Comments on: Changing Running Form – My Journey to the Midfoot

By: Will

Will — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 22:02:12 +0000

In reply to elaine!. I have plantar fasciitis and orthotics. I have been using the heel stike running method for over 20 years. Just switched to zero drop shoes and mid to toe stile running method. Now I don’t need orthotics in zero drop shoes as it stretches the calf. I had to switch my foot strike do to runners knee. So not only does the mid to toe strike prevent runners knee but it also elevated my plantar fasciitis. Hope this helps. Transition time on the calves is pretty crappy but 100% worth it.

By: Stacy Lu

Stacy Lu — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Fantastically helpful - thank you.

By: Mark U.

Mark U. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete – Clear improvement! Great job. You’re right, as good as you’re becoming your son shows the most perfect and natural form! Between that observation and Steve Magness’ data on Kenyan runners’ rapid natural cadence it’s clear that our biggest task as runners is ‘unlearning’ what the ‘traditional’ running shoes have taught us. Also, great job on getting your wife to try on the Vibrams on a run!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to oneputt.

Thanks for the comment and the link to your post - I'll check it out.

Pete

By: David

David — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hello Pete. The Kinvara and Frees are pretty light shoes, how has it been transitioning into the Newton's? Does the extra weight play a factor in your stride or is that really a non-issue now that you have changed your gait?
Enjoy the blog BTW!

By: Michellejoy61

Michellejoy61 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great post Peter. I especially loved the videos. I enjoyed seeing your progression from heel striker to mid-foot. It's been a pleasure to follow your journey!!!!

By: Vecmamin

Vecmamin — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Jeff.

Thanks Jeff. Will try to keep your suggestions in mind while walking.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to elaine!.

I'm definitely a Vibram proponent, but you do have to be careful with them
at first. Start slow and only for short runs, ease off when there is
excessive soreness, and be smart. I actually just bought a pair of Bikilas
for my wife - she's an overstrider with a big heel strike and has had
chronic hip issues.

Pete

By: Chris Wilson

Chris Wilson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Chris K.

The best kids running shoes, in my opinion, are low-top converse all stars. Basically cloth upper with a flat rubber bottom. Both of my boys (4 and 7) have them and run everywhere they go - with perfect form. I won't buy them traditional running shoes, and I avoid anything else that has a heel.

By: james

james — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

hey pete,

pete,

great post (and blog). i'm looking forward to your upcoming review of the nike free+. i've generally been training with my nike free 3.0 but i'm thinking about trying out the free+ for full marathons.

james

By: Tom Z

Tom Z — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the info on the Go Lite's. I never would have heard of the company otherwise. I just placed my order with Zappos. I'm loving my Kinvaras right now and can't seem to get back into my Pegasus 27's, which I used to love and did the SF marathon in only a couple months ago. I always learn something or pick up a new tip from your blog. Keep it coming!!

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Another superb entry Pete!

Once you start wearing zero-heel lift shoes it's really tough to wear anything else. My wife and I know the feeling too well.

We have been either barefoot or wearing VFF's as our main shoes since early-July (I have to wear steel-toed boots at work... darn). Errands around town, visits to amusement parks, training for our 1/2 marathon this weekend, whatever. My wife went for an 8 mile run on Wednesday and only had her Adidas trainers that she used to love. She took them off after 5 miles and ended up going barefoot... pushing a jogging stroller. Her quads were killing her after wearing the trainers. She swears she'll never wear anything like that again.

It really is a lifestyle change.