Very interesting stuff....since my massage therapist has pointed out the way I stand. Often w/ more weight on one leg and shifting my hip out to the side. Claims that has some stuff to do w/ my back muscles and some over development on one side versus the other. I always thought I had good posture since I am short, I stand up straight, don't hunch--even sitting at the computer I do that. However now that I am in my mid 40's having lots of lower back pain (noted when walking slow, strolling type walking). I do core work and know my tight hamstrings play a role. But until recently I never thought of myself as not having good posture. Hmmmmmmm, guess I need to really look into this.

As for barefoot. I spend a lot of time in flip flops or other sandal type shoes..including birks, croc's, etc. I don't really walk barefoot much (even in FL) since I have a real aversion to my feet being dirty. (It really grosses me out). I keep thinking about trying running either barefoot or trying the VFF's. Haven't made the leap yet. But after losing 2 toenails to my 1st marathon AND noting my big toe on my other foot is bruised underneath (please let me keep that toenail)...I really need to find something to run in that is not causing damage to my feet/toes. I did note that my feet hurt more after my long runs than my legs. So how does one's feet feel after that distnace? And as your speed increases in VFFs or barefoot...how does your foot strike not increase. Probably a dumb question. I feel that if I run faster, it equals harder and worry more impact on foot strike. I may just be all wrong about it.

K