Always learning. Since starting to run barefoot, I think I’ve learnt more in a a year than in my previous nearly 20 years of running — well almost.
But, it’s not so much learning new things as reinforcing things we’ve been told or read about before. These reinforcements make one stand up and pay attention more than any book can.
For example, this week’s short barefoot run of 2 miles was down quite a foot-friendly road, one that I do quite frequently. So why did it make my feet so sore?
Certainly, when I started I felt very clumsy (even for me) and this was no doubt due to the heavy legs I had after my longish cycle the other day. I’ve not cycled much this year and a hilly 45 miler left its mark. This fatigue was very evident when I started running, but it was the sore feet that really illustrated a vital point for any one who runs — barefoot or not. And that is, when the legs are tired we run very differently to normal, and when we run different we are at a heightened risk of injury.
The price I paid for running like a clown was sore feet, but if I’d tried to churn out a fast 10k instead, who knows?
Aside from this, I am satisfied that after a gentle easing back into running the calf has coped well with some sterner tests this week and hopefully it will be fine for Snowdon Mountain Race on 24th July.
Total miles this week: 26.2
Barefoot: 2
2 Comments
hey there just read your blog it has been interesting in me because I live in Perranporth Cornwall I started running around 3 or 4 months ago I bought myself a cheap pair of new balence running shoes but as I have a 3 mile long beach at the end of the road Ive ended up doing most of my runs barefoot. I have recently signed up to the Eden marathon so done a 13 mile long run in my trainers but these have caused the arche of my left foot to be quite sore. Since reading your blog am going to try to do more road runs barefoot.
keep it up Luke 30 Perranporth
Hey thanks Luke,
I, and many others are finding some real benefits from barefoot running.
It’s not without it’s hazards though, so take it easy.
Let us know how you are getting on.
Graham