News and articles from Running Training Plan
Between July 2009 and April 2013 we ran a project here that welcomed runners to document their experiences of running barefoot.
Twenty six people participated, some wrote only an intro and maybe a post or two, others contributed more detailed reports. One in particular, Soul Man, wrote 74 entries on his journey into running barefoot.
There is no doubt the Christopher McDougall's book, Born to Run, created a huge interest in barefoot running and a major shake-up within the running community, from beginners, to coaches, to shoe manufacturers. Whilst much of the hype has now diminished, the legacy has been a re-evaluation of what it means to run naturally. These posts in this section provide a glimpse into the lives of just a few runners who tried it.
It’s a lovely sunny day and I’m working in the city centre so I decided to go down to Queen’s Square for my first barefoot run, and I’m very pleased I did.
There’s a whole range of terrain in this one square: grass, gritty paths, cobbles and smooth pavements. I started with walking (after I hid my shoes under a portaloo set up for the World Cup giant screen), and it took about ten
Total weekly miles: 11 miles
Total BF miles: 11 miles
Barefoot Sessions: 4
Terrain: Asphalt and trails.
Weather: Cool weather and rain. Some sunny days.
Condition of Feet: Feet are healthy with no quirks or aches to speak of. Amazing!
Comments: Smiles and polite interest. Norwegians are still too polite to say anything. Even Norwegian kids.
Nasty things: Ran on duck poop several times.
Changes in Running
Five years ago, when I was looking for new ways to keep my legs and joints healthy I bought some Vivo Barefoot shoes (I told you I was faddish). If you haven’t come across them they are completely unpadded shoes, with very thin soles which although puncture resistant offer no cushioning at all, so you can feel every bump in the pavement. The idea is to give you a completely natural
I have to be careful – I have a faddish tendency. My modus operandi is to come upon a new project, throw myself in, become completely obsessed and then, without a second thought, drop it and move on.
It took me a while to realise this and develop some skills in self-monitoring and self-control. Running certainly could have fitted the mould but by the time I started at the end of 2002
Sometimes you just happen to be in the right place at the right time, without even knowing it.
Something sticks in your mind when you normally wouldn’t give it a second thought. You start looking into a world that you were vaguely aware of and then it all kicks off.
That’s how I feel about coming upon Barefoot Running. I was dimly aware of it, but didn’t think anything of
Total weekly miles: 10
Running sessions: 3
Total barefoot miles: 0.5 Ran during lunch this week since it was cooler and since I was rushed, didn’t want to take the extra time to stop and take my shoes off. Next week will hopefully be higher.
BF sessions: 1
Surface: asphalt
Runs in minimalist shoes: all
Weather: 80-85 with 80% humidity
Feet condition: My toe nail fell off!!! I was putting a sock