December 8, 2024
Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Races

Mid-foot, Forefoot, Minimalist Running…What?

The hot news recently has been about the decline in Minimalist Running.  Actually, let me more specific:  the decline in sales in minimalist running shoes.  The talk about mid-foot running, forefoot running, Chi Running has not abated. It seems everyone wants to avoid the dreaded, “Heel Strike”.

Over the past 3 years I’ve been caught up in this conversation with the goal of transforming my running style.  And I’ve made every mistake transitioning from Heel Strike to mid-foot running.  I wish I had been a bit more patient in the transition.  The major injuries (or issues as I now like to refer to them):  Plantar Fasciitis in both feet, fractured bones in my right foot, calf strains and other muscle pulls.  All of these resulting from trying new things way too quickly.  These injuries affected my running and not in a good way:  I even thought of quitting running altogether!  The bottom came when I walked the Reggae Marathon 10K last year…in a walking cast!   As a runner, not my finest hour…or smartest decision!  Don’t make my mistakes!

I came across this video recently.  It’s one of the most simple explanations the mid-foot or Chi Running technique.  I wish I had seen this 3 years ago!  The video breaks down the technique into simple steps that are really easy to perform…I’ve tried them and I must tell you, I like how easy they are to do.  And remember:  take your time! Have a look:

For me, mid-foot running is the most comfortable.  I’ve found myself running more freely and with no pain!  Hey…I’m even enjoying my runs again.  And with 3 years of pain behind me, that’s a huge accomplishment.

Until next time…

Reggae Marathon RunninGuy (aka Sugar ‘Tuff Gong’ Bong)

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Click here to register online for Reggae Marathon, December 7, 2013:  Reggae Marathon Registration.

For more information check the Reggae Marathon Web Site.

Click here for more details on Reggae Marathon’s Abe Issa Award for Excellence.

This is a link to the Official Reggae Marathon 2012 Race Video.

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