I did some of my best running this week. What's more, I figured out how to shorten my stride and make it feel natural. The key was landing mid-foot as opposed to heal striking. I noticed a difference immediately. Instead of the shock of impact going totally to my knees, it was absorbed by my whole leg. I was far less fatigued when I finished my run and was far less sore the next day.
Making this change to my form forced me to use muscles in ways they are not accustomed to but with subsequent runs and cross training I will be able to sustain good form for the entirety of my runs.
So, does this mean I will be trying barefoot, or minimalist running. Probably not. Here's why. Barefoot, or minimalist running, might work for some people but it is not a panacea. It won't solve everyone's problems. Now I am all for natural, and getting the body to do natural things, but what do you do when you are running on unnatural surfaces? I would consider a minimalist shoe for grass or trails but not for pounding it out on the roads.
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