The pure reason I am on here today, writing about Bare Foot Running, talking a “transitioning” “form” “lifting feet” etc is because my desire to run the marathon distance. Without this longing, I believe I would be running smaller distances, uninjured, and still in shoes. Last year around Christmas time I had decided to take on my first Marathon. Already being a runner, I progressed well, had a few aches and pains, but nothing to note really. By the time I ran a sub 4 hour marathon I was in the best shape of my life. Then came the downfall. From 2 injuries to 3 injuries to debilitation ITBS I fell hard. Most of it I believe was fall out from the large distances with horrible form and continuing to run with this bad from in super squishy shoes for almost a month after 26.2 miles were in my past.
Today (Monday) I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2010, the same race I ran last year. This time around I won’t be thinking about completing, time, or Boston, but I’ll consider it a step twords lifetime injury free running. I will ONLY compete Barefoot and if I can’t finish than I won’t.
I know this comes on the heels of a few bad weeks and one great week, but I am convinced with my discipline that I will be able to maintain good form for long distances and periods of time. My cardio and many of my leg muscles show no sign of fatigue after these runs so far, a feeling I would have loved last year when working up to the first 8 miles or so. Most of my discomfort comes from my feet, calf, and Achilles adaptation along with my body’s struggle to unlearn my old bad habits. I am on the right track, and even though I have a half marathon goal in mind, a full marathon goal is a major step.
This week I felt great on my runs. 15 total, with an 8 mile long run. Bring on the milage. I am still going to be careful, but I have a few down weeks before attempting 13.1 so I think I’ll be ok.
Cheers, Bruno
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