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Any barefoot runners out there? Born to Run readers?
I'm a long time runner and have read Born to Run twice and loved it. I've run a few marathons and half marathons and recently switched over to running only in my (VFFs) Vibram 5 finger shoes. I wondered if there were other Thrive folks out there that have read Born to Run and are exploring barefoot running. I ran my first half marathon in the VFFs a couple of weeks ago and it was my slowest ever but I know the speed is getting better. Anybody else out there read the book?
The only thing I've really added to my diet specifically from the book is chia seeds which Brendan talks about too but I love how the author slips information in about a plant based diet. Since the book is a best seller it's great to think about all the people out there reading it and hopefully absorbing some of the ideas.
I love getting back to basics and running this way. It feels so natural and when I first started it made me feel like a kid again. It definitely brought the joy of running back to me and each achievement feels new to achieve again barefoot.
Anybody else read it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Karen
Views: 52
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brad M on
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Yep, slow down. Here's my suggestion: Don't run barefoot.
... not yet anyway. Spend about a month walking around the house with no shoes or socks. Then add a walk in perhaps 2 miles per night on a flat and safe surface (a nice clean park or street you know isn't littered with glass etc). You want to build up your muscles and your feet. The receptors in your feet and shins and calves will go CRAZY with such an influx of use.
It's exactly like if you spent your entire life laying on a cloud or gel bed, and then had to spend the next night sleeping on a jagged rock. You're going to wake up completely sore perhaps for a week and your body will be very unforgiving.
BF running needs to be taken slow to avoid injury.
Sarah V said:Ok, I tried running barefoot last night on the treadmill but I wasn't very successful. Not sure if it's because I was trying to go too fast too soon. My achilles tendons were really sore after a couple of minutes so I slowed down but still felt sore so stopped and put my trainers back on... :-(
Maybe I need to start more slowly. Any beginners tips?
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Permalink Reply by Jeannine Scott on -
Shorten your stride, land softer, go slow...and like Brad says, take your time introducing yourself to going barefoot. There are some foot strengthening exercises you can do as well, such as picking up marbles with your toes...
Sarah V said:Ok, I tried running barefoot last night on the treadmill but I wasn't very successful. Not sure if it's because I was trying to go too fast too soon. My achilles tendons were really sore after a couple of minutes so I slowed down but still felt sore so stopped and put my trainers back on... :-(
Maybe I need to start more slowly. Any beginners tips?
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Permalink Reply by Sarah V on -
Thanks guys, your advice is sound. My problem is I'm very impatient so I find it hard working slowly on things.
Will give it my best though. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Anne de Champlain on -
Hi Sarah,
If you can get a hold of "Chi Running" from Danny Dreyer, you might find the book really interesting. I just started reading it but just using a few pointers (to start with) has really helped my running. And actually I'm running faster not slower and more efficiently.
Good luck
Anne
Sarah V said:Thanks guys, your advice is sound. My problem is I'm very impatient so I find it hard working slowly on things.
Will give it my best though. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Sarah V on
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Thanks for the recommendation Anne, I've just gone and ordered it off Amazon!
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Permalink Reply by Trailrunner4life on
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hey Karen!
I have been doing barefoot running at least 3 times a week and running with my Brooks or spinning on the other days and it been the best thing ever! I am able to do barefoot running on the practice fields at school and then on the horse fields and soccer fields when I am at home. I am so excited to see that other people have started barefoot running, it truely is better not only for you feet but also your legs. It feels more natural and your legs do not feel tired afterwords. I will say though when I fist started last year my calves were a little tight but not anymore. Keep up the barefoot running!
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Permalink Reply by Anne de Champlain on
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Let me know what you think! I'm also going to be reading the book and doing some experimenting but the concept seems really sound.
Bye for now
Anne
Sarah V said:Thanks for the recommendation Anne, I've just gone and ordered it off Amazon!
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Permalink Reply by Aleksandar Radan on -
For all you folks who enjoy barefoot running or are more interested in natural forefoot running check out the POSE Technique of running by exercise physiologist Dr. Romanov. It is the theory and evidence behind forefoot running and a detailed method by which to perfect the technique and improve your running. It is highly researched and incredibly detailed in its presentation (sometimes a bit too technical) but the essence of it is simply fantastic and will help anyone who has ever wondered "what is the best and most natural way to run". Enjoy.
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Permalink Reply by Richard St-Onge on -
I found POSE 3 weeks ago and have been working on implementing the technique to my running. Be forewarned!! Go in easy and slowly cause the stress on the calves and achilles and soleus/fibar muscles can be extreme! I've been recuperating from serious DOMS for over a week now.
I went and bought myself some NB T100 shoes to help with the transition. It's gonna take a while to adapt but I hope to make it natural by spring time. My biggest concern is the fact that I have flat feet and many questions I have concerning that I couldn't find on their site and the Forum replies there are kinda slow coming :/
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Permalink Reply by Tobi on
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I read Born to Run also and loved it. I am a long time runner - mostly 10k distances. I had been wearing the same pair of mizuno waverunners since Aug 08 - easily over 2000 miles on that pair. they were so worn out I had to do something. I thought about VFF, but I went with the Newtons instead - they were very pricey (more than I have ever paid for shoes before!). I really like them so far though. They are definitely a shoe, not barefoot, but they make you land on your midsole and they are very light. I am very happy with them so far. Loved the book and thought it was a great compliment for runners to a lot of what Brendan writes about. Can't wait to see brendan in Clearwater, FL on 1/25!
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Permalink Reply by Jeannine Scott on
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I have seen some posts on forums about people with flatfeet and going 'barefoot' and many of them said their feet became 'unflat' and started developing an arch. My husband has flat feet so those comments stood out to me when I was doing research on barefoot running and plantar fasciitis for myself.
Richard St-Onge said:I found POSE 3 weeks ago and have been working on implementing the technique to my running. Be forewarned!! Go in easy and slowly cause the stress on the calves and achilles and soleus/fibar muscles can be extreme! I've been recuperating from serious DOMS for over a week now.
I went and bought myself some NB T100 shoes to help with the transition. It's gonna take a while to adapt but I hope to make it natural by spring time. My biggest concern is the fact that I have flat feet and many questions I have concerning that I couldn't find on their site and the Forum replies there are kinda slow coming :/
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Permalink Reply by Richard St-Onge on
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I haven't read the book yet but am looking forward to soon. In my anticipation to see and buy the New Balance Minimus shoes that just came out, upon reading reviews I discovered Anton Krupicka (involved as an advisor to their trail model design) and it just so happens that, even though my running distances are minute compared to his, we both share the same philosophy of running pure, no watches or counters, simply running. I find it cool to share something with such a recognizable name in running :)
I'm hoping to go passed my 5K limit by the end of spring. Might just run me a marathon by mid summer ;)
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