Running for Pure Love

A few weeks ago, I read Born to Run by Chris McDougall and started running again, but running in a totally new way.  Practically speaking, I ditched my traditional sneakers and changed my form, but I changed something deeply mental and emotional about my running, too.

McDougall argued that too many people run to get something (usually a smaller waist) instead of running for pure pleasure and peace of mind.

To paraphrase Scott Jurek, whose book Eat and Run I'm reading now, it's better to run one mile in peace than ten terrible miles fighting with yourself to move forward.  That's how I used to run (except not the ten miles part).  After about a mile I was miserable and had to try force myself to keep going, which usually failed.  I ran with a heavy heel strike stride.  When I changed to a midfoot/forefoot strike, shortened my stride significantly, slowed down, and relaxed, something felt totally different.  I was smiling and running at the same time.

A lot of people think they are just not runners, but if you run this way, I promise you that you can be a runner.

Bummer is that I did what the minimalist/barefoot running community calls TMTS - too much too soon.  I ran about five miles total the first week I changed shoes and form.  Then, I ran about ten miles total the next week.  Then, I felt an uncomfortable pull in my left inner ankle.  I've spent the past couple weeks taking time off, easing back in, and then going a little too far, so now I'm taking time off again until it heals up completely.  Frustrating but necessary, I think.

I was lucky to have a pair of Merrell Barefoot sneakers given to me right before I was seized with the desire to head out and run like a child.  I have loved running in them.  They're not the cutest by standards, but terribly comfortable.  I just ordered some Merrell Barefoot Run Dash Gloves that I am stoked to try out.