OK… I took a few days off….5 to be exact! However, I went skiing at Squaw Valley (epic conditions) and played in the snow with the family, etc…so I did get some exercise. I ate fairly well but had a little sushi rice and even had a beer here and there so I didn’t lose any weight. Today, I am back on the program! I ran my 3.5 miles this morning and was a little easier on myself as far as the heel striking goes… I am trying to get a feel for how to land on the ball of my foot comfortably and consistently. Only my left calf felt any significant pain today so I think I am progressing. The right one will come around I am sure… I had some other small pains like back, groin, ham string that had me thinking and wondering if running is for me… However, it felt good to complete the run and it made me feel silly for not exercising for 5 days… MUST KEEP IT GOING!!!
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Running may certainly not be for you Mark, but at this point in your training it’s FAR too early to tell. In 6 months when you have a much leaner and well conditioned body, your running will feel totally different. It will feel much more effortless, your technique will be much more refined and if you are anything like me then it will be enjoyable on a completely new level. One of the most difficult things to learn to do when running, is to relax.
The fore/mid foot strike with running shoes is going to be tougher than if you were running barefoot or with shoes that have no heel lift. It will require some plantar flexion of the foot to keep the heel off the ground whereas the same technique will just come naturally when running without shoes. Your stride will also be shorter than if you are heel striking – this is natural. Your foot plants should be more underneath you rather than out in front of you, like a heel striker would land.