Barefoot Running
I’m going to start this by saying barefoot running is completely new to me. I just started two and a half weeks ago.
Basically, the idea is that shoes can promote bad running form. If you are wearing really cushioned shoes, striking the ground with bad form isn’t going to hurt (until later when your knees, hips and/or back get sore). If you don’t have shoes on, the pain is evident much sooner and you self-correct. Some people who want to run barefoot but are worried about roughing up their feet wear minimalist shoes like Vibram FiveFingers. I ran into a guy at the park last night wearing a pair. He had really bad Achilles problems even when wearing running shoes that were fitted for him. Then he switched to VFFs and now he’s good to go.
I don’t even know when I first heard about barefoot running but I definitely remember when I met my first barefoot runner:
A few days after my magical encounter, a friend forwarded me this article with the note, “BAREFOOT RUNNING!” A few months after that, another article and then another appeared in my inbox. During this time I was training for my first marathon and while barefoot running sounded really fun, I didn’t see time for it in my training schedule. Then I saw barefoot runners during my marathon. Without even thinking about it, “You’re my hero!” blurted out of my mouth as I passed them. A few weeks after my marathon, I finished reading Born to Run. It is a really inspiring book about ultramarathoners, a superhuman tribe in Mexico that can run hundreds of miles without getting tired, and a barefoot runner named Ted. After reading it I was determined to add some barefoot runs to my training routine. I was thinking something like running on the grass after a workout. Then I went to watch the LA Marathon. There were 10 barefoot runners. One of them was super fast, finishing under 3 hours! You better believe I was shouting, “You’re my hero!”
It only took a few hours for me to realize I wanted to be one of them. That night, before I had even attempted running without my shoes on, I decided I was going to run the LA Marathon barefoot in 2011.
While I understand some people switch to barefoot running because of injuries, really I just want to do it because it seems really badass.
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What timing. I have been having a lot of knee pain lately when I run (and now when I walk for that matter!). I decided yesterday to switch shoes and was refitted for a new pair. The man helping me told me the shoes I have been wearing are all wrong for me and said it’s amazing your not having knee and leg pain. Then I shared my story and now have a new pair of shoes, that will hopefully help. I quized him about barefoot running, but he cautioned me from it because of the amount of road running I do (we don’t have any trails in my little town!). I’m going to keep researching. I hope it goes well for you…I’ll stay tuned in!!
You are totally badass. Can’t wait to cheer you on from the sidelines at the LA Marathon next year!
Abby, I’m definitely still an advocate of getting properly fitted for running shoes. Hope your new ones work out and in the meantime you may want to check out the knee ice pack Allison reviewed a few posts down from mine.
Also, definitely read up on barefoot running on your own. I wouldn’t count on too much encouragement from a shoe salesman. It is very possible to run on the sidewalk and asphalt barefoot. You just have to ease into it really slowly.
You are bada$$. haha. How do you ease yourself into it? I feel like I would step on something I shouldn’t. I was just given the book Born to Run to read as a motivation as my first marathon is only weeks away (eek) and they said, “I’m giving you this to read only if you promise not to run barefoot.” haha. I’m interested to see how you like it. Any advice for a girl about to do her first marathon after running yours?
I just got some Five-Fingers a couple weeks ago. I LOVE them. At this stage I’m alternating between my “regular” running shoes and my Five-Fingers to sort of “work up” my calves/shins, but I can see myself preferring the Five-Fingers in the long run. (Pun initially not intended, but upon reading that, it seems right.) I do everything else barefoot, why not run barefoot too!
Brenna, I think what you’re doing is hugely kick ass. Those people would be my hero too. Shit, you’re my hero. You’re the reason I joined The Relay!
I’ve read similarly too (I have Born to Run but haven’t read it yet; articles I’ve read have been in NYTimes etc) and dove in head first last summer. I made it a little over two miles and hobbled around for days with massive, painful blisters. It was awful. But I think what you’re doing is very cool, and I definitely want to give it another try. I’ve been following your Tumblr and have to admit was amazed you were easing into it at such small intervals. But it sounds like it’s working, which is all that matters. Clearly I should be wise and follow your lead, rather than that nutso two miles cold turkey. I’d never heard of VFFs before your blog, I def need to go check those out.
Anyway. Those are my rambles. Way to go girl!
Jacklyn, I’ve just been doing really short runs without my shoes – between a half mile and 1.75 miles so far. Like Meg commented, if you go out and try to run 2 or 3 miles at your first shot, you are likely to end up with blisters. As far as first marathon advice:
* Read Born to Run
* Be positive about it and don’t set a time goal. Have fun.
* Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of food during the week leading up to race day.
* Eat enough breakfast that morning. Practice what you’re going to eat before going out on your long runs. My race day breakfast is 1 cup of green tea, 2 packets of oatmeal, 1 banana, 1 Emergen-C packet and water.
* Eat and drink during the race (practice this during your long runs too). I was religious about having my Gu packets every 45 minutes plus I drank water, an electrolyte drink and ate some Sharkies.
* Have a mantra. Example: “I’m a marathoner. I am a badass.” Repeat.
Karianna, I just got a pair of Vibram FiveFinger KSOs a few weeks ago and love them too. I am switching between them, regular running shoes and barefoot. I think I like running in the Vibrams the best.
Meg, so excited you’re joining our team! Your comments on my Tumblr are always awesome and I’m totally impressed you went balls out to try and run 2 miles barefoot!
You awesome crazy runner! I wish I could come watch you run in LA! And I can’t wait to see your 5 toe shoes next week!!
You already are badass! Your post is hilarious. Love your sense of humor–good luck with the barefoot running!
XO,
Amalfi Girl
http://eatrunhavefun.blogspot.com/
P.S. I just got Born to Run, recommended in a Runners World forum, and now I’m even more psyched to get started reading it.