While browsing internet, out of boredom, I discovered this discussion thread. VERY INFORMATIVE, i would say. You will find tips on carbo loading (yeah you can't just simply eat all carbo rambo style!), where to find shoes, links to websites for runner enthusiasts, comparison of training watches, etc! it's a HELLLLLLLL of a lot of infos to digest there! Enjoy!
An interesting review of minimalist shoes you can find there:
"The Bikila and Komodo have almost exactly the same feel. Just started trying them out so can't see any noticeable difference yet, or how they perform vis-a-vis the KSO. The tread on the outsoles of the Komodosport and the Bikila are somewhat different. The KSO on the other hand has a completely different outsole, without any tread, and running in the Komodosport and the Bikila will give you a very different feel. My KSO are a size larger than that recommended by the website and there is a bit of slack in the toes. I wear Injinjis with 'em. You probably won't need to wear any socks with the Bikila and the Komodosport because the uppers are made from a different material, smoother than that of the KSO, and there is very little friction. But that could be because this time, I bought exactly the size recommended by the website. A very snug fit, very little slack, and I suppose because of this, you're not likely to get blisters. Not that I got any wearing the slack KSO.
I had a similar problem with my knee before I switched to VFFs. That problem has not recurred once since I made the switch. But I've also been doing weights in the gym to strengthen my hamstrings and quadriceps and this is supposed to help, so whether you want to attribute the improvement to the shoes or to the weights, I couldn't say with any certainty. My instincts tell me both have a role to play in this.When you eventually make the switch to VFFs, do it slowly and take it for granted that you will have to live with sore calves for a while. Give your legs and feet time to get used to the new gait and the new feel and build up your mileage slowly. I loved the feel when I made the switch - I could actually feel the grass, the sand, the pebbles etc etc. I imagine your soles would be somewhat more insulated from the terrain by the Bikila and Komodosport outsoles because of the distinct tread (just got them, and I've given myself a week off to recover from the Penang Marathon so haven't had a chance to try them outdoors yet).I can't speak for any other kind of minimalist footwear from experience, but I don't think anybody is 'ready' for VFFs or other minimalist footwear for running, unless you've been running barefoot. You need to give your body time to make the necessary adjustments. That said, I used to run in cheap trainers with minimal support and padding so perhaps the transition wasn't too difficult for me. Also, each person's feet are different. You must find the shoe that best answers your needs, and this might not necessarily be something minimalist.I've read Chris McDougall's book and done some further research on barefoot running and in principle, I think it all makes sense. At the end of the day though, what matters is that you find something that works for you. Since these shoes are now retailing in KL, I think the thing to do would be to go and try them out and see how they feel. But from my own experience, and from what I've read and what people who wear them have told me, you need to give yourself time to get used to VFFs. You will almost certainly end up with fabulously sore calves the first few times you run in them. That happened to me. But once the breaking in period came to an end (about 6 weeks for me), I not only said goodbye to sore calves, but also to knee pain and sore muscles after all the half marathons I subsequently ran in. My first full marathon recently was another story altogether but I recovered after one day."By : PangurBan
So guys, feel free to join the 'darkside' of minimalist running and enjoyment! hehe!
Oh Selamat Berpuasa too!
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