FitNews,

Like anything else, you can’t just jump into a mid-foot stride when running if you’ve been heel-striking for awhile. You need to work up to it gradually. Right now, your body is conditioned for the running technique that you have adopted in the past and up until this point. I can understand why you would feel more pain when trying to suddenly adjust your technique, especially if you already have a condition that is causing you pain. It may take several weeks or months to recondition your legs and feet.

A good first step may be to get some minimalist footwear that will help your feet recondition themselves. I’ve heard from many sources that the Vibram Fivefingers are the best choice for this job. If that’s too “primal” for you, then there are many other good choices in my guide for going barefoot:
http://johnsifferman.com/blog/the-definitive-guide-for-going-barefoot/

Also, you may want to try going barefoot every now and then – not running, of course. That would be a step too far, at this point. But maybe try going barefoot around the house for a week or two, and then progress to soft surfaces outside like grass, sand, dirt, etc. If you build up your feet gradually to the idea of going barefoot, then over time your feet and legs will recondition themselves to a normal mid-foot landing and stride.

A mid-foot landing is just the start of proper running technique, but it’s an important start, and a much better alternative than heel striking.

Best regards,

John

PS – I have struggled with shin splints in the past, too, but I haven’t had shin splits since going barefoot.

Running is a chore to me. I don’t find any joy or happiness in it beside the fact that I’m burning energy, achieving something physical and beating my distance every time.

I’ll definitely try running barefoot down at the oval for a while and see how that goes.