Barefoot Running

[GLC1968]

I finally saw a podiatrist for my foot pain on Friday. I saw one about 6 years ago for the same pain (back then it was in both feet - now it's just my right one) and he prescribed custom orthotics. When they never really resolved the pain, I bought a road bike and stopped running/impact all together.

Fast foward 5 years: Last November I started running again in the interest of getting into tri. I hoped that if I started SLOWLY, I could get up to distance without pain. It didn't happen. The pain started about a month ago. It hurts when running in shoes and when wearing certain shoes (usually narrow flats or most anything with a heel). I was astouned that running barefoot didn't hurt at all (I'm only up to about 0.5 miles barefoot).

Turns out that I have fibular sesamoiditis caused by my shoes. My prescription? Run barefoot! Woohoo!!! (starting slowly - which I already understand)

I also have to buy only certain types of shoes (my VFF's got a big thumbs up) and I have metatarsal pads in most of them now. I also have these things called 'Correct Toes' to wear when I don't have my VFF's on. All of this should allow my toes to realign back to where they SHOULD be and the extraneous pressure on that sesmoid bone should go away (overly simplified, of course).

I really *heart* my new podiatrist for not just sticking me in some orthotics!

I've been following his advice all weekend and my legs were aching yesterday. They are so NOT used to having no heel elevation. Wow, what a difference! I can't wait until my body gets used to this....

[colby]

I finally saw a podiatrist for my foot pain on Friday. I saw one about 6 years ago for the same pain (back then it was in both feet - now it's just my right one) and he prescribed custom orthotics. When they never really resolved the pain, I bought a road bike and stopped running/impact all together.

Fast foward 5 years: Last November I started running again in the interest of getting into tri. I hoped that if I started SLOWLY, I could get up to distance without pain. It didn't happen. The pain started about a month ago. It hurts when running in shoes and when wearing certain shoes (usually narrow flats or most anything with a heel). I was astouned that running barefoot didn't hurt at all (I'm only up to about 0.5 miles barefoot).

Turns out that I have fibular sesamoditis caused by my shoes. My prescription? Run barefoot! Woohoo!!! (starting slowing - which I already understand)

I also have to buy only certain types of shoes (my VFF's got a big thumbs up) and I have metatarsal pads in most of them now. I also have these things called 'Correct Toes' to wear when I don't have my VFF's on. All of this should allow my toes to realign back to where they SHOULD be and the extraneous pressure on that sesmoid bone should go away (overly simplified, of course).

I really *heart* my new podiatrist for not just sticking me in some orthotics!

I've been following his advice all weekend and my legs were aching yesterday. They are so NOT used to having no heel elevation. Wow, what a difference! I can't wait until my body gets used to this....

Interesting. I have described to some people the effect of wearing VFFs as like the toe separator dealies. I have before/after pics of my toes (more or less, it's a crappy before pic but still visible) that show how far they have separated/straightened just from wearing FiveFingers.

In other news, I was told there were four "barefoot" finishers at the Ironman yesterday (including myself) - one of which was fully barefoot, the other three "barefoot".

[GLC1968]

In other news, I was told there were four "barefoot" finishers at the Ironman yesterday (including myself) - one of which was fully barefoot, the other three "barefoot".

So awesome! I had one guy pass me on my last tri wearing VFF's. I heard him coming (we were on a paved path at that point) and I wondered what the 'flap, flap flap' sound was...until he passed and I smiled to myself.

I don't think I'll ever be a VFF runner. I wear mine as walking around shoes. They are too loose in the heel to run in (I think). They are too tight in the toes to wear socks, too. I plan to be either a true barefoot runner or perhaps run in hurraches if I can't go barefoot.

Tonight is my first run in my Terra Plana 'Aqua' shoes. These are my 'transition' shoes for going from structured running shoe to barefoot (under doctors orders). I can't wait to see how it goes!

[nscrbug]

I finally saw a podiatrist for my foot pain on Friday. I saw one about 6 years ago for the same pain (back then it was in both feet - now it's just my right one) and he prescribed custom orthotics. When they never really resolved the pain, I bought a road bike and stopped running/impact all together.

Fast foward 5 years: Last November I started running again in the interest of getting into tri. I hoped that if I started SLOWLY, I could get up to distance without pain. It didn't happen. The pain started about a month ago. It hurts when running in shoes and when wearing certain shoes (usually narrow flats or most anything with a heel). I was astouned that running barefoot didn't hurt at all (I'm only up to about 0.5 miles barefoot).

Turns out that I have fibular sesamoiditis caused by my shoes. My prescription? Run barefoot! Woohoo!!! (starting slowly - which I already understand)

I also have to buy only certain types of shoes (my VFF's got a big thumbs up) and I have metatarsal pads in most of them now. I also have these things called 'Correct Toes' to wear when I don't have my VFF's on. All of this should allow my toes to realign back to where they SHOULD be and the extraneous pressure on that sesmoid bone should go away (overly simplified, of course).

I really *heart* my new podiatrist for not just sticking me in some orthotics!

I've been following his advice all weekend and my legs were aching yesterday. They are so NOT used to having no heel elevation. Wow, what a difference! I can't wait until my body gets used to this....

Thank you for posting this! I just read up on Correct Toes, and will be ordering a set ASAP. I have a severe toe over/underlap issue and I think Correct Toes may just be exactly what I need to help my situation. I've had to scale back my running because no matter what running shoe I try, I get toe pain/numbing in my 4th toe on my right foot. This toe curves underneath and lies below my 3rd toe...which I think is causing a lot of friction, rubbing and general irritation. I was thrilled to find out that Correct Toes can be worn in shoes and while running! I've tried other toe-spacers in the past, and all of them eventually fall out of place after a short while. I can't wait to try out these Correct Toes! I'd be interested to hear how they work for you, too GLC. Please keep us posted on this.

Linda

[katluvr]

So I have been wearing my VFFs around the house to get used to them. It is the "toe spread" that I feel the most. I really don't have toes to close or crossing over, but we shall see.
Next step is to go for a REAL walk in them before I try "running" a short spell.

K

[GLC1968]

I did my first run in my Vivo Barefoot shoes last night. I kept it at 3 miles just in case my muscles needed adaptation time.

Basically, I wore thin smartwool socks and my new Aquas. It took a little getting used to but once I got my stride dialed in a bit, it was enjoyable. My calves and feet were defiintely getting more tired than usual as the run went on. I could tell where in my run I normally start to 'plod' because with these shoes on, I couldn't! I really had to focus on form the WHOLE run which was kind of neat and definitely a learning experience. The most surprizing thing is that hills are easier than they were with traditional running shoes on.

My feet are fine today, but my calves are starting to tighten up a bit as the day wears on. Nothing too bad though. I'm looking forward to run #2. I *should* be doing a longer run next, but I think I'll stick to shorter lengths until I fully adapt to the new shoes.

I did not wear my Correct Toes for the run because I wasn't sure if I was supposed to. Turns out, I am, so I'm going to pick up a pair of Injinji socks tonight so that I can wear the correct toes for my next run. I don't want to wear them on 'naked' feet just yet as the right one has a tendency to slip forward and I think running with that happening might cause blisters. We'll see.

My foot hurt a little during the run but I kept reminding myself to relax everything below the knee and it helped a little. What surprizes me is that my foot doesn't hurt at all today...so I think that's a good sign.

[katluvr]

Ok, so I FINALLY actually ran (ok, jogged is more the speed) in my VFFs. So I was supposed to do a 25 min run, so I headed to the waterfront, there is a wideside walk but also grass that usually has a bit of a worn path from those that run off the concrete. So I started out bit fast and also w/ a shock...hitting the pavement/concrete sidwalk was hard. Then I moved to the grass, not so bad but since I never run on grass I had to deal with all uneven it was. So my pace slowed nicely (almost too slow). I ran mostly on the grass, but last 5 minute on the sidewalk. I liked the sidewalk since it was even, but liked the grass for the cushion. Overall not bad. I could feel my hips more and my left ITB has been giving me fits anyway. I also suspect I'll feel it in my feet, not so much the bottom but the toe spread and push off effect. I do still heel strike, but I think I was mostly a "flat foot" strike. I had a bit of rubbing at heel and side arch of one foot, but I think I did not have the straps tight enough. Can't say I "loved it", but I will give it another go.

So, how does one clean these? As getting the smallest size puts me in the light lavendar ones they are a bit dirty.

K

[indigoiis]

You just throw them in the washer. Make sure you hang to dry.

[GLC1968]

I still haven't tried running in my VFF's yet, but I do have a new barefoot running goal.

Two days ago I did a mini-tri at a local lake. The run was a trail run over hard packed dirt trails and a few sections of asphalt (~2 miles). I found it very difficult to do effectively in my new running shoes. I think this is because I bought my shoes a size bigger than normal to get more toe space. It makes them feel a little like clown shoes on terrain where I need to be nimble. Not good! I had to slow WAY down to keep upright. There is another mini-tri at the same lake (same course) in two weeks. I want to run it barefoot. I'm not sure I'll be ready!

My calves and feet are conditioned since I run in my barefoot shoes up to 4 miles now, so that'll be fine. The soles of my feet are not. My longest truly barefoot run is now 1 mile and that was on rough pavement and cement. I've never run barefoot on a trail before. Since this lake/park is near my house, I'm going to give it a try a few times prior to the next tri, but I will also need to work up to longer distances on my regular routes too. I've heard that the soles of your feet will toughen quickly, so I'm hopeful.

Any thoughts? Has anyone else had to toughen up the soles and how long did it take?