New Shoes

Even though I have decided to try running barefoot I am not intending to give up running with shoes! I will try it out as a complement to my normal running.

First of all I live in the wrong country to run barefoot all year around, as we have snow on the ground for about 6 months of the year. Also I have read that you need to start up very carefully when running barefoot, as you use completely different muscles. You need to start with very short runs, 300m might be enough the first time!

So I have now finally bought new shoes! I went to a place in Eskilstuna called Husky that my work colleague who runs a lot recommended. Since my old ones were knackered I started getting a bad back and a bad knee every time I ran.

At Husky's I got to run on a treadmill whilst they filmed my feet. Apparently I have quite a good step and strong ankles (from horse riding), so I didn't need any special insoles or anything like that. However, I tend to slant my right foot slightly inwards when I run, which is the reason why I am getting a bad knee on that side. These new shoes should be able to rectify that. Great! It was a great shop and I really recommend people around Eskilstuna to pay a visit.

My new shoes. Saucony, voted best running shoes in Sweden 2010

I tried them out today, a quick 5K in Kungsör, and they felt great! I also tried something new, listening to music whilst running! I know I am so behind never to have tried it before, but WOW what a difference! It really spurred me on, and I didn't have to listen to myself panting which made a nice change.

I am excited now, and definitely feel like I have got my motivation back! In my new shoes with music in my ears I will be unstoppable!