Barefoot running

[TeddyBare]

I've been getting more into running over the winter and I'm now clocking up about 15 - 20 km 3 times per week. I'm starting to get minor injuries especially when I run on hard ground. This is mostly my knees feeling seized up or shakey, my shins and the muscle on the front of my legs also ache a bit and my heels hurt. I've been watching some videos on youtube to try to decide if it's my style that is the problem, and how to improve it. I came across a few videos which suggest running barefoot to help change to a healthier running style which will reduce the number of injuries. I'm not brave enough to go properly barefoot so I'm thinking about getting something like these. Before I spend a lot of money on really ugly shoes, I'd love to hear anyone's feedback on barefoot running. Did it help you to have less injuries in the long term? (I realise it takes a while to readjust). Do you find it comfy?

Have you read the book 'Born to Run'? It is excellent and advocates barefoot running. I run - well, that's a slight exageration as I havent done so since the Great North Run and am currently unable to do so.

Hop over to the Happy when we are running thread in Sports and Exercise and tell them that Popsy sent you :)

There are a few people on there who have a little experience of it and are more knowledgable than me

Thanks for the book recommendation. I just looked it up on amazon and it looks really interesting.
What is the Happy? Thanks.

ooops
happy when we are running threrad in the sports and exerise topic

lotz of regular runners therwe

happy when we are running

Is it just case of needing a new pair of ordinary running shoes? Or it could be a good idea to add in some strength work to your routine in order to support your knees? Arebyou stretching your quads after a run? (sorry 20 questions!)

Barefoot running - ouch! Haven't tried it myself. Have you been properly fitted for running shoes. A lot of the running shops will put you on a treadmill and analyse your running style before recommending shoes for you. Or are your increasing your mileage too quickly too soon. Sorry if you already know all this. Good luck, and hope you get rid of your injuries.

Dont run barefoot.. . .are you mad ? It will give you shin splints, bad calves and god know what else. . .you need good trainers that are well cushioned with plenty of sole and very comfortable.. . .Asics, Nike etc