I have benefited massively from a change in technique to mid/forefoot running. The easiest way I did this was to buy some racing flats. I previously ran badly with a lot of vertical movement and hit the ground hard. Despite very good padded trainers I could only run once or twice a week. More than that, no matter how slowly I built up, I suffered from shin splints and quad fatigue to the point of having to stop running. When i researched technique I found most of the "systems" such as Chi running, Pose, Revolution Running all promoted a mid/forefoot technique.
My experiences pretty much, match the statement above.
I've been running at various levels for nearly 30 years; I've done over a dozen marathons and numerous half marathons, 10Ks etc. Over the years, I've found that well-cushioned trainers don't work for me; I seemed to get too many injuries. Likewise, I've found that 'gimmicky' (usually expensive) shoes with 'special' features are a waste of money. 'Motion control' etc., or any 'control', simply isn't required - other than by those (few) runners who do have bio-mechanical problems.
The best shoes in my experience, are those with a minimal midsole & sole and enable the runner to run in a style which is close to bare foot running. If you look at the running style of a child aged about 10, they land on the mid/forefoot. That is the natural style that we should use and running in tall, highly-cushioned shoes does not assist in following that style.
I do as much running off-road as possible; if I'm doing a run of 10 - 20 miles, my 'cushioned' (such as there is) shoes are usually a pair of Walsh's - the tread is so worn, that they are fine on tarmac. If I'm doing a shorter run on the road, I just use a pair of beach/aqua shoes such as these :-
http://www.boardshop.co.uk/product/csolm-grbk.asp
or these :
http://www.ifsogo.com/Holiday/aquashoes_all/basic-aquashoe-Royal.html
Such shoes as these, 'force' me to run on my mid/forefoot; I'd like to do barefoot running, but the soles on these shoes provide a good degree of protection against flints/thorns etc., yet enable a much easier running style than I've ever experienced in cushioned shoes. I looked at Vibam fivefingers shoes, but these do the same thing (in my experience) at a
fraction of the price. I recommend such shoes for running, but they need to be introduced into a training regime,
very cautiously . . .and where possible, use off-road.
Unless you are training for marathon distance, I'd recommend training off-road as much as possible - with hills !
Tabata sessions provide an excellent and intensive training method, that would be ideal for a triathlete. (I'd be aiming for quality sessions, rather than 'junk mileage'). The session described in the article, refers to cycling; many people also use the same session, but for running.
http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/Go-for-Broke-with-Tabata-Intervals.htm
You might consider the points made in the article below :
http://www.theiflife.com/barefoot-running-injuries/
In addition to wearing flat shoes fo running, I've pretty much 'given up' wearing work shoes with a heels. Previously, I used to wear shoes like these for work :
http://www.arthurknightshoes.co.uk/...f-leather-mens-formal-lace-up-shoes-by-exceed
I now wear these :
http://www.chiarafashion.co.uk/Black-Lace-Up-Plimsolls-Pumps.html
Of course, I wear 'smart' shoes when required, but the lace-up plimsolls are very comfortable and my feet and ankles feel much better since I've been wearing them. Since I've moved over to such (minimalist) shoes for running and work, I've not had a single injury for a few years. Of course, what 'works' for one runner, doesn't always work for another, but they've been fine for me.
. I've generally gone for a different technique foot strike with lighter padded trainers. If I'd have read the previous posts properly I'd ave seen the bits about your injuries and certainly wouldn't recommend anything radical while you're recovering. Good luck with getting back to running. If you can enjoy it again it's always more fun.
