNNERgirl,

Sorry to hear of your running woes. Your love for the sport is evident, and I know how tough it can be when we

are injured and unable to participate.

You might take a look at this:

http://www.chirunning.com/shop/home.php

Chi Running generally gets bashed on this site (like Pose),

but if you are open-minded, it can be pretty helpful.

Oh and BTW, unlike other posters here, I'm not a shill or

an employee. It's been helpful for me, and perhaps it

might help you too.