That's what I've been trying
That's what I've been trying to say, Jason, but I don't think anyone is buying it. I find that overbending my knees puts too much load on my calves and leaves me with calf tightness the next day, whereas if I find the right balance, I don't have that problem. (When I run in huaraches--like 5 or 6 times since ever--I always find myself bending my knees more so than when I am running barefoot. The next day, I'm feeling it.) That's why it's so important to bend the knees in moderation, a little at a time, until you can work up to bending them more, and even then, I don't think we need to go crazy about it. Just bend them enough to keep your heels from striking, run gently, and not push off.
That's what I've been trying to say, Jason, but I don't think anyone is buying it. I find that overbending my knees puts too much load on my calves and leaves me with calf tightness the next day, whereas if I find the right balance, I don't have that problem. (When I run in huaraches--like 5 or 6 times since ever--I always find myself bending my knees more so than when I am running barefoot. The next day, I'm feeling it.) That's why it's so important to bend the knees in moderation, a little at a time, until you can work up to bending them more, and even then, I don't think we need to go crazy about it. Just bend them enough to keep your heels from striking, run gently, and not push off.