Running Press

News and articles from Running Training Plan

The Barefoot Running Diaries

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.

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Week….um..8 or 9 or something.

Total weekly miles: 14 miles

Total BF miles: 12 miles

Barefoot Sessions: 5

Terrain: Asphalt for form. Trails for fun.

Wore aqua shoes for two miles of this week’s totals.

Weather: Warm week. Not hot.

Condition of Feet: After a long run on Monday, I had one day of TOFP. Not really noticeable, but I took a day off to be sure. New problem this week: Morton’s Toe. Basically, my shortened first read more

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week 18 (race week) w/e June 6

Tuesday: 4mi run…perfect. Some top of foot pain in my left foot.

Thursday: 3.5mi run with hubby and kids. Tofp still there

Sunday: 13.1, ran faster than I had during training and think I may have a stress fracture where I was having tofp on my left foot. I’ll be resting this puppy up and anxiously awaiting the day I can get out for a run. The race was fantastic, felt very strong and charged read more

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Greek barefoot running

A well-earned holiday on the Greek island of Rhodes included in this two week spell which ended with the formidable South Downs Way Relay.

Despite the heat in Greece, managed short runs most days, but not much barefooting, just the one run earning looks of disbelief from the locals.

The South Downs Way Relay takes place on the fist Saturday in June. Teams of 6 runners cover 100 miles running 3 legs read more

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Week 2

Total weekly miles: 33

Running sessions: 5

Total barefoot miles: 2-getting myself to stop towards the end and take my shoes off is tough.  I’m at the point I just want the run over with and adding another couple minutes to it due to slowness and dodging cars/rocks isn’t appealing.

BF sessions: 3

Surface: asphalt

Runs in minimalist shoes: all

Weather: 85-90 with 90% humidity

Feet condition: read more

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Week Seven…..

Has it been only seven weeks? Feels like I was born with barefeet.

Total weekly miles: 10 miles

Total BF miles: 10 miles

Barefoot Sessions: 5

Terrain: Mostly asphalt, but also trails.

My barefoot miles are purely barefoot at this time.

Weather: Warm.

Condition of Feet: Left foot has made up some serious ground. I don’t limp anymore. Feet were good, but am experiencing capsulitis, which I at first read more

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Barefoot running has to take a back seat temporarily.

In order to maintain my best in terms of physical fitness, I have to take a break every now and then. I usually wait till my sister and I go on a trip to take time off from running/weight training, but because of a stupid family squabble she and I haven’t taken a trip since early last November, and therefore I haven’t taken a break from running since then.  That’s apparently read more