So it’s been two months technically that I’ve committed to the minimalist shoe/barefoot “lifestyle.” I want my feet to get strong on their own.
When i started walking in shoes and feeling the ground, it was all new, and I was excited. When I walked barefoot, it was even more enthralling – all the new tickly sensations.
My feet muscles were sore in new ways, because it was a new regimen.
Now I’m running barefoot, and getting blisters. But it’s different on each foot. I have blisters on my second and third toes on the right foot, but that’s it. They say that toe blisters are a sign that you are using your toes to push off (a no no). Then why am I only gettng them on one foot?
Barefoot running makes you a detective of your own body
Since I’m not wearing any shoes that are altering my gait, I know that it’s ALL ME. So i have to look at any variables in my body that might be causing this.
- Could it be the ankle that I twisted badly twice a few years ago, that perhaps I’m still favoring?
- Could it be that my posture is bad (VERY possible, I’m a lifelong sloucher), and i’m leaning too far forward?
- Could it be my spine is a little wonked, from ten + years of carrying a heavy bag with my computer in it on my right shoulder?
- I used to be a heavy duty cyclist, and when I was fitted, I was told that my left leg was 1cm shorter than the other. On a bike, you fix it with a shim on your shoe. But feet are unshimmable. Is this causing it? Then again, a chiropractor I saw told me that my hip muscles were just “too tight” and that was what was torquing my leg and making it shorter.
- I even have to wonder if the fact that I have some extra fat on my thighs that rubs together is preventing me from having an optimum gait!
My feet are trying to tell me of some biomechanical problem. But being that it’s a brand new language, but I don’t yet know how to listen, how to adjust, how to fix it.
I’m trying to become aware of my feet. Of how I walk. Of how my feet make contact with the ground. Of how my legs are even swinging from the hip joint. When my knees bend. What is my body trying to do to compensate for an inequity? I noticed that my right leg/foot swings out and around with each step.
Everything in the body is connected. A problem in one area can be communicated to another area, can be compensated for. The body is so incredibly adaptive.
I guess all I can do is keep listening.
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Get a video stride analysis done.
It was the best thing I ever did.
Of course, it identified everything that was not bio-mechanically correct – LOL
But, the upside is they could see what needed work and told me what to do.
And that right foot swinging out like you plan to run hurdles, yup I have that too.
Muscle imbalances, hip flexors, etc etc
Love your blog.
Mitch
Hi Mitch! Thanks for visiting! and for the compliment!
I didn’t know there was such a thing! were you in NY per chance?
oops sent that too early – did their suggestions help you?
Hi,
No, I am in Calgary, AB (Canada).
Many of the universities here have a sports performance lab where they do them.
I had my analysis done at a physio/massage/sports therapy business.
You might want to look for someone who does VO2 testing as they may also do video stride analysis.
Our main university here in Calgary has a dedicated running clinic (http://www.runninginjuryclinic.com/)
I am battling my own demons. No ass!
OK, my gluts don’t fire automatically and therefore the other muscles have been doing the work for years and now, I can’t run until I rehab the muscles. Tougher than it sounds!! LOL
Cheers,
Mitch
Oh,
And yes, the recommendations helped.
And I have had many former running friends go for an assessment and have been impressed with the results.
A couple have done the basic analysis and because of those results, gone on to invest in the full analysis at the University to improve their running.
First off, this is such a great blog. I discovered it today and your experiences so mimic my own that’s it like a blog I would write without having to do all of the work.
As for the “short leg” thing, I have always walked with my right leg VERY turned out. It’s far better when running barefoot, but I still have a ways to go. A couple of months ago I began getting Rolfed. I just had my 6th (of 10) sessions today and pretty quickly after the first couple of sessions I might get some blisters on each foot, but they were symmetrical. I’m still working on it, but a HUGE improvement for me.
(in case you aren’t familiar with Rolfing, it might be akin to chiropractic but operating on muscle and fascia. It can be painful, but I’m blown away. Also, I am not a Rolfer or selling anything Rolf related, just a barefoot runner with odd gait issues being Rolfed thinking both are among the best things ever).
Hi Aaron! Thanks for the compliment! How did you find it by the way?
Christopher McDougall tweeted a link to your post about growing an arch a little while ago. https://twitter.com/borntorunchris/status/94524189620441088
oh that is awesome!! wow i got lots of traffic!
Nice blog.. It is inspiring me to try barefoot running! Thanks.