My first two runs this week were less than optimal. Monday I went running in the afternoon and it was HOT. I wore out after 2.5 miles. Took tuesday off and worked some overtime. Yesterday I ran 2.5 miles, after which my medial (inside, near middle of the body) tibia's were aching really bad just above the ankle. It was excruciating and didn't recede for at least half an hour after my run. I started thinking "stress fracture?" But thought it was unlikely that I would give myself stress fractures in both legs on the same run. So today I was unsure of how much of a run I would get in.
After my horrible experience yesterday I went and bought a pair of Onitsuka Tiger (owned by Asics) Mexico 66's. The green ones are mine, the navy ones are Ashley's Onitsuka Tiger Montreal's. I ran five miles in them today, and two things. I loved the fit and my feet couldn't tell the difference. No arch support, no heel support. Just a light, thin rubber sole. Also, I shortened my stride today. I had to do it to prevent the intense pain I had experienced yesterday after my 2.5 mile run. I have been trying this anyways as it is supposedly more efficient. However, today I had no choice. It came natural and all the pain went away. Well sort of. I had more calf and thigh muscle pain. But not in a bad way. In a "I don't usually use these muscles like this" way. Long story short I was able to finish my 5 mile run and if it weren't from muscle fatigue that I attribute to using new muscles in new ways (time will fix that) I could have gone further. Also, I finished the first 2.5 miles faster than yesterday and maintained a similar stride throughout my run.
So far a con of these new running shoes (only experienced by Ashley) is some chafing which led to bleeding on her inner left heel. We got some of that moleskin padding stuff and she is going to try putting that on the spot that chafes. Otherwise, so far so good.
I like your shoes. Are they the green or blue ones?
ReplyDeleteI guess you told me what color you have in your post. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteThose are some sweet looking shoes! Where did you buy them?
ReplyDeleteThe pain you described sounds very similar to the problem I'm having w/my left ankle. And my right ankle exhibited the problem during the half marathon in SLC although I've had no problems with it since.
The short stride is very key to minimalist footwear running. They say you should land with your foot pretty much under your center of gravity rather than extended out in front of your body.
I had very sore calves for a good two months when I began wearing the vibrams. It goes away eventually though as your calf muscles get accustomed to the extra work.
I got my shoes at journey's and we got Ashley's online at sportiela.com. Her's have been discontinued though.
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