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Thursday, March 17th, 2005 11:11 am
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.
Thursday, March 17th, 2005 09:35 pm (UTC)
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)...
Friday, March 18th, 2005 09:01 am (UTC)
What size do you wear? I have some inline skates that are gathering dust.
Friday, March 18th, 2005 06:36 pm (UTC)
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.
Friday, March 18th, 2005 06:42 pm (UTC)
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?)
Friday, March 18th, 2005 07:15 pm (UTC)
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. :)
Friday, March 18th, 2005 07:31 pm (UTC)
Cool! I'm taking it to email.