Comments on: Barefoot Running – Baby (Forefoot) Steps in the Right Direction on Run #3

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Doing research before you try it is definitely a good idea, as there are
some risks involved. You just have to be sure to go into it very slowly, and
very gradually.

Pete

By: Johan

Johan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Congratulations! In sweden we say: the third time is lucky
(maybe it's an English proverb also?)

By: Runners Passion

Runners Passion — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I've been interested in the barefoot and minimalist running that has seemed to become really popular recently. I am not sure why it has become so popular but it has intrigued me. I haven't tried it yet though and I think I'll have to read a little more before I think about giving it a shot. Interesting to read your experiences with barefoot running.

By: SisterMaryAgnes

SisterMaryAgnes — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Congratulations! I was hoping you would try it again!

By: Hhollines

Hhollines — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete, that is awesome. I started the same way and at one point I ramped up to 40 miles per week of 100% barefoot running, on asphalt, concrete and trails, then, as you referenced, I returned to minimalist shoes. I think shoes have a good purpose but they just need to be designed in light of the natural foot and to promote a more natural stride. I'll always run in shoes and use barefoot as a tool, but a very valuable tool. It took me 2 years to be able to run on trails with rocks/sticks but not it's no problem and it is so much fun.

I look forward to reading about your progress.

Harry

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Greg Anderson.

Greg,

Good advice - and I know exactly what you mean when you use the hot coals
analogy. I definitely felt my gait change on the rough stuff. I think I've
come to the realization that I'm too much of an experimenter not to play
with barefooting a bit more. I need to satisfy my curiosity!

Pete

By: Greg Anderson

Greg Anderson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Nice to hear that you're giving barefoot another try. And thanks for the info on the Frees with the shaved heel. Let us hope Nike someday makes it so we don't have to do such things. Meanwhile...

I'm in the midst of patiently building barefoot distance right now, so my runs aren't very long yet. One thing that helps me a lot is a very rough asphalt parking lot along my route which, except for that parking lot, is nice, smooth concrete.

Just the minute or so I spend in that parking lot is so painful at first that my body immediately adjusts in order to minimize the pain. When I hit that rough asphalt, my cadence quickens, my posture straightens, and I focus more on lifting my feet -- almost as if I'm running over hot coals.

I run back through the same parking lot on the way back, just to reinforce how it feels to run properly. I'm hoping I eventually don't need the parking lot, but for now, it is a good teacher.

Don't avoid the rough stuff. Seek it out! :-)

By: Yogamom

Yogamom — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I'm enjoying your posts. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

I trailrun in the Vibram Treks. They have eliminated the hip pain I had while running in traditional shoes and I fly when I run in them. However, they are wreaking havoc on my plantar fasciitis. I may try the Nike Free 3.0. Based on your posts, they may work better for me right now. Then I can alternate between the two.
Thanks & Om shanti.
Roberta

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Hhollines.

Thanks for providing the motivation to do it - not sure what my plan
is going forward, but I'll likely experiment some more.

Pete