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Really sorry to hear about the injury - but exciting to see your process, of learning from a setback and planning to go back with patience and carry on. I really appreciate this (if only I could apply this to all the other areas of my life!). Actually I can barely walk at the moment: more than 2 weeks on. The continuing pain is demoralizing some days, but I can see my foot beginning to improve. I was talking to a doctor a week ago, and she pointed out that collagen (which I think is what tendons and ligaments are made of) took as long as bone to heal. Also, it would be really easy to dismiss the attempt at barefoot-style running as foolish and go out and get some 'proper' shoes. But as I think I said above, I just loved my first run in Evos: in the long run, as I get fitter, I'm sure it will just go on and get better. Do continue to report on how it's going for you; and good luck to you with it. Kreaen. PS: How're you doing, Dawn?

Hi all. I'm new to this forum but am in W5d2. I am 40, argh, and an off an on runner my whole life. I have sciatica and found with this go round of running that I was getting pain in my knees, hips, AND back. Jeesh! So, in my journey to continue this sport that I love, I started looking into the minimalist and barefoot.. Today I did my run in a minimalist shoe and OMG. No pain. It was unbelievable. I did reduce my pace so as not to hurt myself in other ways....Hoping, hoping, hoping that the positive results continue! Any thoughts from long-time minimalist wearers?

Writer85 wrote:Hi all. I'm new to this forum but am in W5d2. I am 40, argh, and an off an on runner my whole life. I have sciatica and found with this go round of running that I was getting pain in my knees, hips, AND back. Jeesh! So, in my journey to continue this sport that I love, I started looking into the minimalist and barefoot.. Today I did my run in a minimalist shoe and OMG. No pain. It was unbelievable. I did reduce my pace so as not to hurt myself in other ways....Hoping, hoping, hoping that the positive results continue! Any thoughts from long-time minimalist wearers?

I wear Vibram Five Fingers when I run. I have sprained my ankle twice (once while on a run in regular running shoes) and broken it once, and it was always painful. I heard that "barefoot running" could help strengthen my weak ankle, and maybe help with the constant pain, so I decided to give it a try. Besides, if I sprained my ankle in Vibrams, it wouldn't be AS traumatic, seeing as there is no thick sole to give me a wrench on the way down.

The change was immediate. No pain while running. I still have discomfort some days, especially if it's cold and rainy, but the difference is immense. Barefoot running isn't for everyone, even I was a bit skeptical at first, but I love it now. And it's always so nice to find another runner who loves it, too!

thx for the input. It's nice to know there's a positive future with this. Although I don't have knee, back, or hip pain today...my plantar and achilles are aching a bit. I'll try a good stretch and maybe ice and massage and hit the road or treadmill again tomorrow. I'm planning on running my first 5k in June and a Dirty Dash a couple weeks after, and am hopeful that I get the hang of it by then! I love the concept and running but at my ancient age, 40, have to be careful with injuries. Things don't knit together so quickly the older I get. Sigh.

Take it slow, and use your old shoes if you need to. Barefoot running is a huge adjustment for your body, and things will ache that never ached before! At least until you get used to them. My first week in Vibrams, my calves were so sore I could barely walk, and it made my him splints flare up a bit, but all's well now. Just takes some getting used to.

Good luck, and enjoy barefoot running!