I’ve always been intrigued by vibrams ever since I first read about them on your blog. By the way, I really like the additions to the right column of the blog!

I practically run on my toes, so heel striking looks so uncomfortable! I love that picture of Maggie. I wish I had a dog to snuggle with 🙂

Maggie is so cute! My kitten likes to rest on my fiancé and me like that, with his head over our necks. So precious.

By the way, what GF bread have you been using? I’m always looking for new varieties to test out. 🙂

get the book, and video or simply surf you-tube which is how I’m teaching myself. I’ve realized after 6 or so months that I think I’ve mastered the technique and what works for me at my long distance pace but still need to work on sprinting form as it’s totally different. Long, slow pace calls for low knees, high heels – sprinting properly should find your knee high in front, extended rear leg (called paw back)a HIGHER heel – like up to your glutes and still placing the fore foot under the body, thus avoiding heel strike. I think your hubs and a video camera and an hour at the park will be beneficial. It’s also important to really understand how to land forefoot because you will drop to your heel otherwise you can cause damage to your calf and achilles, the difference is the alignment of your foot and what takes the initial impact. Sprinting short distances may find you more toward your toes but you wouldn’t run miles and miles like that. Good luck – it’s a process and I’m still learning too!

First of all, I think you are amazing for racing twice in one weekend.

As a former heel-striker, I think the shoes I wear determine largely determine my running form. When I run in my Saucony’s(like yours) the heel is very high, so I tend to heel-strike more. They do make a few shoes without the high heel though, such as the Kinvara and the Mirage.

Maybe you should try wearing a shoe with a lower heel, so that you can land forward a bit more.

I do better with Brooks or Nike Frees.

You can switch your landing with a bit of practice, because now I notice that the midfoot of my shoes get worn out, but the heel stays pristine. Which is a very good sign!

Good luck!

I would say get the book. If nothing else it gives you good information and ways to visualize the form better. Some of my best takeaways were to imagine a string pulling my chest forward (keeping my head up) and being able to visualize the power for running coming from the core, not the legs. I think it is written well enough that even a visual learner would gain something from the book.

I used to be a lot worse about heel striking than I am now, I seriously would sit and think, HOW is it possible NOT to?!?! One thing I heard from my brother (and avid cyclist) who heard from his friend (tri competator) that if you think of your legs/feet going in a circle and lean your weight slighly forward your form will improve. It’s something I try to think about. I’ve also noticed if I run after wearing heels at the offiec then I heel strike less because they hurt haha.

Cilantro and eggs is definitely a winner! I’ve not done it in awhile though! I love the sock bun!

I did my first triathlon two weeks ago and fell in love with it. I am used to long distance races but a tri is the perfect blend. Not long enough to get bored or mad at myself.

Aaah, I love that picture of yours and James’ feet! Sooo adorable! And the one of you and maggie snuggling. you’re such a good woof mommy, Caitlin! Looks like a delicious breakfast – can’t beat scrambled eggs! My bf and I were looking at Vibrams yesterday here in NYC- never seen them back home in the UK – and were both seriouly debating buying them, they look awesome! <3 xyx

I learned with just the book, but if you are very visual, get the DVD too. The DVD gives the visual learners that “aha” moment they were looking for, then you can schedule a session with a certified chi running instructor (most of them will do private sessions). One of the above comments about the heel to drop ratio and helping you learn not to heel strike is correct, but I would not go with a minimal shoe right away. Atra Running makes a great zero drop shoe that has all the cushion of a regular running shoe and it’s shape like your foot! Great shoe to transition into when learning the mid-foot strike.

I would not hesitate to get into ChiRunning. It will fix the heel striking issues for sure. I have just had the book to work with as well as some youtube footage and I am recovering quicker and quicker as I master the “focuses”. I have just done a very hilly 25km trail run on the weekend. Did it in 2hrs 40mins applying ChiRunning focuses. As of writing this 4 days later I have been on 3 runs since (1 hour each in duration) and am ready to run a half marathon in 10 days time. Last time I ran the same 25km hilly trail run I run 10mins quicker but worked that hard I had to have a week off work as I came down with cold sores all over my face. Yuck!!!! Give ChiRunning a go to fix the heel striker and enable you to bounce back fresh and ready for the next challange.