I've started up running again after a 9 year absence due to a re-occuring trauma in the Knee. By slowly introducing barefoot running I've begun running again.
Friday, 29 October 2010
run #30 6.6 miles total barefoot with split times
Longest Split Run: 6 min 22 sec
4 splits over 6 minutes
7 splits over 5 minutes
30 splits in total
distance 6.6 miles
I really enjoyed this run. Apart from some stiffness in the Achilles tendon half way through the run was niggle free.
I decided that it was best to drop down to 6 minute runs. These ended been a decent pace as my final time shows. I felt like I was really working in the run but not exhaustively so.
I also started running 5 minutes a bit earlier as well. So all round it was good.
I increased my pace a bit after 30 minutes of running. This continued to a quicker pace when reaching the 6 minutes mark.
During the last 30 minutes of my run I felt I was running properly. It was a great feeling. I realised that just to be able to run at a decent pace is wonderful. There is no need to keep expecting more and more which is sometimes my natural tendency. Its about having a different mindset. I feel for now up to 6 minutes for my maximum split, and going at a quicker tempo suits me better.
I didn't run on Monday. I felt I needed a rest. My Calf muscles and leg muscles felt they needed a decent amount of time to recover.
I might switch my runs to having 3 days off each run possibly 4.
split 1 2.00 walk
split 2 1.01 run
split 3 1.00 walk
split 4 1.08 run
split 5 0.34 walk
time so far 4.45
split 6 3.15 r
split 7 0.34 w
split 8 3.23 r
split 9 0.30 w
13.29 min
split 10 5.38 r
split 11 0.40 w
split 12 2.57 r (mini break)
split 13 043 w
split 14 5.28 w
28.58
split 15 0.33 w
split 16 5.18 r
split 17 0.36 w
split 18 4.36 r
split 19 0.38 w
split 20 5.00 r
45.43
split 21 0.34 w
split 22 6.03 r
split 23 0.30 w
split 24 6.06 r
split 25 0.30 w
0hr 59 min 29 sec total so far
split 26 6.22 r
split 27 0.38 w
split 28 6.01 r
split 29 0.31 w
split 30 3.24 r
end of run 1hr 16 min 28 seconds
Sunday, 24 October 2010
run #29 split times
Total run time: thur 21.10.10 1hr 22 minutes
Longest Split Run: 6min 43 sec
8 splits over 5 minutes
33 splits in total
distance 6.6 miles
split 1 2.02 walk
split 2 1.03 run
split 3 0.58 walk
split 4 1.07 run
split 5 0.35 walk
time so far 5.47
split 6 2.37 r
split 7 0.32 w
spli t8 3.06 r
split 9 0.30 w
12.34 min
split 10 3.55 r
split 11 0.32 w
split 12 1.55 run(+nature)
split 13 5.12 r
split 14 0.48 w
24.59
split 15 5.11 r
split 16 0.30 w
split 17 5.02 r
split 18 0.15 w
split 19 6.00 r
split 20 0.33 w
42.32
split 21 6.43 r
split 22 0.32 w
split 23 5.57 r
split 24 0.31 w
split 25 3.59 run (knee was aching)
1.00 total minutes so far
split 26 0.45 walk (needed a breather)
split 27 3.58 run (sticking to 4 minutes due to knee)
split 28 0.40 w
split 29 5.05 run (knee felling better)
split 30 0.40 w
split 31 5.14 r
split 32 0.32 w
split 33 4.54 r
end of run 1hr 22 minutes
happy with this considering tender pads and sore knee half way through run. The split time was awesome in allowing me to continue without aggravating my knee.
run #29 9th run totally barefoot at 6.6 miles
I used a few ways to modify this run so as not to cause myself a knee problem or burn out the pads. Firstly I made sure I did all my warm up split times before the 45 minute switch to faster split. I also didn't go powering off too much, just an easy pace.
I also trimmed down the 7 minute runs to a few more 5 minute and 6 minute runs. I also stayed away from going beyond 7 minutes.
When my knee felt tender today I stopped and walked it out for 30 seconds.
For my pads I stayed on the grass a bit more today. Even on the seafront tarmac stretch I hoped a bit more on the grass today. I knew my pads were tender pretty early on in the run. I was determined not to use shoes so the grass option was the alternative.
I did only 1 seven minute segment today as the knee wasn't strong. At times I moved it down to 4 minutes.
By doing all the above I managed a good respectable run today.
It probably seems complicated to work with all the split times. However, like a lot of things, once you get used to it its pretty easy and very accurate.
I don't recommend guessing the split times. I've had occasion when a 5 minute segment ended up 8 minutes. When you nursing a problem its best to stick to the moderated splits.
run #28 8th run barefoot at 6.6 miles
I will need to take care of the knee complaints. Although minor and today(Wednesday it feels perfect) there's no need to get stupid and stop my running for a few weeks or set it back.
So tomorrow I will take it a bit easier. Its going to be a chilly one tomorrow so hopefully not too bad.
Once again I did it totally barefoot. Although I did feel it the next couple of days.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
run #27 7th 6 mile run at 6.6 miles
Thursday, 14 October 2010
run #27 split times
Total run time: thur 14.10.10 1.21.04
lap 1 2.01 walk
lap 2 1.02 run
lap 3 1.02 walk
lap 4 1.02 run
lap 5 1.01 walk
6.09
lap 6 2.07 run
lap 7 1.01 walk
lap 8 3.02 run
lap 9 0.44 walk
13.06 min
lap 10 3.02 run
lap 11 0.31 walk
lap 12 4.52 run
lap 13 0.45 walk
lap 14 5.12 run
lap 15 0.42 walk
28.14
lap 16 7.01 run
lap 17 0.33 walk
lap 18 7.03 run
lap 19 0.29 walk
lap 20 7.00 run
lap 21 0.35 walk
50.59
lap 22 7.02 run
lap 23 0.30 walk
lap 24 3.21 run (stop to car)
lap 25 1.55 stop (clean feet pick up shoes, didn't use them)
lap 26 9.05 run (reached pier and turned around)
1.26
lap 27 1.00 walk (needed a breather)
lap 28 7.06 run
stopped watch after 3 seconds
end of run
1.21.04
run #26 split times
Total run time: thur 11.10.10 1.27.17
lap 1 2.07 walk
lap 2 1.05 run
lap 3 1.13 walk
lap 4 1.11 run
lap 5 0.30 walk
6.09
lap 6 2.10 run
lap 7 0.32 walk
lap 8 2.07 run
lap 9 0.31 walk
11.31 min
lap 10 3.16 run
lap 11 0.31 walk
lap 12 3.11 run
lap 13 0.31 walk
lap 14 4.16 run
lap 15 0.37 walk
23.57
lap 16 3.58 run
lap 17 0.31 walk
lap 18 5.23 run
lap 19 0.30 walk
lap 20 5.13 run
lap 21 0.31 walk
40.06
lap 22 2.44 run (stop for loo)
lap 23 0.45 walk
lap 24 6.39 run
lap 25 0.32 walk
lap 26 6.01 run
56.49
lap 27 0.35 walk
lap 28 2.07 run (stopped by car past grand avenue)
59.32
lap 29 2.06 stop clean feet grab shoes
lap 30 8.30 run put on shoes
lap 31 6.0 run in aqua shoes
lap 32 0.30 walk
lap 33 9.02 run barefoot
lap 34 walk
lap 35 0.58 run
1.27.17 3 seconds to stop watch
stopped watch after 3 seconds
end of run
1.21.04
Monday, 11 October 2010
run #26 6th 6 mile run at 6.6 miles
However, like my previous runs, after 45 minutes I felt things settled down and I stepped up my pace.
The run was great. My pads had recovered sufficiently from the previous run 96 hours before.
I've been finding the concrete track the hardest to run on so far. Although the tarmac is rough there is a consistancy to it and its less harsh.
The route I do has about 2 miles of grass. It runs along the Worthing seafront. Today was windy but a completely clear sky day.
I stuck to my plan to only run for 6 minutes in the aqua shoes. I also stretched out my runs to using 8 and 9 minute intervals.
My warm up run included a lot of mini run/walks.
I loved the rythym I managed to settle into once I ran a bit quicker. I could really enjoy continuing to do my runs at that pace.
The pace I'm going doesn't thrash me. That's not what I want anyway. As long as I'm fat-burning and getting a leaner look to my physique I'll stick to a softer pace. From what I've read that's the right way to burn fat anyway.
Also very important is I feel I'm enjoying the run and end it with a feeling I could have gone a lot further.
This moderate running allows me to add swimming and weights to my weekly training. Both of which I really love as well.
These days at 49 I'm happy to be able to run again and train week in week out. At my current pace I haven't had to take a week off so far.
A couple of runs ago I upped my pace to fast pace. Yet today I was only 2 minutes off that pace by running a bit quicker earlier.
The time is important to me as it shows I'm improving. The clock can also ruin your running. I use it as a guide. If I've improved naturally and effortlessly I'm happy.
I used my aqua shoes near the end when I stopped by my car to pick them up. I put them on after a further 8 minute barefoot on tarmac run. Today was 6 minutes in the aquas. Once I took them off to finish my run, it felt fantastic. I realise that all the effort to run barefoot is paying off. It is for me the best way to run. I will try my best to do all my runs barefoot. Hopefully this winter we won't get too many iced up days.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Timex H2Z272 Mens Ironman Triathlon Digital Sport Watch
By stephen Luff (Worthing, Sussex United Kingdom) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE) (TOP 500 REVIEWER) This review is from: Timex Ironman T5E261 Triathlon 100 Lap Watch with Flix System (Watch) I was looking for a watch that complimented my run/ walk method that I've been using recently to overcome a niggly illiotibial band problem. I found this watch by chance on youtube. The one I got from ebay was a yellow bezel. Yellow's in for me at the moment. I bought it from this user(wrist-wear) on ebay which came in days.. On the video it was specifically using the watch for the run walk system. Lets say you run 4 minutes then walk for a minute. you can set it to loop on those two times beebing at the end of each one. So initially when I bought it I was going to use that method. However in practice with only 9 split countdowns available it didn't work out for me. As I go well over that with a variety of different split times throughout my run. This was no deal breaker for me though. What also intrigued me about the watch was it displayed the total run time and the split time for the lap. Also that is switchable. So I've placed the split time in the centre with big display and the smaller time displays the total time run. I'm not bothered by continually checking my time so I can live without the beeps. I always run with my mp3 player anyway. Having done one run with it for 90 minutes I found the watch fantastic for my purposes. The watch also lets you store your run time plus all your split times as well. Over 78 times can be stored with the date of the run. A bonus for me was I realised I could use the watch in the pool as well. I didn't buy it for that purpose but it had that ability. I don't swim competitively but I found it most useful to know my lap times. Today for instance I decided to time my butterfly for the 33.5 metre length. I was curious to see how close it was to my Total immersion swimming freestyle. It was quite comparable. Also in the pool I decided to try a technique for backstroke I'd seen at the commonwealth games. I noticed a wider sweep with a more pushing downwards towards the feet type of stroke. So I timed my normal lap for backstroke and then the new technique. Well lets just say I was pretty pleased to shave 30 seconds off the time!! I also timed my 20 laps of freestyle. I noticed as I warmed up the lap times kept coming down. Up to today I had no idea this was going on. I then did a kind of stalking timed lap. I'd seen this lady in the pool for ages and she really flies with her breaststroke. So I was curious to see her time. So that was interesting as well. I've not worn a watch for years recently. I'll just say mobiles phones. But I really like my watch so I've been wearing it everyday since I got it. Curiously I watched another video about a timex ironman watch and the presenter said he knew of two top CEO's wearing the ironman watch. He found that rather telling as they could have owned any highly expensive watch instead. The flix function to get the nighttime light to come on is quite vigorous. A dodgy wrist(me) won't like it. Fortunately its only a button push away. I've just had a play with it now. If you've perfected the kung fu wrist flick( try hanging a piece of paper from the ceiling and then do a snap backfist on it to perfect it), it works consistency. The standard time display is large and clear. Some related products to this review: Running Until You're 100 Run/Walk System
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect watch for my needs,
run #25 5th 6 mile run at 6.6 miles
Having learnt from the previous two runs I decided to implement my finding from my longer runs.
I decided to do a gentle pace for the first 45 minutes of my run. This was to treat it as a warm up. I've found recently that my whole running set of muscles, ligaments and tendons really prefer a nice slow warm up.
I wasn't too sure about my pads seeing as run #24 had some serious sprints in it. They did feel a bit tender on the concrete paths. These paths are sometimes set like mini cobble stones. I think they are actually harder to run on than the tarmac. So after 45 minutes I gently eased into a quicker pace. As I'm not timing each mile its difficult to give an estimate of pace. It was comfortable and enjoyable. This to me is very important.
Today on the run I noticed that one can have a mindset while running. Mine was set at default. This default setting only looks at progress. That's to say its always looking in the future or looking for moments to keep going faster. I then decided to see if I could change that mindset to one of enjoyment. To take out the competitve element of the run and just enjoy the feeling of running. At the right pace running feels amazing. Its very uplifting and seems to drive itself.
On my previous run I really pushed to a very fast pace barefoot on the tarmac. This left my pads feeling quite tender towards the end. That run was on Monday. So my pads only had 2 days of recovery.
Today I decided to put on the aqua shoes at around 5 miles in. However, while running on the tarmac I felt pretty comfortable so decided to run for 7 minutes and then put the shoes on. I did this. I then decided I would only run 7 mins with the shoes on. I did this as well. I then managed to finish my run barefoot. My pads were surprisingly in good condition at the end. So this bodes well for the future.
What I will do is strip off a minute in the shoes on each run until I'm down to 4 minutes. I'll then stop using the shoes altogether for this particular run. At the point of not using my shoes I'll start considering running a further .8 miles which takes the run to 7.4 miles. Its a particular landmarked route so its easier for me to bed that in. So I'll do a further 3 runs with the shoes shaving a minute off each run. I'll then go completely barefoot for the run for about another 3-5 runs and then extend it.
Friday, 8 October 2010
run #24 4th 6 mile run at 6.6 miles
This run was up and down.
In the beginning I got a sharp pain in my calf. I walked it out for a minute. It seemed to clear the worst of it up. I then got several niggles for a while.
About halfway through my run I realised that I was running niggle free. So I figured I should allow myself about 45 minutes to warm up before stretching out. So this was some useful insight.I then found I was able to stretch out towards the end of the run and give it a good fast pace on the tarmac. this was really fun and rewarding for all my efforts up to this point.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
run #23 4th 6 mile run at 6.6 miles
Each run so far has had niggles at the beginning. I took it slow in the beginning.
I felt on this run I was too slow in the minimalist shoes. The run took a further 5 minutes longer than the previous one.
One advantage of slower runs is you have more energy.
At the end I had a little opening up of my pace which surprised me how much traction I got from barefoot on tarmac.
Enjoyable run.
Monday, 27 September 2010
run #22 2nd 6 mile run at 6.6 miles
Today was a test on a few levels with my attempt at my second 6.6 mile run barefoot.
First off I was most concerned about my knee. As this was around the mark I got the problem with the illiotibial band many years ago. Coupled with this the ITB is a repetitive strain injury. So as I was about to repeat some reptitive running it was a concern. I also felt in the morning my knee felt a bit suspect.
However, I've felt a bit sensitive before and found the runs ok. Using the run/walk system I feel brings a level of safety to the runs.
Secondly, I wan't too sure if my pads had recovered sufficiently from the previous run. As I ran an extra 1.4 miles on tarmac it did put a strain on my pads last run out.
Everything else I felt confident would hold up. So I decided on a plan to use my TWF Aqua shoes.
I do a loop back on myself so I left them in the car and make a decision on the last 1.4 miles.
As it turned out my feet were pretty sensitive early on. My final stretch of my run is all on tarmac if I want. I decided to skip to the grass a bit more on the way back. When I reached my car my common sense actually won the battle and I put them on for a mile. I then ran the last .6 mile barefoot.
Having really fried my feet in the past I knew the pads today would be fine after the run.
As it was my first run in the TWF's I got to feel how they would be. They were really comfortable. The drawstring arrangement around the ankle didn't need to be pulled at all. My feel had plenty of room. My pads were in heaven. Yet I felt a bit restricted in them. I shall do my very best to always run barefoot where I can.
But to enable me to run further the TWF's are great for that. So I will use them to help me out with my run extensions.
My knee held out. At one stage I forgot to do the walk interval and ran for 9 minutes. I don't really want to set my knee back so I will stick to the 30 second walk intervals.
I decided to do 5 min/30 sec intervals on my final stretch and then ended with a nice 7 minute run.
I had plenty of energy left over and was able to do a full gym workout afterwards.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
run #21 1st 6 mile run at 6.6 miles
I was all set to run 5.2 miles but when I could see just how easy it all was I decided to just creep down a bit further. The closer I came to a big landmark the more I wanted to make it. So I did.
My feet were fine up to the landmark. My knee held out as well.
Up to 5.5 miles I'd done two 7 minutes running and 30 second walks. I decided seeing as I was going a lot further I would return down to 5 min runs and 30 second walks. It just made really good sense to do this and it made the extra bit so much easier to achieve as well.
On the way to returning to my starting point my feet were beginning to feel the tarmac more than previously. I figured that I'd made the decision to complete so I did. I checked the feet over at the end and everything looked normal.
This evening my knee is a bit burny but it will pass by tomorrow morning.
Today I passed a guy with his two man team running with the bendy metal C-shaped leg. Just like that guy from South Africa. Quite amazing.
I passed this guy on his bike, and he shouted 'your feet must be really cold'. I just laughed. The shock on his face was great. It was raining and blowing pretty hard when I passed him.
The grass downhill was so slippery I had to really take it easy.
I decided I'd wear my swimming cap in the rain. Just because. It really worked well. Initailly I ran with my prescription sunglasses as well. But they were pressing so hard on my nose from being underneath the cap I took them off.
This left me with having to view the terrain with my short-sighted eyes. They're not that bad. -2.2 but it was a bit of a worry in the beginning. But I seemed to pick up all the bad bits.
So the run meant I was pounding on my pads on tarmac a lot more than I had previously. They held up really well. They are fine this evening. I shall keep them off pavements and hard surfaces until my next run. Walking on grass will be fine.
I was feeling really great after the run. It was for me a personal achievement.
My knee started playing up about 9 years ago. It kicked in like clockwork whenever I tried to run 6 miles. Eventually it got worse and worse until I couldn't even run for more than 7 minutes.
But now I have more information, better techniques and barefoot motion for lower joint impact.
So today it was a milestone to put to bed my 6 mile gremlin from 9 years ago. I will only want to run that route now and nothing less. The 7.4 mile landmark milestone is only .8 mile away now. I should have that cracked easily in the next 3 weeks or so.
Monday, 20 September 2010
run #20 4th 5 mile run 5.2 miles
However, I thought I'd be too wiped out to do it. On Saturday my partner, who loves her long walks, took both on this 5 hour walk. The walk was in flip flops so the lower muscles were working overtime. We pretty much collapsed on the sofa when we got home. The next day I was completely wiped out.
So I figured it might take a few days to recover. However, on her encouragement, I went out and had a go today with my regular 5 mile run.
The run was great. In fact it felt quicker today. Still using the run walk method, I increased the last 3 run intervals to 6 minutes running, 30 second walk. I also went a bit further. I'd been tempted before today but I felt it was worth a try today.
The tarmac is about the roughest of the seafront promenade. Its quite a short stretch but I wanted to break my feet in to the feeling of the surface.
The 5.2 miles also finished at a good landmark next to this main road. So I ran to the new road landmark on the rough stuff and back. It was pretty tingly. But that's all it was. In fact it was quite pleasant.
I also managed to fit in comfortably a full gym workout afterwards.
I'm finding these runs energising rather than exhausting. A good sign is if there's room for something else afterwards.
The run is quite varied. Its tarmac, grass, concrete, pebbled stones and concrete combined.
The new goal is to get to the end of the promenade. I believe this to make the total run 7.4 miles. The biggest test of this is the extra running on tarmac which is my favorite challenge.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
run #19 3rd 5 mile run
Sticking with the run walk method the run was tremendous fun. With some great music on I felt really great. Also the run had a tiny knee ache on the inside for around a minute then passed. Today it was more my achilles tendons that I felt were feeling the run today.
I will say that I am beginning to really enjoy the luxury of 30 second walk breaks. Why on earth we insist on running till the end is something that is illogical. first of all its a lot easier and effortless to run with intervals. Secondly the fat burning is essentially perfect. The heart rate is still up at the end of the 30 seconds.
I also like that I am taking care of myself. I am a really competitive person with myself and my expectations. So its nice to see a more sensible side to me that's prepared to just enjoy the running and remove the vicious strain of it.
When I see slow runners just taking it easy, they are nearly all landing on the forefoot. They look happy and relaxed. It looks effortless.
The splits are something like this:
2 minute walk: 1 minute run : one minute walk * 3: 2 minutes run 30 second walk * 3: 3 minute run 30 second walk * 2: 4 min run 30 second walk * 4: then the rest 5 minute run 30 second walk to finish.
For 5 miles it was 1 hr 10 mins 50 seconds. 30 second off for pit stop and 30 seconds off for smart phone fumble to switch stop watch to stop.
run #18
It went without incident. Once again most enjoyable. I continued with the run walk intervals. I found the stop watch system works well as its very accurate.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
What I've learned so far about Barefoot running
If you have injuries and are turning to barefoot running, realise there is a big adjustment in the healthy areas too.
The adaptation of the feet, surrounding and supporting areas is going to take a lot of weeks. Be patient.
Enjoy the new feeling of switching to barefoot. Although it takes time to adjust, each outing is exciting and stimulating, with lots of feedback.
Strange pains, strains and sensations will be present for a few months while you develop your new muscle, ligament and tendon strength for barefoot activity.
Give the pads a few days off after a run on hard rough surfaces. The pads need that time to regenerate and strengthen.
Don't be shy about being minimal about running. By using the run walk run method explained in great detail in the book 'running until your 100' http://bit.ly/dclliL, you can run injury free.
If you can find short cut grass to run on first for a few weeks I would start there first. However, watch out carefully for hidden stones and things.
Proper Barefoot running is more likely to be taken up by those who are prone to extremism. Extremist people are determined to overcome setbacks, problems and niggles to achieve their goals.
Its easier for people who've got long term injuries they can't shake off or correct.
Its also easier for people who've had to give up running or are just starting out. There is no frustration of losing hard-earned miles in running shoes.
Its easier to accept if you've done your research and understand the history of our ancestors and the evolution of the foot mechanics.
Gently try out the rougher surfaces. Switch from grass to harder surfaces and then back again. Don't wait until there's pain. Stick to a minute and then off.
Build up really slowly. Start by walking on grass for 3 minutes; Run for 30 seconds, walk for a minute, repeat for 3 to 5 times.
If you can switch totally to flip flops or totally flat sandals. This will help strengthen all areas in the lower legs and feet.
Running barefoot uses different muscles to walking barefoot. There are mutual muscles used as well, especially in the calf and achilles tendon.
Even if you feel you can run for a length of time on tarmac resist the temptation to overdo it. The pads suddenly give out. Do the minimal breaking in and then rest for a few days.
Friday, 10 September 2010
run #17
I could feel it was working me, especially at the end there was some slight heavy breathing.
I alternated the surfaces. After reading barefoot running I shall respect the recovery a lot more for the pads. Perhaps even with my walks, I'll keep it minimal on the barefoot walking. Stick to the grass.
I must thank the author of 'running until your 100'. His run walk run method really works. He talks you through the logic of doing it that way. It also helped to just get out of the straining mindset of running continuously from start to finish.
The most important thing is to feel joy when you are running and feel the great effects of running when you take you mini walk breaks.
#run 16
I took it really easy and totally enjoyed it. I played my new drum and bass arena 2010.
My pads aren't totally recovered but I can run a bit on the rough tarmac.
The very positive thing is I finished without a knee issue.
I will allow 2 to 3 days rest between runs