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Sramfl
Sramfl Sendmail

Relatively New to the Minimal Running Experience.

posted 5 months ago | Report

I re-injured a two-year old sprained ankle over a month ago, resulting in no running (or cycling). Tomorrow, my sports doc will give me a thumbs up or down as to running or cycling. If I'm medically cleared to run again, I will do so in minimal fashion with either newly acquired VFF Bikilas or KSOs, or my Vivobarefoot Evo's which I ran in two or three times already.

While I have finally "found" my forefoot while running, I, prior to my re-injury, had been landing hard on my forefoot. My cadence count has been in the high 160's/low 170's. I do forward lean and keep my body straight, but I still land hard with a noticeable "clop." Further, after two or three miles, my feet feel as if on fire from, I guess, friction created.

Any suggestions to "learn" how to land softly?

Thanks in advance.

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  • Stephan
    Stephan Sendmail

    While I am relatively new to minimal/barefoot running as well (so take it for what it's worth), I had, or at least what sounds like, the same problem. I love my VFF, but I can only use them for hiking now. With my frame, 6'2" 200lbs, I found myself landing fairly hard after I started to tire due to a reduced the bend in my knees (going back to my old way of running). Due you have a fairly large frame? I noticed an immediate difference when I switched to a pair of Saucany Hattori zero drop/minimal running shoes. I haven't gone back to running in my VFF yet, but I'm thinking that since my Hattori's have more cushion in them (EVA+ sole vs. VFF's hard rubber) that they are helping to ease me into minimalistic/barefoot running due to the fact that I can now run more than two or three miles before the fire/burn starts. After a few months, I'll probably try the VFF again because I'd like to be able to use them for trail running and stick with the Hattori's for road use. For what it's worth, the Hattori's can be had from RunningWarehouse for like $55.

    posted 5 months ago | Report

  • Sramfl
    Sramfl Sendmail

    Stephan...thanks for the feedback. I've heard good things about the Hattori's. I've been trying to concentrate on my footfall. I hope that translates to being a subconscious thing over time. Regards.

    posted 5 months ago | Report

  • Runnerella
    Runnerella Sendmail

    I'm no expert butfor wat it's worth, I have the same issue and I when had a session with a Pose running coach, he told me not to think about the footfall, but just focus on picking my feet up! Apparently your feet will fall on their own, due to that whole gravity thing. :-) Easier said than done, I know. I haven't mastered it.

    posted 5 months ago | Report

  • Sramfl
    Sramfl Sendmail

    Thanks Runnerella...I will give that a try.

    posted 5 months ago | Report

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