Comments on: Minimalist Running: Ditch the Technology and Run Free

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:08:22 +0000

that was good, i hate running on the track for running during track practice, its so boring, I like running in the woods better!

By: Long Running – and Still With a t6-series Suunto | at home in…, w| Gerald Zhang-Schmidt

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:41:21 +0000

[...] say that minimalism in running should rule out technology per definition. Actually, some people do say that. So, yes, a beginner doesn’t need a heart rate monitor – and neither does a pro, [...]

By: Garmin Forerunner Watch Review (Actually, Three of Them!)

Garmin Forerunner Watch Review (Actually, Three of Them!) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:14:04 +0000

[...] to rely on technology as a crutch when they’re training. I believe in running by feel and avoiding technology if you [...]

By: Fitz

Fitz — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:41:59 +0000

That’s a broad question Dan. Check this article out: http://strengthrunning.com/2010/03/using-minimalism-as-a-tool-not-a-way-of-life/

By: daniel

daniel — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:38:25 +0000

hey dude im new in this sport and i recently bought a pair of shoes free run by nike are really comfy………. what do u think about this running shoes? are good for long races ?

By: Fitz

Fitz — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:56:35 +0000

You’re welcome Henry Glad to see you’ve found what works for you!

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:33:37 +0000

I’m right with you! I used a HR monitor for years and was way too caught up in remaining in that zone for the entire run–didn’t matter what kind of run I was on. In the nearly 40 years that I’ve been a runner, I’ve only run with music about 3 times and I don’t know how people do that regularly either.
Last year, I began trying barefoot running and have adjusted to some barefoot, minimalist and old running shoes–best thing I ever did. There is no more freedom than stepping out the door without shoes!
Fortunately I live in Colorado, so I have access to quite a variety of road and trail runs, and I also do my long runs without water.
I agree that runners have become too obessed with carrying lots of water–sometimes on short runs. I have a hydration pack, but have only used it once in the past year–even for 2 hour runs. The only exception to that rule is if I’m headed for the mountains–then I pack plenty of water!
Great advice! Thanks again!

By: Fitz

Fitz — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:59:51 +0000

Thanks for commenting Joel! I’m lucky that wherever I’ve run in the past 13 years there’s always been at least two water fountains along my route so I haven’t needed to carry any gear. And most of my running career has been in MA and CT – so no 100+ dry heat days there! Way to stay safe and know your body’s hydration needs. Since I’ve written this post, I received an iPod as a gift and use it maybe once a week. I was wise to buy Yurbuds so I don’t fret over the headphones. But I still prefer no music

By: Joel

Joel — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 02:36:56 +0000

I like the spirit of this post, a lot. I’ve heard Anton Krupicka say similar things in interviews, most notably in the film, Indulgence. And I’m in total agreement, with one important caveat.

I live and train in Tucson, Arizona. I won’t go into a lot of details and different scenarios, but the bottom line is, you have to be very careful about your water plan here, especially in the summer, and especially when the sun is on you. Usually that means carrying water, assuming you’re going somewhere interesting and not circling city blocks near water fountains. That means gear to carry water, especially a hydration pack. I’ve found that, in the summer, even if the sun isn’t on me, I need about 4-6 ounces of water per mile to stay minimally adequately hydrated.

I also just wanted to say I’ve had the exact same experience regarding music and headphones during my brief tenure carrying an ipod. Totally stressed me out. They would always pop out of my ears, and I even got to where I would start fussing about which song was playing during certain parts of a run, especially the home stretch.

I will often go without a watch of any kind if I’m running a known route, but I do use a gps watch to know how far I’ve gone when I run on trails / new routes (and I’m often trying new trail routes). There’s just no other way to keep a training log.

By: Fitz

Fitz — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 20:12:33 +0000

Great, sounds like things are going well for you! Just be careful about switching to minimalist shoes too quickly. Think in terms of months/years instead of days/weeks. Also, your goal should be increased strength and better form, not just running in less shoe. Good luck!