Barefoot Running

[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?

[colby]

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?

You might run (jog, walk) this route in your VFFs to learn about how your feet need to adapt to the route. Where are there roots, rocks, or other things that you need to pay attention to, and how does it feel on your feet.

Next, I'd say the soles of your feet will be decent on the dirt/trail (depending on roots/rocks/etc but you might have trouble with that even in VFFs), but the asphalt might be harder (no pun intended?). The biggest problem I think would be that when pavement gets hot, it's HOT. I can feel hot pavement through my VFFs and socks, and when walking barefoot have had to put them back on because it was too hot.

I'm always afraid of stepping on rogue rocks and weird stuff being barefoot-barefoot, the VFFs basically let me be a little more lazy (on a scale of 1 being super careful to 10 being running shoes, I think the VFFs are a 3 but being barefoot would be 1). I've considered starting to run barefoot also, especially for short runs, but as the season wears on I just don't think I can take the heat on my feet. Maybe that's something you build a tolerance to as well?

[GLC1968]

Yeah, I'm not sure about hot pavement as well. I know that you can build up to it as we used to have to as kids on hot sand, but I have no idea how long it took. The pavement part of the route will be in the shade though (I did pay attention to that) so heat shouldn't be an issue.

I already run on bad pavement and cement barefoot, so I'm not worried about that part, either. I am nervous about the trail part - it's not only rutted packed dirt, but it's also narrow. What if other runners step on my feet? What if I have to jump to the side to allow someone through and there are blackberry brambles there? Oy...maybe this is a bad idea. Maybe I should give my VFF's a try.

One guy was wearing VFF's last week, but I couldn't find him afterward to ask his experience. I don't think my VFF's fit well enough to run in. They are kind of large around the heel area (I needed a bigger size because of my super wide feet) so I think they might rub and blister. My injini socks don't fit real well in the toes either - too cramped - so I have to wear them without socks. Mine are sprints and I tried on classics at REI and they fit better, but I don't have the $75 to spare for a second pair (yet).

You are right though - I need to try the trail with my VFF's on. That would be a smart thing to test out.

[Tri Girl]

The biggest problem I think would be that when pavement gets hot, it's HOT. I can feel hot pavement through my VFFs and socks, and when walking barefoot have had to put them back on because it was too hot.

I've discovered that this week. So far I've pretty much spent the summer on the treadmill (my longest run in recent weeks being 10 dreadful miles inside), but this week I've been running in the VFF's outside. OH MY- my feet get so hot!!! Not so bad on the trails in the shade, but even then the dirt can be pretty hot.
I'm training for a 24 hour trail race in late October, so being on the trail is better for me anyway.

QUESTION:
I'm noticing the balls of my feet are getting tender when I run. Do you think I can put something on the ball of my feet (moleskin or something) to cushion it? I've never blistered in my running shoes before, but I'm getting blisters with the VFF's.

When the Bikilas come out, it looks like I'll be investing in my 3rd pair of VFFs. I *LOVE* them oh so much. My VFF's are my BFF's.