Running Update

Sorry for the long hiatus in posting.

After completing the 5 mile run, I attempted an easy 3 mile run several days later. My body just rebelled.

I realized that I had been pushing my body way too hard. The mileage was just going up too much too fast for me. I had previously been averaging 6 - 8 miles a week - total. The first week of training I did 12 miles. The second week I did 14.

I chose to halt my training program for the half in the interest of not injuring myself. Seeing as though I have no health insurance, and make little money, doctor visits and x-rays, etc., would NOT be a good thing.

However, I did find something else which would allow me to continue to run, but it also caused me to have to scale WAY back on my mileage level. I found barefoot running.

My very first barefoot run took place near the end of July on a treadmill. I ran 1/4 of a mile. I liked it, but felt kind of awkward running on a treadmill barefoot. My next barefoot run was outside on the sidewalks running throughout the office complex where the gym that I work at is located. I started with 4 minutes. I chose to use minutes instead of distance because I have nothing to measure distance, but do have a sportswatch to measure time.

Slowly, I have added time each week to my runs, and am now up to 12 minutes. I seriously love it! I probably could have increased my time/distance faster than I did because I am the type who is constantly kicking my shoes off. But the mantra of barefoot runners is to take it slowly in order to avoid TMTS (Too Much Too Soon) injuries. So far, I have not had any blisters, and just a few growing pains from my feet strengthening and expanding to where they should naturally be. (And yes, I have stepped on a few rocks/pebbles with no harm to my feet.)

If you would like to learn more about barefoot running, a great place to go is Runner's World Barefoot Running forum.