As I mentioned last week, I found some great info on the optimum heart rate level to train at for endurance sports. It is quite different from the high intensity trend that is popular today. Well I started it last week and I was very surprised at the results. Let me tell you all about it and then you can decide for yourself if you’d like to give it a whirl.
Not all barefoot running was created equal. There are uphills, flats, rocky, and then there’s Downhill Running Barefoot! Here’s what I figured out this week.
Read most any fitness website and you’ll see hardcore sayings like
Ok, you get the idea: “Train hard then train hard some more.” It’s the American way! But…
Today I learned that this is really bad advice. The exciting thing is I found out why. Let me share with you.
So I’ve been transitioning to barefoot running and yesterday I had a little breakthrough in my running. It wasn’t an faster time. It wasn’t improving my form. It wasn’t increased distance. It was a mental shift and it was wonderful. It was pretty powerful and I think you might want to try it!
My precious feet
Slow and steady is the way to go with transitioning to barefoot running, barefoot living. (I run in minimalist shoes, walk in either minimalist sandals, shoes, or actual barefoot at home) My journey to living “barefoot” started about 3-4 weeks ago. Over the last few days here is what I’ve experienced and how I’ve handled it.
I just recently began trying the barefoot method of running and I can say that I do like it a lot. I was open minded about trying it, but I wasn’t tied to the idea that I would love it. I’ve been using Merrell’s Barefoot Run Vapor Glove
Lately I’ve been running without music and focusing on my mind, using my run as an opportunity to reflect, plan my day, and practice positive thinking. I even developed my Heart Meditation while running. Today I want to share a mental focus theme that I used yesterday that was really helpful in motivating me, generating energy, generating a positive mindset, and passing the time.
Here’s a dumb question, but I’ll ask it anyway. Do you ever get tired during a run and think, boy I’d like to just walk for a while? Of course you have. So what can you do? Watch and wait. …and keep running. Let me explain.
Has your run become just another task on your to-do list that you need to check off so you can then do the next thing and the next and the next? Does it feel like a dreaded obligation? If so, you can change this and in doing so you can make running enjoyable, as it should be!
The last 2 days I ran later in the day than usual and boy my head felt like it was being melted in an oven. So today I decided to try the Bandana Cooler. It worked great! Here’s how to make one yourself. (Read all the way through to the end of the article for a funny anecdote.)