Barefoot and Vibram Running Articles

Here's a few links to some good articles about barefoot running and Vibrams. Even the military is looking into the Vibrams!

Marine Corps Times Article #1

Marine Corps Times Article #2

Air Force Times Article

November Issue Runner's World Article

Vibrams vs Barefoot

So about 2 weeks ago I finally decided to do a test....run in my Vibram Five Fingers and then run barefoot and compare! I ran one mile of each. There were some differences for sure! I first ran in the Vibrams (pronounced Vee-bruhms - check their website) and there were definitely pluses and minuses. With the Vibrams I was definitely less cautious about any rocks or sticks or anything on the road that could hurt my feet. I could tell that even though these "shoes" are supposed to be encouraging a barefoot type of stride, it was still a little different than running completely barefoot. My stride was a little longer than bare foot, but still a lot shorter than running with shoes. My toes also surprisingly felt a little constricted. Since they are in their own respective "toe pockets" they didn't really have any where to move. There are still positives to running in the Vibrams - like not having to worry quite as much about rocks and the like and I can run longer in them than completely barefoot. My mile was about 8:30 in the Vibrams. Once I took them off and went barefoot, it was like my feet were free again! I could stretch my toes out a lot easier which felt nice. My stride definitely got even shorter and I could tell I was running slower. My mile was about 9:00. But it was neat to feel the ground under my toes and even the temperature difference where the sun was shining on the pavement compared to where there was shade. I also like feeling the difference between asphalt and concrete and where it was painted. My feet were still a little raw after the run.


About a week after that run, I did a longer run with the Vibrams. I ran 2.5 miles in them and then 1/2 mile barefoot. The biggest thing I noticed after that run (and the 24-48 hours later) was my calves. Oh man...were they sore!! That is another big reason to take the barefoot running slow! It took a full day for my calves to reach full soreness. I did that run on a Wednesday afternoon and I think Thursday night into Friday morning was when I was the most sore. But I'm hoping a good side effect will be fantastic looking calves! :P

Sorry it has taken so long to write another post. Sometimes things just keep me away from the blog! But up next...a few good articles about Vibrams and barefoot running!

Barefoot with a Friend

Friday was an interesting barefoot day. I had planned on just doing maybe a 1/2 mile with some walking. But when I mentioned I was going out for a barefoot run, my boss wanted to try it out too! So we got outside and started our run. After the first 1/2 mile (when we should have stopped), we decided to go another 1/2. We did it quick too. Just over 8 minutes for the mile! I couldn't believe we ran that fast! I could tell that I didn't need to run any farther than a mile, but my toes didn't feel as bad as the last time I ran a mile. I was actually more concerned for my arches and my co-worker! He said he really liked it, but he could feel it the most under his left big toe. We kept walking a bit after the run and stopped to look at our feet. Now we knew why he could feel it where he did....he had sliced a big piece of skin under his big left toe!!!! Now, it was a fairly thin layer, but I'd say it was half the size of a quarter around! Not to mention the small blood blister on his second toe on the same foot. Eeek! I felt really bad that his first experience with barefoot running ended up like that. But, I don't think it will be his last barefoot run, which is good. Plus, it just goes to show you, you really do need to start out really slow and really small distances. You just don't know how your feet will react to their first barefoot run! They do need some "breaking in" just like a pair of shoes (except you can't replace your feet after 400-500 miles). Overall, a positive day with a few bumps. Thanks Winston! (maybe I'm not the only Hippie in the office!) :)

My "Duh" Moment

So it's been a while since I've posted! I haven't been doing too much barefoot running partly because I've been busy training for races and partly because of the last time I ran barefoot! I know I over did it on the mile I ran barefoot. I knew it a little bit when I ran it, it felt like I was getting little blisters on the tips of my toes (which I didn't). But, in the days following is when I felt the real effect. My left arch started to get sore while I was walking around barefoot. It was fine while I was wearing shoes. SO... I limited myself to just walking barefoot for a while. I think my arch has "healed" if you will. So I think Friday will be my next barefoot run. Probably only 1/2 mile or so. Maybe more, but with walking in between. When they say take it slow, it is VERY TRUE!!! This might not be true for everyone (I didn't think I 'd need to take it as slow as I do), but it is for me! So if you're just starting like I am, be careful and listen to your feet! They can feel every little thing you're doing and they talk back.


Until next time....stay bare! :)

1st Full Mile

Yesterday I ran a full mile barefoot! It was after I did a speed workout in shoes. 4 x 400 at 5K pace (or a little faster). But back to my mile. I think I probably should have stopped at .75, but I really had it in my head to go a full mile. I could tell I was reaching my max when my toes started to feel a little raw. They also felt like blisters were developing on the tips of my toes. My feet feel fine today, but I know I won't be able to go more than a mile for a little bit yet. I also think roads are actually safer than the grass sometimes! I did part of my one mile on the grass and although the grass feels amazing, it hides everything! I found a pot hole and a prickly plant! At least on the roads I can see where most of the rocks are. I stuck with roads after that. I think I'm starting to develop a small reputation at work too being a barefoot runner. It's kind of fun and fun to educate that it's really no more dangerous than wearing shoes. You just have to start small! On that note, I'll sign off for the day! Until next time...

Back to Barefoot

Today I finally got back to a little barefoot running! Chris, Charlotte and I went on a little family run. Chris pushed Charlotte in the jogging stroller and I ran along. It was a tough one at first, since the Half Marathon was just two days ago. I'm still a little sore from that! I ran most of the run with shoes on (just over 2.5 miles). Once we got back to some sidewalks I stopped and took off my shoes. It always feels so great! My feet really do feel free when there's nothing on them. I ran just over 1/2 mile barefoot. Mostly on sidewalks and the road, but there was some cool grass in there too. Oooh the different surfaces are so fun without shoes! I know I still have to take it slow because I can feel my left arch is a little sore already. I'll have to consult my Barefoot Running book to see how to keep that from happening again and make sure my form is right. I'm sure it's just like anything new, there will be sore muscles and achy parts! I'm trying to find a balance between learning barefoot and improving my race times. Each time I run barefoot, it makes me want to do more! Hopefully I can build up to a few miles before winter rolls around. Maybe I'll be able to run in my Vibrams on the treadmill or even outside once the cold weather sets in. But until then....I'm going to keep on trying to Stay Bare!

No Barefoot This Week :(

I think I need to skip the barefoot running this week. I have a 1/2 marathon in a few days, so I want my feet good and ready for the race. This is my 2nd half of the summer and my last. I think I'm going to stick to 5-10Ks for the rest of the season. This means I'll also be able to do more barefoot running since I won't be focusing so much on distance.

I'd also like to note that the daily mile tracker that I added is pretty much all "shod" running. I think there's a total of 1.5 miles of barefoot running in those miles.

That's all for now! Another update after the 1/2 this Saturday!