I've been meaning to mention it on the blog, but about a week ago I came to the realization that the plantar fasciitis is 100% gone. Its slow death was somewhat anti-climatic, as the past few months I had only felt it as soon as I got up in the morning and after the walk to the bathroom, it would go away. Now that's not even present. Good riddance.
I without a doubt think the barefoot/minimal shoe running helped. The PF was on its way out anyway, but the barefoot/minimal shoe running definitely gave it a noticeable push. I've read running barefoot can cause PF. Bunch of crap, if you ask me. Probably more shoe company propaganda. For me, it was just the opposite.
So, with that in mind, I strapped on the heelless road shoes and got in a touch over five miles before cross country practice started. Hit it at a pretty good pace, and though it was some work, at the same time it didn't require all that much effort. I seriously haven't felt this kind of speed and ease of pace in years. I attribute that mostly due to the fact that I took things really, really easy coming back form the stress fracture and taking my time with everything. Looking forward to starting to add some longer distances next.
I reached the practice field before the team, so kicked off the shoes and got in another 1.2 miles barefoot before the team arrived. Afterwards, shoes back on and ran 8/10's of a mile back to the school. Good day.
Ran 7.1 miles total.
Ran 5.1 miles @ 7:21/mile pace. AHR/MHR - 157/165, Heelless shoes (modified Asics GT-2120).
Ran 1.2 miles @ 8:28/mile pace. AHR/MHR - 146/152, Cool down run immediately after, done barefoot.
Ran .8 miles @ 7:15/mile pace. AHR/MHR - 146/156, Heelless shoes, run back to school after XC practice.
Paved roads for shoe run, grassy field for barefoot run.
Slightly hilly.
Around 50 degrees, sunny.
Shorts, long sleeved shirt.
