On Running a Marathon, Barefoot.
I would love to run a marathon, it’s been a dream of mine for many years now.
Not only running a marathon, but actually becoming a regular runner, and make physical activity a habit in my life.
Over the years I’ve tried to become a runner multiple times and always failed due mainly to these two reasons:
- Awfully painful shin splints (at some point I could barely walk and had to stop training)
- Lack of time & control over my schedule
Now I’m ready to give it another go, as I think I overcome the obstacles that made me fail :]
1) I defeated shin splints by learning to run correctly, and to do that I had to go barefoot.
There is tons of literature on running barefoot and the biomechanics behind it, and how that teaches you to run properly and prevent injuries.
If you’re interested read the following books:
Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
It will take time, allow at least three months to re-learn to run properly. It’s like learning a new sport.
2) I can manage my own schedule
Since NiftySchool has taken over my life I do work a lot more, but I’m able to manage my own schedule a lot better. So if I feel like running at midday, there’s no boss or company policy that prevents me from doing it.
I will follow the marathon training program found on The Non-Runner’s Marathon Trainer and try to stick to it as closely as possible.
You can also find the schedule on my Marathon Trainer Google calendar and follow my progress on RunKeeper.com.
I’m not entirely sure I’ll make it, bad London weather could ruin my willpower or some other kind of injury may affect my schedule.
I don’t know. But without trying, who really knows?
If you want to join me drop me a note on Twitter. Take care!
