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.

By 3 Comments

Barefoot running on hold

Over the past few days I’ve had few opportunities for a barefoot run. Much of my running this time of year is done in the dark, and the state of the roads due to recent weather has meant that even during the day it’s been less than inviting.

Despite this, there have been times when I’ve thought about ditching the shoes and chosen not to. This is because I am still rather concerned read more

By Leave a Comment

Florence Marathon

Those who stumble upon this post, titled ‘Florence Marathon’, in a report on the barefoot running experiment, will make obvious assumptions. Actually no, I didn’t run the marathon barefoot, and there was never any intention to. But, it has been mentioned throughout the last few weeks, and a brief report is included here for completeness.

So what of the race? (he writes still scratching read more

By 2 Comments

Barefoot running and the Achilles tendon

Another 7 days with 36 miles total and only one barefoot run of three quarters of a mile.

Cutting down now for the coming marathon, I’ll not be running any more barefoot miles for a while to give the Achilles a chance to heal.
The problem (I won’t use the word injury) with my Achilles tendon has become quite a feature of my barefoot running experiment. It’s never stopped my read more

By Leave a Comment

Thirty barefoot runs

The past 7 days has seen 40 miles, 3 of which having been run barefoot. Slightly less than my planned 10%. It also saw my thirtieth barefoot run (1.6 miles) since I started back on July 25th.

The dreadful recent weather and lack of light in the evening has made running barefoot tricky. Still nursing a slightly worrying Achilles tendon has also made me think about the shoes I am wearing. I really read more

By Leave a Comment

Fourteen weeks of barefoot running

Just over 3 months into my barefoot running experiment, and I am wondering about my experience so far.
After 29 barefoot runs there is no doubt in my mind that some of my ‘usual’ injuries: runner’s knee and plantar fasciitis, have been lessened.
After my layoff in June, I built my mileage back up quite quickly, and would normally have been at risk from knee problems. read more

By Leave a Comment

Three post marathon barefoot runs

Following the marathon, training reduced slightly, but not much. The Beachy Head Marathon was essentially a training run. The slightly easier running on days 2, 3, and 4 after BHM was finished barefoot, with half a mile on each day.

The Achilles problem is still very apparent, and I am somewhat torn between keeping the barefoot running going and giving the tendon a rest.