The Transition from Traditional to Original Running

To the left is a picture of the normal heal landing associated with traditional sneakers.

Below is a picture of the midfoot landing common to barefoot running, and shoes that copy barefeet.

As promised in my last post, I'll share the process I went through to transition from the traditional style of running to barefoot running. When I bought my fivefingers, the lady gave me specific instructions that I not go out and run 5 miles or anything crazy like that. I have to admit that doing that had crossed my mind, so I quickly tossed it out. She suggested I take it slow, walking around in them first, and then slowly building up my running capacity. I walked around the house briefly after buying them, but did not have much time to walk in them until our usual Tuesday night at Adam's parents. Gail and I have a regular tradition in the spring to take an evening walk on Tuesday's, which is usually around 3 or 4 miles. So that was my first experience with the komodo sport. I was amazed by the way my feet could actually feel what was under me. This might sound silly, but most people don't notice the stones under their feet on a dirt road with regular sneakers on. By the time I got back, I was excited and anxious at the same time to try them out running. Despite the advice to take about a week of walking first, I started running the next day. I only went a little ways, trying to figure out if I was supposed to change my form to midfoot landing, or if the shoe did that for me on its own. The first couple of days I wasn't sure. It was a combination, I think.

The one thing I was sure of after those first couple days was that my calves were killing me! Looking back, that just tells me that the process was in swing. Try standing on your tiptoes. Can you feel your calf muscles? Try running like that. Yeah. I'm not going to lie, it was strange at first. I went from a long stride to a shorter one, and to a completely different foot landing. It took several weeks before I felt really comfortable with the way I was running and how it felt. Part of it was training my brain as much as my feet. I will say that if you're running on a dirt road, you are going to feel the rocks. In general, its not bad. Right after they grade the road, not so much fun. The good part about this whole aspect, though, is that it teaches runners to be more aware of their environment and surroundings. If there's a big stone in the road, I either mentally prepare to land on it, or go around it. Either way, I'm not going to land on it unknowingly and sprain my ankle.

Its been a process. Its been a challenge. The verdict: I am extremely happy with my new running form, increased awareness, and tightened muscles! Yes, you do use different muscles when running this way. The effects are awesome :D