26.2 The Marathon Training Website
 

 

Like us on Facebook

Search  The 26.2 Website

 

Sections

26.2 Home Page


The '26.2' Marathon Training Program


Maximize Your Energy


  Forefoot Running - Avoiding Problems


Cycling - Fitness - Running

Triathlon Training - Walking


Upcoming Marathons

from marathonguide.com


Featured Marathons

Info' On Upcoming  Marathons


Best Training Strategy To Improve  Performance


Is Marathon Running Bad For You?


The 26.2 eBook from Amazon

only $4.99

Download Now!


*** Review Of The '100 Day Training Program'


Five Things To Avoid During Training


Marathon Training Diet


Marathon Training for Beginners


A Half Marathon Training Schedule


What is Natural Running


Getting Back In Running Shape


How To Avoid Cramps During The Marathon


Avoiding Injuries


Running    Fundamentals:

 Improve Your Performance with Running Stretches


Our Top Ten Marathon Tips


Performance Improvement

Ways to improve your overall marathon time


Marathon Training FAQ


Video - Tips On Choosing The Best Running Shoe


**** The '26.2' Marathon Survey Results ****


Previous Articles

Training - The Critical Weeks

This is the key part of your training program


Should You Eat Before A Run?


Knee Pain Prevention


What's The Best Marathon Training Program?


Finding Time To Do Your Marathon Training


Vary Your Training

 & run a better marathon


Marathon Recovery


Setting Your Marathon Time Goal


Getting Started

Thoughts on Deciding to Run a Marathon


Conquer Those Hills!

How to overcome the hill challenges


Marathon Countdown

Tips on getting ready for the big event!


Marathon Success Secrets


How To Improve Your Training


Keep on Track With The Right Schedule


Diet Pointers


Runners' Diet & Nutrition


Training Tips For Beginners


Hot Weather Running


Be A Marathon Mentalist

-Sports Psychology


Marathon Training - Recovery Days


 Improve your running


 

 

 

'26.2' - The Marathon Training Website:

Barefoot Running Style - Avoid These Problems

Natural running.

In recent years Barefoot, Forefoot or Natural running has seen a tremendous increase in popularity. Every major running shoe manufacturer has several models designed for this type of runner.

So what’s the motivation for adopting forefoot running? – The shoes are much lighter, the running style is claimed to produce fewer injuries, and it is more efficient. (See our original article on Natural Running).

Will you have any problems if you switch over to this running form? Below are my 'lessons learned' and recommendations if you are considering this running style.

 

 

 

I adopted forefoot running about three years ago and have been quite injury-free ever since. It did take me a while to be comfortable with the switch over from the traditional heel strike-first stride to forefoot first. Even today I occasionally ask myself is my forefoot striking the ground first?

After the first week or so I noticed a slight ache in the arch of my left foot. When it didn’t go away, I used a gel arch support and also alternated runs with my old cushioned shoes and it gradually improved. I also had some soreness in my calf muscles which had very rarely been a problem for me previously. My wife also suffered from the same problem. Proper stretching after the run seemed to take care of the soreness. 

My Recommendations.

If you are considering changing your running style to barefoot or forefoot, then here are a few tips based on my own experiences.

  • Don’t do this in the middle of a training program! You really should be focusing on your training goal.

  • Don’t make a sudden switch to the new shoes if you’ve purchased the lightweight forefoot running model. I found it really beneficial to alternate runs between my old and new shoes. I also did the shorter runs in the lightweight shoes first and then gradually increased the distance.

 
  • When you purchase forefoot running shoes look for some arch support. If you start to feel any discomfort in your arch, try the gel arch support insert – it definitely worked for me. Now, I didn't look at the very popular Vibram Five Finger shoes so I can't comment on those.

  • Stretch after the run! I believe you need to go back to basics and do all the post-run stretching you did when you first started running.

  • Socks or no socks? At the beginning, I stopped wearing socks with my new shoes and quickly developed some serious blisters! Similar to the above, the answer is to do it gradually, with shorter runs first. Yesterday I just completed a 10 mile run in my lightweight shoes without wearing socks. I had no problem and the feeling of running smoothly and easily is hard to beat!

 

Conclusion.

Every runner is different and what worked well for me may not be as successful for you. Overall I recommend this running style because I feel there is less strain on the body ( although the bio-mechanical benefits have yet to be proven). I’m looking forward to trying this style out for the first time over 13.1 miles in an upcoming half marathon event.

 

 

Are You Planning On Running A Marathon This Year?

Download our informative e-book '26.2' Marathon Training Tips and find how you can conquer the 26.2 mile distance. You will learn the best ways to:

  • meet your marathon goal

  • select the right training program

  • complete the race comfortably

  • avoid common marathon training injuries

  • pace yourself during the race

  • recover easily afterwards

 

Find Out More ... 

 

 


 

If you like our marathon website...

Tell a friend!

 

We value your privacy - this email is not retained!


Google


 

  Copyright © 2006 -2013 Ipcor.com All Rights Reserved.                                Home                    Contact Us                    About              Marathon Training