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.

[wcg.livejournal.com]

How about a bicycle?

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

What aspect of running hurts most? Impact? Flexion?

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

You need a Segway! ;-)

*scampers off*

[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...