1st week

In December I was hospitalized briefly because of a kidney stone. An Xray taken at that time incidentally showed “degenerative changes in the spine, especially L4-5.” I’ve always been aware of the impact of running with heels landing first and always surmised that that impact can’t be easy on the spinal column. Logically, then, if I wasn’t landing heels first when running, wouldn’t I be sparing my poor bones from much of the jarring, compressing impact I experience with running with thick-soled running shoes? The logic, mind you, is all mine – I haven’t consulted any medical professional to confirm or deny it. I figured it was worth a try to start running barefoot in an attempt to run landing mid-foot  and see if I could lessen the impact on my back.

Week 1 was attempted cautiously. I simply took off my shoes for running  maybe .4 of a mile with socks on. The only discomfort I felt was in my calves, and it was minimal. And the only thing I disliked about the experience was the fact that I make so much more noise running on the treadmill barefoot than with shoes on!