My name is Lauren, I am 27 years old. I was born with a severely clubbed left foot, with another complication: I didn't have a heel. I had the surgery to cut certain tendons to allow the heel to drop when I was a new born, and I was casted for most of my baby and early toddler-hood to correct the clubbed foot. It was so bad that my doctor said I would never be able to walk. WIth that being said, I can walk, I am a yoga instructor, and I also bike in the springtime. Balance is very hard for me, as my left foot is an inch smaller than my right and my left leg is slightly shorter than my right. The foot still turns inward, but since I am used to it, it doesn't really bother me too much. I haven't had any problems since I was a kid.
Anyway, I am thinking about taking up running, but I am very concerned that this will cause complications with my foot. Are there any clubbed foot runners out there that can offer some advice to me? What should I expect? What should I avoid, look out for? Is there a special way I should run or shoes I should wear? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!
-Lauren



Thanks a lot, Mom...