Get Running Forums

I've just finished reading 'Born to Run' (would totally recommend to anyone looking for a bit of inspiration!) and have also recently been looking into the concept of barefoot running.

There are people who run completely barefoot, and also there are barefoot running shoes like the Vibram Five Finger shoes available.

It really appeals to me to get 'back to nature' and use my feet how they were designed to work, but I'm not sure how to go about it. I did W5R2 today partly in minimal footwear (wetsuit type shoes) and partly actually barefoot (only managed 5 minutes of mixed terrain before I had to put the shoes back on) but I think the barefoot thing takes a long time to build up endurance for, and I don't want to slow the program down in case I lose motivation. For example I'm supposed to be running 20 minutes on Friday, and there's no way I'd manage that totally barefoot!

Has anyone else tried barefoot running whilst doing the C25K/Get Running program? Or does anyone have any ideas on how to go about this?!

I realise buying barefoot shoes would probably be my best bet but they cost so much I don't want to spend money I haven't really got on something that might not work out.

I know some other Get Running users have gone through the program bare foot (or at least, with Vibram five fingers). I really like the sound of it too, and after experimenting with it indoors, was amazed at how much it changed my gait. I had a look for posts mentioning this just now, and didn't dig anything out, but perhaps have a look yourself!

Here're some thoughts off the top of my head…

• Do a few googles and read about other people's experiences.
  
  Start off _really_ gently. You may know better than me, but I believe you need to adapt back to the "right" way to run, because it's not what you've done for years! I'd not do anything more than the first week of Get Running to begin with, even as a fairly confident runner now.
  
  Try it out on grass or lawn to begin with, if you've got some (careful about spiky plants and glass though). See how it goes for a week of runs. If you think it's something you like, then get the shoes.

I'd love to hear how it goes!

Hi,

Great book (Born to Run). I'm just about to start week 6 and have completed every single run in Vibram FiveFingers. Have not went totally barefoot, but am considering at least trying it for the final week.

So far, it's been great!! I did develop a blister in the first run or two in week 1 - but it quickly disappeared and haven't had any problems since. On some runs, my calves hurt more than I believe they should - but nothing I would call "painful" or debilitating... and on 95% or better of my runs, my feet and legs feel great!

I'm still working on form - and have a long way to go. I've been doing reading when I can on both ChiRunning and Pose Method running. I doesn't help that beginning in week 3 or 4 I started running with my dog - and holding the leash and trying to control him has been a challenge and changed my form as well. But I'm loving every stride of it!!

If you're on twitter, feel free to follow me; same moniker as on here, HeyInKy. Let me know if you have specific questions too. I am far from an expert but can tell you about my experiences. Good luck!

Mark


Eat Healthy - Run Happy - Pray Fervently

I just uploaded this APP on my IPHONE, and I am a VIBRAM Five Finger Runner (SPRINT style). I highly recommend visiting a local store for sizing (REI, etc). I ordered my first pair after measuring and they were tight, but I thought I'd break them in - I did just that and tore them. So - I quickly contacted VIBRAM, returned them, got my new pair on Friday, and ran today for Day One on this app - LOVE IT, and the barefoot feel of running. NO JOINT PAIN, NO FOOT PAIN - NOTHING!! I LOVE IT!!

Can you tell I'm excited!! I'm sized up for a "JAILBRAKE" 5k in four weeks, and also for the Denver 1/2 Marathon in nine weeks. I WILL complete these runs in my SPRINT's....LOVE THEM! Good luck, and I LOVE "BORN TO RUN" - awesome book!

Have an awesome Sunday!