Barefoot Running

[meridian]

For anyone interested in barefoot running, there is a wonderfully supportive and informative barefoot runners forum on runnersworld.com which has been invaluable to me as a newly converted barefoot/minimalist runner. I encourage you to check it out: Barefoot Running Forum

[wavedancer]

For anyone interested in barefoot running, there is a wonderfully supportive and informative barefoot runners forum on runnersworld.com which has been invaluable to me as a newly converted barefoot/minimalist runner. I encourage you to check it out: Barefoot Running Forum

Thanks for the link! It helped answer many of my questions/concerns. I think I tried to do too much as a new runner and new barefoot/VFF runner at the start. I have had to back off and let some tendons and ligaments in my feet heal up and get used to what I am asking them to do. I have been having some pain that I didn't experience until after doing 3-4 runs in the Vffs. I am now doing some of my runs in my supportive shoes and shorter runs in the VFFs. I have only done a couple of short runs on grass and on the beach totally barefoot. I do remember the ease and joy I felt when I first ran unshod, though, and will get back there. I just need to go a little more slowly...

[ginny]

I have really noticed it low in my calves - I guess from not having my heels elevated running in the VFF's. I have been taking it really slowly, but it's fun! I feel like bigfoot when i see my 'feet prints' on the dirt trails. I would love to hear other runners when they see the feet prints

[veghead]

Hi everyone. I've been barefooting for 2 1/2 weeks now and I thought I'd share my experiences/observations in case it can help anyone.

I initially became interested in BFR because in the past 3 years that I've been running I've suffered one injury after another - plantars fascitis, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, and finally posterior tibial tendonitis (this one has been the worst!). With the PTT, I could barely run at all without screaming pain behind my ankle, and I basically had to take 2 full weeks off before it stopped hurting even when I was walking. At that point I decided things couldn't get worse and that it was time to try BFR.

I started off around 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile at a time and have built up to a 3 miler this week. So far it is absolutely AWESOME! None of my trouble spots have bugged me during this time and running has been an absolute blast. My calves have been tight, but I'll take tightness any day over chronic injuries! I've been alternating completely barefeet with my VFF sprints (love them!).

I also have to 2nd the recommendation for Born to Run. It is one of the best books I have ever read and just a fabulous story.

[kacie tri-ing]

Hello! I am reviving this thread! Could I get updates on how you are all doing with this? I am dying to know...I am thinking about putting my "toes in the water" (haha!) of barefooting, and I would love to hear how this has been going for all of you through the fall!

[HillSlugger]

Hello! I am reviving this thread! Could I get updates on how you are all doing with this? I am dying to know...I am thinking about putting my "toes in the water" (haha!) of barefooting, and I would love to hear how this has been going for all of you through the fall!

I've been wondering this myself.

I've put any thoughts of barefooting (in VFFs) for a while due to an Achilles injury I sustained while wearing my normal motion control shoes but I'm still working on forefoot running.

[Becky]

I posted this in this week's running thread, but I'll add it here too:

I've been experimenting with some barefoot running on the treadmill lately. This is in addition to my attempt to learn Chi Running. I started with just a couple of minutes to allow my body to get used to the new workout. Now I'm up to 0.75 miles at a time.

I'm still getting little hot spots on the balls of my feet, which I attribute to soft skin that needs to toughen up, and some soreness in my calves and ankles. However, I'm amazed that I have a lot less hip and knee pain! And it's an immediate decrease- I take my shoes off and my IT band and knee feel better almost instantly.

I can't explain what I'm doing differently while barefoot, compared to shod running, but it's been enough to convince me to buy a pair of VFFs when they come back in stock.