Posted by Kit Barker | Posted in Thoughts | Posted on 14-10-2009
For the last few runs, including my 8 mile run, I’ve been wearing my ‘normal’ running shoes. After a 4 mile run yesterday I had a slight pain in my knees and ankles. I’m not sure if it’s my shoes but that’s the only thing that’s changed.
The next week of running I’m going to do in my flatter shoes. The problem is that they aren’t a brilliant fit for running and rub slightly. So less pain in the knees and ankles but more blisters. What a choice!
Anyway, I think I need to get some professional advice. I’ve been recommended a couple of shops in Sheffield that offer gait analysis and such like so I think that’s what I need to do. I just hope they recommend Vibram FiveFingers!
Oh, how I really want a pair of them…
Hi Kit,
Don’t worry too much about your weight, remember the muscle you may be gaining weighs more than the fat you’re burning, just stick at it but don’t use the running as an excuse to pig out!
If your current running shoes are old they probably don’t have much cusioning left. I would’nt recommend FFs for fell running though..or at all…..except for posing!
You can’t jump off the sofa after ten years and not expect a bit of a back-lash, try to keep off tarmac and concrete, after all the coast to coast aint paved.
ta-ra
Hey Chris – thanks for reading my blog and the advice!
I seem to remember that you do a fair bit of running, is that the case? Have you done the coast to coast at all? Not necessarily running but walking? If so I’d be interested in your comments about the route. I’ve heard various reports about it being hard walking through the lakes. If it’s hard walking I’d hate to think what it’s like running!
I agree with you about the eating. While I haven’t used running as an excuse to pig out more than usual, I’ve used it as an excuse to not reduce what I eat. Even with the increased calories burnt I could still do with reducing calorie intake in a few areas.
Regarding the shoes though I’m not convinced. My running shoes are old in years but not in wear, if that makes sense. I’ve had them for around 8 years but they were sparkling white until about two months ago!
I’ve read a lot of stuff about shoes lately and as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I find that shoes with any cushioning hurt my feet / ankles / knees. I have a pair of trail shoes that have no cushioning, just a rubber sole, and when I run in those I get no pain – just blisters because they rub.
Do you have experience with FiveFingers? I don’t at all, all my info is from t’Interweb, but I’ve read several accounts from fell runners, marathon runners and ultra-marathon runners who swear by them.
I am swayed by the argument that we were designed for running so why do we need support other than a hard sole to stop punctures?
Anyway keep reading and commenting! Take care.