Discussion Board

Hello, I just wanted to post the links to my new amateur youtube video. One of the people featured in Forks Over Knives sort of described it as a my version of the movie, in mini form.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi5m0dEZ ... ture=g-upl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARmAnVOeLXs

Hopefully the title won't deceive....this is G rated or G+.

Randy Kreill, Beavercreek OH

Love them. I've been barefoot almost 24/7 since July and I have the huaraches from www.invisibleshoe.com too but I don't put them on unless I'm told I need to put shoes on.

Interesting! I never thought about being able to slip a pair of these into your pocket, purse or whatever.

I have considered that when I attempt to go 50 miles in late June, on a course that is only 2 loops, I may carry an extra pair of huaraches in my "hydration pack". I could slip them in there and still have plenty of space for snacks!

It was odd getting a pair of shoes in an envelope in the mail, huh!!

Mine are either in my purse or in my small pouch on my bike so easy to carry in small places. and my purse is small I hate big goddy things. yeah was definitely odd but cool at same time. I've started running but I'm just a couple miles here and there now not no 50 miles Love that you can do that.

Just noticed what you are doing with your weight loss... awesome. If you can run 2, you can run 4...if you can run 4, you can run 6....

Ultra runners say if you can run a marathon, you can run a 50K... etc etc. I forget the formula, but I think each pound lost tends to give you a good shot at taking a minute off of your next marathon time. If you set a goal of running a marathon, or whatever, you'll be even more dedicated to your plan. BEST WISHES!

Randy

Thanks for the encouragement Randy. I know losing the weight is definitely helping with the running. I remember when I couldn't hardly walk so to be able to run now is wonderful.

Hey - I'm a beginner runner too! Awesome! Can you recommend a good pair of running shorts? I've been looking on-line - but there are so many. I've been running in old shorts that I have but it's time for me to get some real running shorts I think. Any tips or suggestions will be great!

I'd go to a store to try on shorts for the first pair. Buying on line is a good way to end up with stuff you won't wear!

I like moisture wicking, lightweight run shorts with the built in liners. For marathons and ultras, it's less painful to run in just the lighter weight shorts.

I prefer run shorts without pockets on the sides, as good run technique might have you catching those thumbs on the pockets...

I'm not a runner...yet...but I enjoyed watching your videos...loved the forest gump bit. For now I'm focusing on walking and adding in a min or two of jogging when I can. But I love being barefoot too! I just wear regular flip-flops when I go out. But those that you showed look interesting, I think I may look into getting some.

The "invisible" shoes/huaraches are the best thing I can find for running any distance. A couple Saturday's ago, I headed out with a goal of spending 10 -12+ hours on my feet to prepare for a 50 miler on June 30th... a trail "race" with plenty of elevation changes. For about the first 8 miles I walked...then slipped on the 4MM huaraches and started running slowly...covering 41.5 miles total is just over 12 hours.

I prefer the huaraches for running over walking, but everyone is different and there are so many ways to lace/tie them on. Perhaps I just haven't found the best walking configuration. If you order, consider getting 4MM and 6MM...you can get two pair for less than most shoes. I've punched dozens of holes in my 6MM to make them lighter...and I think I've "perfected" a casual slip on lace/tie technique for running and walking. The 6MM are for replacing flip flops and running on rough stones.

I've never cared much for the way flip flops are not attached at the heal.

Direct link to shop huaraches or directions to make them... they are so low cost...not worth trouble to make an inferior pair imo...

http://www.InvisibleShoe.com/go/Randy_Kreill

So how do you transition to barefoot. I started running again in February and am running 4 days a week with one being a longer run on the weekend, up to 8 miles right now building up to a marathon race in November.

A person could write an entire book on that topic alone. But, if you watched my video(s) the clues that helped me are all there. It would take quite awhile to read all the books I'm referencing though!

How to do it right, is very slowly with the very best running form you can muster up. I started by being barefoot at home all the time, balancing barefoot on a Bosu ball, etc. I ditched my old running shoes and got intermediate cross country "flats"...an affordable solutution to $100+ minimalist shoes. I used Vibram Five Fingers as well, but since getting huaraches, I've not put them on once. They hurt my toes.

Now that I've found the huaraches, I'd rec those asap for walking and slowly adding them to your running.

One of the best ways to learn technique and barefoot running is to run slowly on a smooth hard surface for increasing distances as your body slowly adapts. I'd run barefoot on smooth blacktop, etc first, then put on less and less "shoe" until you can comfortably cover longer distances in huaraches or whatever super light minimalist shoe works for you. If your calves get super sore...that's good... productive discomfort. I love to run totally barefoot at the local soccer complex for safe terrain, free of debri and doggy droppings!

Chi Running is a great book for learning great form and the right mindset for slow growth, no ego, "productive discomfort" etc. Inevitable setbacks I've resolved with much help from the book Pain Free by Pete Egoscue.

Randy

I am not a runner....always wanted to be a runner, but I am just not. BUT, I LOVE my Invisible Shoes! I tie them in the slip on style with a little macrame at the "tie" part so they are nice and neat.

Sharon

Sharon, glad to read you love the huaraches. My wife hasn't used hers so much yet...we are still working on the best tying method for her running. Each of my 3 daughters got some for Christmas, but they haven't gotten into a strong habit of wearing them yet. The slip on tye method is for them their favorite as well.

If I had a dime for every time I heard somebody say "I'm not a runner, or I don't enjoy running".

Running had been unenjoyable for me years ago, and even after I learned to like it, I felt it was going to ultimately lead to chronic injuries in hips and/or knees.... then I read Born To Run. Everyone should read this book by Christoper McDougall. It was a bestseller in early 2010.

That book completely changed how I view the "practice" of running. We are the best two legged running mammals on earth. Running should feel good. If not, odds are high you can make it so with efffort, whether than means losing some extra pounds or working on technique. Chi Running by Danny Dreyer is the best book I've found for that purpose.

I'm training to do a "do it yourself" full Ironman distance triathlon on my 50th birthday, soon. I used to think triathlons could keep me running longer before problems creep up in the knees or whatever. Now I view triathlon as simply a great way to make me a better runner, a great way to cross train. I now believe I can be running into my 90's, and beyond.

Randy

I am not built to be a runner. I worked with a running coach about 10 years ago and got so I could run a 5k - but it was never really pain-free. I wanted to do some triathlons -- did that, checked it off my list. I have been a pretty serious biker for most of my adult life and the running coach told me that all the biking has created a bit of an imbalance in the muscles in my calves which makes running a problem - shin splints like you would not believe! I run some in the gym on the treadmill in the winter, but biking is my first love! : ) I do walk at least 5 miles a day and am loving the Invisible Shoes for that! I hate shoes and socks and always have - they just don't fit my feet. So, I love being able to have the barefoot experience with a little foot protection and it looking like I have on shoes!