Run Like the Natives

So it's been said that when man began to run on the earth it was very minimalist on the shoe side and thus our ancestors ran on the forefoot as opposed to heel-strike. This type of running is said to be the more natural way of running. It minimizes jolting impact on joints....blah blah blah...Bottom line, it's a better way of running.



I started forefoot running in January after a friend's husband introduced me to the subject. I decided to give it a go because my knees screamed at me on long runs and I wanted to improve my running time.
I started gradually, alternating 1/2 mile forefoot then 1mile heel-strike; then building forefoot mileage as my feet and calf muscles got use to the idea; even though I have awesome calf muscles.
WARNING: if you don't start gradually and build up, you WILL hurt yourself and then you'll be out of commission.

Now, after about 3 months, I'm running all my miles forefoot style. My knees are gleaming, my mile time has improved drastically and I look like a gazelle.
I don't think I can ever go back. I won't go back! It's like meeting Jesus and realizing what he's done for me; I can never be the same as I was before.

Subject...Dog Bites.

So from recent events of a dog attacking me (yes attacking b/c he didn't not pause) it's come to my attention that I don't know how to deal with dogs while running or at all. I know that I don't know b/c well...I got bit. If I knew what I was doing I wouldn't of gotten bit.

What I did: stopped running, looked at my feet, brought up my hands, and didn't not move.

What the dog did: BIT ME!

Normally this technique has worked for me, but no more will I resource to it.

I asked a forum of local runners what they do.

1) Bring a water bottle and squirt them.

2) Yell sharp commands like "NO" "STOP" and act big. In other words, be the Alpha.

3) Run with pepper spray. Some agree with this others have said that it makes dogs more aggressive.

4) Run with a stick. I don't think I agree with this. With my luck, I'd probably impale myself.

I'm really not sure if there is a good solution. Maybe...trainings for dog owner on how to properly leash and gate their responsibility. This runner would greatly appreciate this.

First, There Always Has to Be a First

So in desperate need to talk about my running and other exercise habits, I've turned to blogging. My sister use to be my outlet, but since her moving I have yet to find another to share in my excitement and complaints of these habits.