Renovating Kaeti

Have ya’ll seen this article on how we’re “wrecking our feet”? It’s definitely an interesting (if a bit one-sided) look at the biomechanics of walking.

We’ve covered this topic in the past (see “Bare Your Sole” and”The Shoe for You“), and I’m torn. On one hand, I love my stability shoes. They’ve all but eliminated my knee issues and just feel better. On the other hand, I want to run as efficiently as possible, and my body will never learn and adapt if I don’t give it the option. Throw ChiRunning into the mix, and I’m just starting to feel downright befuddled.

What are your thoughts on barefoot training? When it comes to shoes, is less actually more?

In honor of Runners’ Lounge Take It and Run Thursday, here is what I have learned about running in 13 words or less:
The rewards of running are worth the pain and frustration. …I think.

I know that the hard runs are worth it when they make it possible to have the really, really good runs. But it does seem like runners put our bodies and minds through all sorts of beatings. And yet even when I question why I run, I still run. I have to run. It’s become this inescapable part of who I am.

Hm, kind of sounds like some sort of chronic condition. Wow, I sure make running sound awesome, don’t I??

Some other possibilities:

Even when you question if it’s worth the trouble, keep running.

You may never simultaneously love and hate something more than running.

Those are my thoughts on the matter, or at least the best I can come up with at 8 a.m. on a rainy Thursday morning. I dare you to try and summarize your running/life/fitness philosophy into 13 words or less.

Two Three things:

1. After much hemming and hawing, I have added a “before and after” photos page. How fun for you (and slightly mortifying for me).

2. I’m participating in the Shave Your 5K Challenge over at Half-Fast. Entrants submit their “stubble” time (i.e., the best 5K time you’ve earned as of March-ish) and then attempt to shave their times in subsequent races. Winners get a new car, or world domination — er, something like that.

3. If you’re new to my blog, you can read more about me here or in my first post “Does This Blog Make Me Look Fat?” (And you can find the answer to that question on the Before and After page . . .) In any case, thanks for stopping by!