Many of you know that I’m a long-time runner. I’m also the Managing Editor of a Barefoot Running website, and have begun to “dabble” in barefoot running (if you are interested in learning more about barefoot running, check out this article). I first started checking out barefoot running because I’ve had this knee problem (Runner’s Knee, you may have heard of it), and supposedly barefoot running can ease problems like that.
Hiking in my Vibrams at Joshua Tree.
I have run a few times in my Vibram FiveFingers with no knee pain, just a little bit of calf tightness (which is common for new barefoot runners).
But this isn’t a post all about barefoot running.
In college, I developed tendinitis in my outer right calf and was told I needed stability shoes, which seemed to fix the problem for recreational running.
In 2006, I had shoulder surgery so I thought it would be a great time to train for my first marathon. The friendly people at one of the local running stores watched me run, and recommended a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspires to counter balance my pronation (my foot rolls in when I hit the ground).
My knee pain started then and hasn’t completely disappeared since.
A couple months ago I was in San Diego for the opening of a new gym, and Road Runner Sports was there doing their Shoe Dog fittings. Basically they measure your foot, talk about your foot history, and you run barefoot on a treadmill, all of which is then analyzed to find your perfect shoe fit.
Turns out, I have been unnecessarily running in a stability shoe for 4 years. Now as a runner, I know the first thing you should look at when you have problems is your shoe. But I didn’t think to get a second opinion from another store.
The red wedges in the front encourage mid to front of the foot landing.
So I headed over to Road Runner and picked up a pair of Newtons, which have wedges in the front of the shoe to make you land on the mid-front of the foot versus heel striking. This is designed to be similar to barefoot running. I walked around in these shoes for a couple days and felt good, but it was very difficult to run on the treadmill – my feet kept skipping. I tried another run and my knee was bothering me, so I took them back thanks to Road Runners’ VIP program 60 day return policy – no questions asked!
They fitted me with a neutral shoe, the Brooks Ghost 3, and an insole for just enough stability to hold off my tendinitis, the SUPERFeet Berry. Since then, I have been feeling good and running fine, so I’m optimistic.
The correct shoe, plus strength training, and a (very) conservative pace just might = a great marathon in October!
Photo Credits:
Vibrams – JoAnna Haugen
Newtons – Morton Liebach on Flickr
3 Comments
Abbie, do you alternate between barefoot running and training for the marathon in your new shoes?
They sound like neat shoes.
I’m wondering which marathon you’ve got your sights on?
My son is doing the Las Vegas marathon in December and I’ve been toying with that possibility myself. Just ran three miles today whereas I’ve been walking a lot, swimming, and was glad to beat my time though.
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I do alternate between barefoot & shod running. I am running the Marine Corps marathon in D.C. in October. If you are running consistently, I would try a conservative training plan and go for Vegas! Check out runnersworld.com for help
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