Are some people just not meant to run - Page 2

[shelbean91]

check into getting vibrum shoes. If you're not familiar, they're a 'glove' shoe with minimal padding and spaces for toes. If you google toe shoes you'll find all the research on why we have runners injuries all over the place now but we lived running barefoot for centuries and countries where they run barefoot don't have the injuries we do. They're called vibrum five fingers and its the closest you can be to barefoot while wearing a shoe, basically. My dh found them a few months back and I got a pair a month ago. LOVE them.

They do take some getting used to and they're anywher from 75+ for a pair, but good running shoes cost that much, too. http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

They look nuts, but they are insanely healthy for your feet.

[yippiehippie]

Am I crazy in thinking those shoes are kinda cute? I really want some and might splurge, though they say they might not be the best for flat feet (which i have) hmmmm....

[crunchy_mama]

Oh, my- I have bought some vibrams as well when reading about how our traditional gait isn't really meant for running shoes and knowing that in a running shoe I could never get any kind of fluid movement. I have been trying to go slow in breaking them in (as that is strongly recommended you use muscles that you usually don't) anyway my running was twice as fast and so much more fluid and just felt right. I never thought I was a runner and don't plan on any marathons but think I have hope now of maybe doing a 5k.

[shelbean91]

If you're comfortable barefoot, you'll probably like these. I'd recommend going to a store to try them in person if at all possible. I've NEVER liked running, even way back in the day when I was in good shape, but these make me like it more. The first week I tried with regular shoes, I had knee pain, lower back pain, etc. I thought it was b/c I was SO overweight, but found out it was probably b/c of the way I was running. I quit for a month, bought these, started running again (couch to 5 k, so not SUPER huge, but a lot for me) and NO PAIN. It's amazing.

Even with flat feet and my feet tending to roll in, I'm good. The Bikila was specifically designed for running, but any of the models can be used for running - my dh uses the sprints. (and he's also NEVER been able to run, but he's now going 5 miles every other day and only started a month or so ago)

[corrie43]

interesting.. I am the type of person who has to wear shoes all day or I get bad plantar facititis pain, I has never considered those because of that.. I wonder if running in them would hurt? I have been doing ok as long as I take a break in between days and don't push myself too hard. I am still on week 3 of couch to 5k though.. Not sure how I will do as I progress

[shelbean91]

I'm on week 2 of couch to 5k. This point with regular running shoes ( I also did the c2 5k) a few months ago and i was in pain. Now, nothing. If you google 'glove shoes' you'll find lots of reviews - maybe someone with similar issues.

[LeslieB]

Vibram FiveFingers are great, but it will take you some time to get used to them. It sounds like you could improve your stride, for sure. I had to really work at changing my stride when I got my VFFs. I was still doing the heel strike without realizing it and ended up with sharp, shooting pain in my heel. So I had to concentrate on how I was placing my foot. Once I did that, I found the VFFs to be great. I have the Sprints, but I would really like to try the Bilika or the KSO Trek. I do a lot of trail running, and there is just too much gravel here. I also run in Nike Free 5.0s when I'm not wearing the Vibrams. I've actually had a really good experience with them since I started wearing them 2 years ago.
Someone mentioned that they had flat feet. My husband has flat and has found the only way for him to run without pain is with VFFs or barefoot. I just don't understand how placing an unnatural arch under a flat foot can cause anything but pain and injury over time.
One thing you could do, OP, is look for a Chi Running Clinic. I've never done one, but they are supposedly really helpful for teaching you to change your foot strike. I think anyone can be a runner, but we can't all run the same way or with the same footwear. Definitely don't give up until you've given it all a try. It takes a lot of trial and error to really find out what works for you individually.