Form

First off, a disclaimer.  I am not being paid by Merrell to endorse their products, nor am I advocating that everyone should do this.   But minimalist shoes are freaking awesome.

I went running for the first time tonight wearing the shoes from this post.  I don't know what I was expecting.  Possibly to have my feet or shins hurt halfway through.  I especially expected my shins to hurt.  I completed my run, with a good time--and here's the kicker-- with no pain. There were a few muscles that were jittery post run (like, when you first start running after not doing so in, oh, forever).  This told me that there were some muscles that hadn't properly gotten worked out in a while. 

I should say that I didn't just change my shoe.  I change my running form.  Researching around told me that my old shin splints were probably due to one of two main problems-  the running shoe and your form.  Who thinks about how they run?  I was never taught how to run; As a child you learn to walk, then you speed that up.  Presto- running.  

Horrible Form all over the place. 

REI has some wonderful tips on running (as well as some hil-arious pictures of a man doing stretches).

"I pity da fool that don't do proper stretches" 

I have to show you this one too. 

Either doing the running man laying down or jammin' to "I believe I can fly" 

Ok, I didn't do those stretches, but I do stretch before I run.  Seriously, the article is worth reading if you're a newbie to running like me.  

I also watched this video and downloaded the Merrell Barefoot Running App --which isn't that great, but links to some good youtube videos. 

Like... 

The part at the beginning is funny, but watch the part about form and where your foot strikes.  

Benched

I've taken it easy Benched myself the past few days.  As a recap, last week I had some shin splints throughout my last run, which was Tuesday.

Since then, I've rested, iced, and elevated my feet.  I also took the advice of some redditors, and did some research on merrells and vibram five finger barefoot or minimalist running shoes.  I have to recommend REI for their wonderful help and knowledgable staff.  I had been in an REI before, but only to briefly look at coats and to get gift cards for my brother.  (No, they are not sponsoring my blog or paying me to do this). I tried on several pairs of shoes, and got some advice based on my my arch and how I walk.  In the end, I got this shoe...

I walked for 30 minutes in them on Friday night, and could feel the difference.  I was told to take it easy and get used to the shoe before running (as they are barefoot inspired running shoes and utilize different foot muscles).  I didn't have any pain during the 30 minute walk.  I'm anxious to see how they do when I run.  

I have to insert here that, as a country girl, barefoot running is comfortable.  From birth to age 15 or so, I spent most summers barefoot.  I just don't want to have those calloused feet from barefoot road running.  

I'm also mad at myself, as I forgot to exercise tonight.  I worked all day, came home and started doing some paperwork and completely lost track of time.  I don't want to change my running schedule, so I guess I'm taking an extra day off?