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RE: Running related injuries are at an all-time high because of shoes!
Excellent article! I love my minimal Merrell shoes for running. When I started running I had IT band issues, but after changing my footwear, doing more mobility work and foam rolling, and incorporating a lot more 1-leg exercises for stability and strength I haven't had any issues. People are always surprised that I run half marathons in the shoes that I do, but they work for me so I'm sticking to it. :)
So many people are discovering the benefits of minimal footwear for running. There is a learning curve though. Even though we can run with minimal support, the structures need time to strengthen after being dormant for so long. It is thus advisable to slowly increase your time in minimal footwear.
Out of interest, how long did it take for you to run a 21km in minimalist shoes comfortably?
Oh it does absolutely take time to build up to that distance. I think the first time I ran in minimal shoes I went less than 5k. It felt so light and free, but also strange to actually have that range of motion through my feet. I was very sore in my calves for a number of days after, so I made sure to start with only shorter distances and only a few times per week. I think I had been running 5k and 10k races in them for about a year before I started training for the longer distance. And I still only do maybe one or two longer races a year, so my weekly mileage is not as great as some people.
I really think you have gone about it in the correct manner. Hence your success. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you many injury free miles.