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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9th August — Increasing the mileage and sneaky barefoot run 4

Saturday was a gentle road run in the Filas of about 6 miles, running the last hill back to home barefoot (the hill as about 400m long).
Feet were still a bit sore from the old blisters.

On the Sunday a longer excursion off-road on the South Downs. About 15 miles in a steady 2hrs20. This route included quite a few very steep hills over the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head.

I was wearing new Inov8 Roclite read more

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7th August — Inexpensive Shoes

Easy 4m road run in Fila shoes.

These shoes feel quite ‘clumpy’, certainly not much cushioning and very different to what I’m used to. They don’t feel bad though.

Finished the run with a short (quarter mile) walk barefoot which felt very nice.
I’m now beginning to increase the mileage and running frequency so it will be interesting to see what happens to my various read more

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6th August — Interval session on grass

Yesterday evening, just a short club session on a field (about 4 miles) wearing Inov8 Terroc.

I’m still trying to avoid wearing my old ‘proper’ trainers, either the Cumulus or 2140.

Road runs are done in my new Fila trainer that cost £20, and barefoot being introduced gradually.

Interestingly, pain in my ankle and from my long-standing plantar fasciitis was reduced this morning.

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5th August — Barefoot run 3

After a time trial of just under 5 miles on the Tuesday, the feet felt ready for another barefoot run.

The main exercise of the the day was 50 mins on the bike to the nearest all-weather running track.
I’ve run regularly on this track before but it was only when I ventured on it with no shoes that I realised how abrasive and coarse the surface. I only managed a mile before the hot-spots read more

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2nd August — Longest run for over 2 months.

12.5 miles hilly off road run on grass mainly (short road section), wearing Inov8 Terroc shoes.

These shoes are not very cushioned and have a low heel with no real stability — very comfortable and well worn-in. They took me up and down the Snowdon Mountain Race two weeks ago without drama.

For the past few days I’ve been reading about Vibram Five Fingers. Can’t justify the cost over read more