After several years of fighting back/neck issues that cause my left foot to go numb or tingly I have decided to get serious about working out. Doctors claim not much is wrong with me other than a small bulging disc in the lumbar region. After seeing a Kinseotherapist I have been coinvinced exercise is all I need even though I am really not "out of shape" body wise (5'11 and 165 lbs). My body just wants to be exerted!
As incentive to maintain my workout routine I have signed up to do a Tough Mudder in WI Jul 24. 10 miles and obstacles means I better train seriously. Up to this point the farthest I ever ran was 5K, but that was 15 years ago. So I began P90X, and have run a bit here and there. Bad news is I experienced terrible foot/ankle/shin pain I have never had before. First problem is I started out doing 2 1/2 miles. Secondly after some reserch I realized I went from a forefront foot striker in high school to a heel striker now. Shoes I had are more geared towards flat feet people, and I have high arches. Too bad you don't get much help in shoe stores when it comes to picking out the right shoe!
Well after more research I have decide to convert into a barefoot/minimalist runner. A bit overboard I am sure, but that's me! I have since purchase a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves, and have made two short runs (1/2 and 3/4 miles) in them. Other than sore calves I felt great. Tough to get use to a short stride with quick turnover considering I use to "stride it out" and making full use of my 34 inseem. It has definitely helped in keeping me on the forefoot though.
My last run two days ago was a 5/8 mile barefoot run. Feet felt warm the rest of the night, but I didn't suffere any foot pain or injuries. Felt like I was a kid again running with barefeet!
This is the start to my new life!
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