I'm a convert... I do believe!
I am converted to the minimalist movement that is!
After having baby #4 I transitioned into a different runner. I decided to take good care of my feet and try on a bunch of shoes prior to making my next big purchase (I'd been running in the same pair of Nikes, that were too narrow for my foot, and well worn, for years). I headed to Fleet Feet. My shoe of choice was Saucony. I've been a Saucony girl ever since!
I ran in a regular traditional shoe for a long time, Jazz and ProGrid.
I think I did some reading and research and finally bought my first pair of minimalist shoes in the spring of 2011. It took a little getting used to... it's weird when something you've done for so long feels so new. And, it did feel new... but it felt good!
I'd always felt soreness in my glutes after running. Not only after running, all the time. And I'm religious about stretching after a run... I'm a dancer I don't want to lose flexibility. But I could not release those knots. Both the medius and minimus muscles were always sore. Up around the iliac crest and deep in the minimus... always sore, always tight.
I have NO soreness there anymore. I'm serious! I've told many friends, even the most casual of runners, and those that have switched to a minimalist shoe, no more pain... in hips, in IT band... serious!
Love them! Totally converted!
I train in them, I race in them, I wear them all the time.
I do still have a traditional shoe that I wear on the treadmill. For some reason the ball/heel strike feels different on there. It's cushioned so I'm fine w/ my ProGrid there.
Now, I'm a non-traditional runner in that I don't change my shoes out as often as I 'should'.
I don't know why, I just don't. I guess I don't keep track of overall miles so I don't know when it's time... until I start to feel soreness or a pull in my lower leg, then I realize my shoes need to be replaced!
I just bought me some new shoes... and I've forgotten how good new shoes feel!
These are both Saucony Kinvara 3's. I got two pairs. I went half size larger on my second shoe because after my last 13 miler my feet felt like they needed more room. I felt that way after my last marathon too. So, the blue ones will be for longer distances.
I wonder if I ought to try a different shoe. Do you switch up brands? I sort of feel like 'if it's not broken, don't fix it', but I'm sure there are many great shoes out there.
Each time I step out in a new running shoe it shows in my times!
Last week was a great week for running and swimming actually.
Check out the running log here.
So what about you? Are you a traditionalist or a minimalist?