It Ain't Broke ... But It's Time To Fix It

I've always been a fairly fast guy.  It's nothing to really be proud of - I'm just a firm believer that some folks are just genetically engineered faster than others.  I was pretty much the fastest guy in my high school.  In college I once clocked a 4.5 second 40 yard dash.  And even now, at 43 - I can still  move a little. I was lucky enough to win my age group in every non-marathon event I raced in this year.  I'll obviously never be elite or anything - but I can still pick 'em up and put 'em down.  But as I sat back and evaluated this year, I began asking myself, "Can I get anything more out of these tired old legs?" Enter the new running style!

Brooks Pure Cadence

Until now, I've been pretty skeptical of the "Minimalist Running Movement" currently sweeping the running community. I saw it mostly as a way for shoe companies to sell more product.  And I still think there's something to that.  But as I really began to study and evaluate the "Barefoot", "Pose", and "Chi" schools of thought, I became more and  more of a believer - so I'm all in!

Heel-striking has always been my nemesis.  It has made me a little slower than I should be, not nearly as smooth as I want to be, and honestly has provided quite a bit of joint soreness - especially in the winter months.  Knock on wood, I've never been injured from running - but I've definitely had some minor bouts with tendonitis.  I really believe that becoming more of a forefoot striker, landing on the ball of the foot, and eliminating over-striding will help me feel better and run faster and more efficiently.  I could go on and on about why I feel it's a better form of running, but it's pretty detailed and boring.  Maybe I'll get into it later.

I've also really been evaluating the running forms of elite runners around the world on YouTube and other videos.  Almost everyone of them is a forefoot striker.  They almost always land on the balls of their feet.  So if the fastest, most elite athletes world do it ... why shouldn't I give it a try.  They must be doing something right.

So for about the past 4 weeks I've changed my running style almost completely to a pure forefoot strike.  It's taking a lot of work and focus, but it's going pretty well so far.  My calves are on fire, but other than that, it seems to be working.  I feel like I'm running smoother and more efficiently than ever.  I even drank the Kool-Aid and bought a pair of Brooks Pure Cadence Minimalist Shoes.  I know ... just another sheep!  But they really feel great and the whole process seems to be paying off.  So far this winter I feel great (other than my calves).  And if I can eliminate winter joint pain and maintain the same basic fitness level and speed, its worth it!

So I'll keep you posted on how it goes, but for now - I'm a believer!  If you wanna say "I told ya so!", feel free.  I fought this one pretty hard.  But I think I'm well on my way to becoming a minimalist runner.  Best wishes with your running and have a great weekend!
... be great today!