minimalist running: why ill try it

this video kindof sums it up.
basically, forefront running is more efficient, and will cause less injuries long-term. Makes you a whole lot faster apparently too....

So no, I don't own newtons, I just thought their video explained forefront running well. I've been running in asics since the dawn of time....but I recently bought a pair of 'minimalist' new balance shoes. Going to try to transition....

I am a little weary of the transition. Yes, many of the 'expert' runners I know are switching (not to mention all the associates at Texas Running Company)..but I have yet to meet someone who transitioned WIHTOUT injury...ironic isn't it......??

Seems it is really easy to want to switch quickly. And that's how the worst injuries occur.

Is it worth it?

Seems most experts think so.

My physical therapist transitioned over 9months, with one gastroc injury. (This is a guy who has run three ironman triathlons, and multiple marathons, and swam competitively in college). So I trust him!  If he tells me it should take nine months....guess I better start now!

My First Injury

Well, it happened. I got my first sports injury. Not excited. It happened after the tri, or at the tri, or a product of undertraining perhaps mixed with a bad chiropractor visit mixed with transition to minimalist running...pick one. It's an aggrivated tendon, and it doesn't hurt (it causes a tingling sensation, or it used to, after a run), PT and ortho say it's not structural, muscular. But it's still enough to scare me.

I guess I thought I was invincible.

got carried away.

Something like that.

But it means for me, no races for the rest of this season. Which is really hard. Too hard. The thought of not being able to run...the thing I love so much....really has been hard to process.

I know it's not true, but I feel like a ball of laziness, not having any athletic outlet (I can't run, cycle, zumba, walk, only swim on occasion). Thus, I have lost my "daily" (every-other-daily) runs. Up hills with the running stroller in the middle of the day, feeling the ugly tan lines perpetuate on my legs--I love that feeling:). I've lost my night runs while J has his guys night at the house, I've lost my early morning 2 hour runs on Saturdays...

I feel really sad.

At church, we sang a song with lyrics that sang:

"I am free to dance....I am free to run...I am free to live for You...I am free". I got choked up.

I can't run.

There are times when even productive things become bad things. You know. When they become more important than the Most Important Thing. I think busyness, sleeplessness, fatigue, etc.--all the things that accompany motherhood--can be huge distractors from our walk with God. At least, for me, this has been true. I have climbed the 'slippery slope' to where now it is hard for me to have a dedicated, consistent time in the Word. We decided earlier this year that this is not the right time for us to be in a bible study as a family. However, I still need the accountability and calling-out.

So grateful for church Sunday. Even though it is painful, I am slowing being able to find joy in the fact that I can't run. Because I can. I can run toward the Lord still, and my legs can't keep me from Him.

Fitness is important...but it isn't Everything.

My First Injury I

Well I have my first-ever-sports-related injury!

Anytime I extend my legs to run, behind my knee-popliteal-area feels buzzy. No other way to explain it.

It sucks.

It gets worse the more I do, particularly twisting motions.

So I feel torn. I want to do the things I love....but I want to be able to play with my grandchildren someday. It probably sounds like a no-brainer....but it's so hard for me.

I am gong to PT twice per week now--which is a lot to schedule along with my shadowing for personal trainer-training and child care! Not going to lie...I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. Between planning all the appointments, and hearing my PT suggest "Water jogging" (LAME.), I am not enjoying the past few weeks. If it weren't for having the most amazing toddler in the world  and all the cool things I'm learning in personal training...I would be forced to poke my eyes out