Minimalist Running and You

The new trend in running (last 5 years for me) is a minimalist style that engages different muscles than what are currently used in your tradition trainers. For me, the two most important aspects to pay attention to when switching to this style are correct form and correct body weight.

I began barefoot running at 195 lbs (88.5 kg) and with what I thought was good form. The worse of the two was my weight. At 6'0", I didn't feel extra heavy where running barefoot was injuring me. My mileage increased and so did my problems. Second, my form was like a car with all of its electronics and AC turned on. I was leaking crucial energy that forced me into shorter distances.

Fast forward to the present; I currently weigh 168 lbs (75 kg). This change in weight has not only dropped my avg mile time from 8:30 to 7:30 but is also allowing me to reach distances up to 20 miles.  Couple this with the video below and I am eager to start pushing 20 miles to 30 and eventually up to my goal of 50. I hope the video helps you as much as it did me. Check out their website at the links on the sidebar.

Keep in mind that when starting to practice this form, it may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first. As long as it isn't causing pain, this is just your body adjusting to the new style.

My minimalist shoes

Brisk 5 Mile Lunch Run by rillz949 at Garmin Connect - Details

Brisk 5 Mile Lunch Run by rillz949 at Garmin Connect - Details
Might of had a few too many sweets last night between the Cherryheads, LemonHeads, and M&M Pretzels. Woke up feeling overly lethargic and slow to thought.  Called an emergency run and headed out for 5 miles at Lunch time. Less than an hour later I am feeling great and ready to move forward with my day. Cheers to running

Get out tomorrow and make it a Sunrise Run

Distance - 5 miles
Shoes - Nike Free 2.0 (Red)
Watch - Garmin 405cx
Pace - 7:38
Calories - 594
Song of the run - Radiohead - Everything In It's Right Place (Gigamesh Remix)
Mood - Foggy to Clear =D

10 mile cleansing run by rillz949 at Garmin Connect - Details

10 mile cleansing run by rillz949 at Garmin Connect - Details
Mezamashii. I have always been a proponent of loving the way you run. Similar to when you were a child and had no forethought of splits, distance, or pace. There is no means to an end; trying to hit a goal weight or time. You run because you love to. A love that will carry you through the most challenging days and take you further on your perfect days. The Mezamashii Run Project embodies what I believe to be the soul of that love. The word Mezamashii has reinforced and revitalized that love of running. I have always described to my non-running friends how a euphoric run can set your world straight; untying the constricting knots tied by stress and responsibility. It is primal, a way to reconnect with who we really are, not who we've been told to be.

We are made to run. It is in our DNA. To many of us have forgotten this. The commodities of this world have allowed for complacency and laziness. It also creates a sickness, mentally and physically, that we have tried to fix through drugs and get-fit-fast schemes that avoids the very essence of why we exercise. Every journey begins some where and it still rings true the hardest step is always the first one. All accomplishments worth having require work. The best part of running is you can start anytime and anywhere. I like to keep it simple and remember it can be as easy as Stand. Walk. Run. Fly.

One of the many beautiful views seen throughout my runs

Distance 10 miles

Pace 7:59

Shoes - Merrell Minumus Trail Glove

CD of the run - Hot Chip - In Our Heads

Watch - Garmin 405cx

Calories - 1203

1.2k Calorie 8 Mile run through Irvine by rillz949 at Garmin Connect - Details

1.2k Calorie 8 Mile run through Irvine by rillz949 at Garmin Connect - Details

Thursday April 21st 2011

Today was nice out; perfect for a run. Jeanette joined me again. We took a familiar path but in my opinion one of the more scenic ones.

Miles to go: 949

Days left: 345

Ran in: Nike Free

Two Runs in Corona Del Mar for 13 Miles

Went to a Ducks playoff game the night before and wasn't even sure how far I planned on running Saturday. I figured I would be tired and groggy. As it turns out, I woke up feeling great and I ran about a Half Marathon. I enjoy when I surprise myself with how my body allows me to push it past what it thinks is possible. This puts me at 31 miles for the week. 

First 6.5 Miles 

Garmin Connect CDM Run with Run Club

Second 6.5 Miles

Garmin Connect CDM Run 6.5 Miles with Jenna

Thats about as ugly as they come

Miles to go: 969

Days Left: 349

Ran in : Nike Free Minimalist Shoes

1.5k Calorie 10 mile Run

One my first day out I went 10 miles and for 4 of them was joined by my friend Kim. I stopped along the way to take a few pictures to share. The Running Gods were favorable and gave us some bubblewrap to stomped on the way. The way I look at it is I just finished 1/100th of my goal.

Irvine

The Bubblewrap

Some Dandelions

Ran in: Nike Free Minimalist Shoes
Miles to go: 990
Days Left : 364

The Beginning

I am going to undertake the task of running 1,000 miles in 1 year and keep a log of every jog that I go on and with who. I would love for anyone to join me in these runs; beginners and experts alike. This will mean averaging almost 3 miles a day. Considering 3 miles takes less than 30 minutes to run; I am committing to 30 minutes out of the 1,440 minutes in a day to running. I have made this blog and group to not only keep track of my runs but to keep me accountable. I hope to meet many new people who will push me to reach this goal. As with every goal I make; I will reevaluate it every quarter. The group on facebook is open to everyone. Free Jogging on Facebook