The worst part of the realization was that I'd been doing the same bad technique for years (started actively running in 2006), and even in the army I hadn't realized this mistake. I got a bad knee on the left leg in the army while jumping off a tank, so I think it might have lent a hand in the acute pain on the left knee. Sort of a blessing in disguise; I might not have felt anything until it was too late if not for that old injury.

I've heard about the S-pose when running, have you heard of anything like that? Supposedly its where your upper body forms the upper arch of the S (straightened, but leaned slightly forward when running), and your legs form the lower arch, so when you're running, your body posture looks like the letter S.

If it's safe in your area, barefoot running is popular. Please be careful when you try this and check out the many online communities dedicated to it. If you don't barefoot run, spend a lot of money on shoes, you will screw up your feet otherwise. Really nice, breathable socks are always worth it too.

I do quite a lot of jogging, and I have recently begun using that iPod Nike thing on treadmills. I don't have a set distance, I just jog for an hour or so and then I stop. I try not to jog in the morning because I am like the Hulk when I wake up, so I usually go jogging on a secluded path, well away from major roads at night.

I do high school track (mile and two-mile) and cross country. Be sure to relax when you run, and don't clench your hands. When I do long distance, like a 5k, I try to run heel-to-toe.

I run barefoot, lol. I just find it very comfortable and my cardio has shot up really big time. It's kinda addicting for me because with shoes, I feel so restricted and my feets would ache after only few mins of running.

When I discovered the barefoot running, I never looked back and just enjoy it. I usually run for around 30 minutes at a time, although I can ramp it up to 45 mins, depends on how I'm feeling.

I can't imagine barefoot running on pavement to be particularly comfortable.

No, but I suppose that's why it's so good. It hurts like hell so you just have to run home.

I think you're supposed to avoid that, asphalt is considered bad for running in general.

Many would argue that running in itself is bad too, you know.

Many do, and they may actually be right, but even among those that do like running, and think it's fine, asphalt is generally considered a no-no for everyday workouts. You'll hurt yourself, especially if you're past your early 20s.

Incidentally, the idea behind barefoot running is to avoid the unnatural motion your foot is moves in when you have a heavily cushioned (i.e. thick) heel. Ever wonder why people in clod-hopper boots go THUNK-THUNK as they walk around? Yep, thick heels, they hit first.

EDIT: Arg, my grammar is even more atrocious than usual today!

I wish I could run my daily 4km like I use to do. Instead, I now go to the gym center and use those boring machines. The area I live in is not very convenient for running.

I generally don't run on pavement but I do it sometimes. Most of the times, my running tends to be done around the lake. I considered myself to be heavy guy, although I don't look like it.

Everyone is different and each result may vary for them. I simply did research on barefoot running first and tried it out and I really enjoy it very much so I just stick with it. Honestly, I'm not advocating it because I know that it may not suit everyone but it suits me just fine so I have no issues with it.

Whatever get my butt out of the house and get me in shape, lol, I'm all for it. All I can say is that my self confident has shoot up ever since I start running full time.

Edit: Btw, I would recommend to start off barefoot running by wearing aqua or water shoes first since they stimulated barefoot running while still providing you the protection for your soles. That's how I started it off. Took me few months to adjust to it. If you're not feeling comfortable with barefoot running then you can switch back to water shoes, which I do sometimes.

Just started on my alternating-daily 3.5km run again, and came back with some tingling in the knee again. Not sure if I'm doing anything wrong - are there any rules in particular to check against to see if I am? I definitely landed on the front padding of my feet, that much I'm certain.

We run 3 miles every Friday in my JROTC and I always run barefoot in the grass. I have a pair of those gloves robobrien mentioned coming in the mail and can't wait to get them. I have no tips really except breathe through the nose and out the mouth.