My Plantar is a Fasciitis

If you've never been injured, than you haven't been a runner very long. I consider myself lucky. Without anything outside of some mild overtraining and a few illnesses, I rarely have an excuse to miss a run. In the past two years, I've been injured - hanging up my running shoes and pining to run - exactly 0 times.

To my dismay, I woke up Wednesday morning and could not walk on my right foot. My heel, which had been bothering me for about three months (I attributed it to adjusting to some minimal/barefoot shoes), was having none of it. I hobbled to the bathroom, looked in the mirror, shook my head, and went back to bed. I knew I was in trouble.

Luckily, my sister-in-law (who is also a runner), is an accredited physical therapist and has helped me through injuries over the years. She knew right away - Plantar Fasciitis. "Stay out of the barefoot shoes, you hippie!" She told me. Which makes at least once in my life I've beeen called a hippie.

Today is the second consecutive day off of running. And I'll be back tomorrow. But PF is not much fun. Here's how you can avoid it:

1) Get properly fitted for the right running shoes. I don't blame mine on my shoes, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that just changing shoes can help.

2) Stretch out your calves and hammies. Tightness in our legs never leads to anything good.

3) Lift your legs! I hate lifting weights. I hate stretching. Anything other than running, pretty much, is on my list. But lifting helps address muscle imbalances (when done right). Imbalances cause you compensate (or overcompensate), and that leads to injuries.

4) If you're hurt, take a day off. Each workout contributes less than 1% to your overall fitness. And although that is extra reason to stick with it when motivation is low, it is also good reason to hang it up for a day when things are tight. It is better to miss a day than a month. Or months.

5) Run on softer surfaces. Where I live, there is not much unpaved trail or road to run on, so I find myself logging all of my miles on paved surfaces. This is what I've chalked my PF up to. Don't follow my lead. Hit the trails. Yes, your boring Nike Pegasus will work on most anything but the most technical trails.

6) Exercise your feet. Although I'm sure some barefoot enthusiast will disagree with everything I say (already have Vibram Named in Lawsuit), one thing they have to agree with me on is this: Our feet do not get the love they deserve. Take your shoes off next time you're out in a grassy area (at the family reunion this weekend - you'll be a hit)

I've taken to rolling a tennis ball under my arch and heel, even at work, to try and loosen things up. It seems to be working. And I plan to run through it. Just one more obstacle to overcome.

I've got a race this weekend, my second 5k of the year. Goal time: under 19 minutes. We'll see.

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Slinky On A Treadmill

OK, I know it. No posts for almost two months. "Roosh, why have you foresaken us?" You ask. It isn't you, It's me.

I have lots to update on, so that will come in the next several posts. I am still working my way towards vegetarianism. I am still working my way towards minimalism. And I am still working my way to being a more fit, healthier human being.

TO give you a brief synopsis of the past few months - everything from a (unpaid) promotion at work, to preparing for the arrival of our first born, to tons of additional drama has entered my and my wife's life. So lots to catch up on.

Keep an eye out the next few days, more posting to come! Until then, enjoy the slinky! Mesmerizing, isn't it?

Nike SMS Roadrunner: A Toddler Shoe with a Flat, Flexible Sole | Runblogger

Nike SMS Roadrunner: A Toddler Shoe with a Flat, Flexible Sole | Runblogger:

If you've read even a handful of my posts, you know I am a big fan of Pete Larson over at Runblogger. Unlike most running themed blogs (i.e. RRR), his actually has a scientific slant and he subjects his own studies and data to support his arguments. And he is a big supporter of taking support and cushioning away from the running shoe and doing what you are supposed to - run with better form.

With a little one on the way in June, this recent post caught my eye. How can we stop our kids from repeating our (footwear) mistakes? Don't let them start.

If you don't read Runblogger already, put it in your favorites folder.

That will be all. Good day.

'via Blog this'

The Science of Sport: Vibram shoes named in lawsuit: The danger of barefoot running

The Dangers of Barefoot Running
from the Science of Sport

"Barefoot running cures all ills!" Uh huh.

Does barefoot running cure injuries? Will losing shoes help you lose your injuries? Hmmmm, let's talk about this....

Back to Vegetarianism - Simplifying Healthy Food Choices

Is it realistic to only eat fruits and vegetables at every meal?

My journey into a healthier, more fit lifestyle began back in 2005 and 2006. Although most people see a weight loss journey beginning with a penultimate, dramatic decision to give up unhealthy habits, something they begin on January 1 or some other finite date, mine began with a little chipping away, piece by piece of unhealthy habits. And it all began by simplifying my diet to make it easiest to replace the unhealthy choices with healthy ones.