One-Footed Running System

[cjsmith]

If I had a skateboard, could I "run" using only one foot? I'd probably want a platform shoe on the left side to keep my hips level and thus my lower back straight.

What if instead of a skateboard, I had a razor scooter (shortened?) with bigger wheels to handle non-flat surfaces? Maybe the wheels would want a ratchet system, like kids' bikes have in the pedal-to-wheel linkage somewhere, so I could "run" uphill without sliding back down.

Edit: In fact, if there's a ratchet system, I can propel myself a bit with the right leg too. Bolt the foot down somehow (ski boot with bindings?) and then BOTH legs get to push.

This does not have to be practical. I'm brainstorming. In fact, it can be very silly. I don't care what it looks like. However, it has to be no HARDER on my left foot than running. It must be ergonomic in the sense of keeping my hips level and all -- no extra injuries.

How about a semi-rigid ankle brace attached to some kind of support system to take a bunch of weight, and an enormous platform shoe (or heck, the unmodified boot) on the other side? I suppose that wouldn't look much like running. But I bet it would be way fun. :-)

Tangentially related: I once saw some people bouncing around on spring-steel contraptions bolted to their calves. They stood an extra foot or two off the ground, supported on thingies shaped like large versions of leg prostheses for runners. They could jump so high it must have felt like flying. I wonder what the heck those things were. I want to try some.

Comments

[elfwog.livejournal.com]

Have you tried inline skating? It's not running, but it's awfully gleeful all the same.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Long time ago. I'm pretty bad at it! Maybe if I get new skates that fit me better (my feet have widened since I bought my old ones)...

[firecat]

What size do you wear? I have some inline skates that are gathering dust.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Oooo...!

I'll have to check my running shoes when I get home. My size used to be 6 wide wide wide (usually 6 1/2 to get enough width), but I think my feet got wider when I began to run, and I might now be in sevens. My little European-size walking shoes say 38.

[firecat]

My skates are probably 8 1/2 or 9 medium, so they are probably too long and might be too narrow, but you are welcome to come over and try them on sometime. (A good excuse for a get together?)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I was thinking the same thing. You're right though, the skates probably won't work out. Is it my turn to host dinner? The only food I do well is fondue, but I could order out. :)

[firecat]

Cool! I'm taking it to email.

[wcg.livejournal.com]

How about a bicycle?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Tried a stationary bike at the gym, feet flared up for about a week. :-/

[wcg.livejournal.com]

A stationary bike puts a lot more load on your ankles and knees. Is there someone you could borrow a bike from? I think it'd be possible for you to do most of the pushing with one leg, while the other one just went along for the ride. Just stay away from steep hills.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I honestly thought it'd be fine, since it's not the ankles or knees that currently have a problem. I found it VERY hard not to push with the right leg. Sadly, bikes (at least the one I own and the one at the gym) seem to keep the force on the ball of the foot, which is just where I don't want it. Maybe I could get a child's bike (so my heels can reach the pedals) and then custom-make some of those special bike shoes with the little cleat thing attached to the HEEL. :)

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

Hm. I wonder if a recumbent bike would be easier to adapt for that.

[datagoddess.livejournal.com]

That's what I was thinking - traditional bikes are hard on my feet, the recumbant at the Y was wonderful.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Could be. The recumbent bikes at my gym are pretty uncomfortable, but maybe there are good ones out there.

I still want to *run*. :-/

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

What aspect of running hurts most? Impact? Flexion?

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I think it's impact... or even just pressure (as on a bike, or during the part of the stride where the rearward foot has the heel lifted). Calf stretches make the ball of the foot ache, too, although I find that's not as bad as running or even a bit of walking.

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

You need a Segway! ;-)

*scampers off*

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

It wouldn't provide much exercise, but if I could get medical insurance to buy me one I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'm not proud. :)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Springy shoes!

[eichin.livejournal.com]

Scooters: The "XOOTR" came way down in price, and might be much better than a razor: solid construction, much larger wheels, *good* bearings. Still a little low on ground clearance, but you're in california, sidewalks don't crumble to dust after one season :-) I didn't find it very ergonomically good, but I have one in my office for occasional "I'm late meeting people for dinner but it's along the bike lane from here" sprints.

Anti Gravity Boots: Funky, looks like a scarier version of the spring-heel boots Lex wears. I'll ask him about them.

Bikes/recumbents: I've mentioned my recumbent trike before, right? Very non-stressing, but it still isn't running. But maybe modified toe-clip bike shoes where the clips are braced to the ankles would have the effect you're looking for - I believe you pull as well as push when biking clipped in...

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

but you're in california, sidewalks don't crumble to dust after one season

Yeah, the sidewalks get pushed up by the trees in one season instead. :-)

Ground clearance: Ideally I could take whatever-I-eventually-come-up-with on trails, but hey. Anything's a start.

I've seen spring-heel shoes on the boomers in the LA area. Perhaps they're kin to Lex's boots.