In 2023, I was struggling with Achilles tendinitis.
No matter what I tried, the problem just wouldn’t go away. Running was becoming frustrating, and I was beginning to wonder if this would be a recurring part of my life as a runner.
Then, in July 2023, I visited a chiropractor who identified significant tightness in my calves, glutes, and hips. After releasing those tight areas, he prescribed a series of strengthening exercises.
At the same time, I made a decision that many considered unconventional: I stopped running in shoes.
I transitioned to Sandals and started incorporating barefoot running.
The result surprised me.
The Achilles problem disappeared almost immediately.
A month later, in August 2023, I ran my first Mountain Half Marathon in Sandals.
Since then, I have not had a single recurrence of Achilles tendinitis.
Over the next three years, I continued running almost exclusively in sandals or barefoot. Along the way, I ran on roads, trails, mountains, snow, slush, rivers, rocky terrain, sand… and everything else in between!
Something else changed too.
In addition to being completely injury free…
My feet became stronger.
My balance improved.
My feet started feeling like they were meant to feel… strong and capable.
Since then, I have completed a 100K ultras and am now looking forward to completing a 160K.
This is not a post claiming that everyone should throw away their running shoes.
It is a reminder that sometimes the solution isn’t where we’re looking.
For me, the answer was not more cushioning, more support, or more rest.
It was addressing mobility, building strength, and allowing my feet to do what they were designed to do.
Your journey may be different.
But if you are struggling with an injury, don’t lose hope. Keep exploring. Keep learning. Keep experimenting.
The body has an incredible capacity to adapt when given the right stimulus.
Three years ago, I was wondering if I would ever run pain-free again.
Today, I know my body has no limits and will go as long as I push it!!!
Keep moving forward.
#runfree #runwild