I am free to run,
I am free to dance,
I am free to live for You,
I am free!!!

This song has nothing to do with this post (except for they first line of lyrics) but this is easily my favorite song to run to. If you want to check it out, visit my running compadre Benji over at the two42 Bookstore (top album on the right) or search Central Worship: Live from Las Vegas (2007) on iTunes.

After the Fargo Half Marathon, I decided to join the so-called “running revolution” and start running naturally. I’d had enough injuries during the first half of this year to last me a lifetime and I figured something had to change. Step number one…my running stride.

While not wanting to go gung ho barefoot, I was all ready to try minimalistic running and ditch my corrective over pronating, extra cushioning running shoes for something simpler. Enter the Nike Free. We’ve all see the print ads with the toe touching the heel but there’s much more to this uber flexible shoe than the theatrics. This shoe is all about feel. Not until my first run in these shoes did I realize how sheltered my feet were from the road. I could now actually feel where my foot was striking the pavement and adjust my stride accordingly.

Shortening my stride and landing on my forefoot has done wonders. Not only have I been injury/pain free since mid May but my pace has quickened naturally with little effort. I used to be a comfortable 9:30/mi runner. Now, I have PRs running around like sugar plums in my dreams now that 8:30/mi have become commonplace on my easy runs. The only thing that stands in my way is sustainability over longer distances (which are no coming easier).

The flexibility and limited cushioning of the Nike Free have opened a whole new world that I am quickly adapting to. While I understand that these shoes will not give me the 400 miles my bulkier shoes gave me, the lower cost provides me the option of having multiple pairs to train in. You wouldn’t think the slight weight change would make a difference but the lightweight shoes definitely make a difference – especially over the longer distances.

With the good, there’s always the bad (in this case the bad’s aren’t that bad). First, the laces suck. I’ve never had to double knot laces until I encountered these laces. They’re slick and short – neither a good thing. This has been easily remedied by purchasing better laces. The second thing is that the flexibility of the soles allows rocks to wedge their way in quite easily. You won’t find me taking these on the trails anytime soon.

I haven’t been this excited over running shoes in a long time. I love all the color options and can’t wait to get into a pair of lime green’s!!! Next time your at your local running store, put on a pair and give them a spin.

RMFR