Running without running shoes [solved]

Mmmm... Cocks...

I understand they are quite cheap but I'm not a huge fan of traditional running. I've been going to the gym and mostly sitting on a stationary bike or rocking an elliptical. I generally enjoy it because I can read or watch TV and get lost in a long workout (which I really only do to curb some addictions, get to the gym instead of a smoke? Win win).

But I've been very curious of my mile time. It's not gonna hurt if I run a mile or two once a month to check out my mile time is it?
I wear flat skate shoes.
Or should I just suck it up and find a cheap pair?

TychoCelchuuu

I started running a few months ago and I just run barefoot. As long as you have a place to run that won't be full of broken glass or hypodermic needles you should be OK. Grass is pretty good.

Mmmm... Cocks...

Interesting, I never thought of that. I was planning on doing it at the gym on the track to easily judge the mile.
We actually live in a very open area, but I'm not sure there are any none hilly places that have a good mile to them. But I'll start keeping an eye out.
How does barefoot compare to flat sneakers? There's got to be one pro runner on these here forums.

Telex

Barefoot is better than flat skate shoes, but you can injure yourself pretty easily with either (barefoot if you are not used to running barefoot, and skate shoes because they are not made for the running motion at all). Either buy some running shoes and train a bit, or slowly work up to running a mile barefoot (beware of hard surfaces and sharp objects, and when I say "slowly" I mean very slowly). Otherwise I would not recommend it.

Even if you do run, your mile time will be significantly slower than if you put a minimal amount of effort into preparing.

Mmmm... Cocks...

Got it, figured that would be the case but gotta save money when possible.
Thanks chaps.

TehSpectre

Vibram Five Fingers are a fantastic alternative to running shoes.

Depending on the style, they can run from ~80 to 120 dollars, but they are worth it.


Edit: I will say this: Running barefoot is different than running in shoes. You utilize your calves much more than with a shoe on and can hurt yourself if you assume you can run the same amount as you do with shoes right off the bat. You will be hurting the next day if you try this.

Also, unless you walk around outside barefoot on a regular basis, you will tear your feet up by trying to run barefoot. You have to build up calluses and whatnot over time to make this a viable option.

mts

@tehspectre somehow it doesn't surprise me that you wear finger shoes. :rotate:

anyway. running in flat skate shoes is probably fine. i can't see how they are any different than teh minimal padding sole styles that are popular with people who minimalist runners. it will probably hurt a lot until you get used to running though ie build up the right muscles in your legs

Telex

The difference between flat skate shoes and minimalist running shoes is the amount of flex the shoes offer. A skate shoe is designed to have a stiff, flat sole that will prevent the foot from flexing, while a minimalist running shoe will allow the foot to flex in a more natural way while running.

If you are talking about the casual Vans-style skate shoe it won't be as bad but there will still be problems along the same lines. The issue is not only of sole thickness and support but of flexibility where it is needed.

Grifter

From what I understand, running in skate shoes can cause some pretty bad shin splints.

RUNN1NGMAN

If the only running you do is one mile once a month for time, there's a relatively high likelihood you will get hurt no matter what you wear. You need to ease into it like anything else.

Mmmm... Cocks...

How would one ease into it? I'm not sure running a quarter mile is really all that tough.
I can sit on a bike for a solid hour without much difficulty.

ceres

Running and biking have entirely different implications for your feet, the muscles in them, and the muscles those muscles connect to.

RUNN1NGMAN

I interpreted your question as wanting to go out and see how fast you can run a mile--and going all out for mile when your body's not adapted to it is risky.

Mmmm... Cocks...

Don't worry guys, I'm not a complete work out newbie.
Mostly a shoe idiot.