Introduction – new poster

Hi, this is my first post so I’m adding in my background for some context.

I started running in Sept last year, having never run before at all.  Followed an 8 week beginner program to 30 mins, then extended my running until I was upto about 6.5Km 3 times a week, mostly on roads/pavements but also depending on weather on packed gravel trails through woods.  Had a gait assessment before I started and bought some neutral highly cushioned Asics to run in.  Heavy heel striker.

In Jan 2010 I started getting problems with sore shins, which began to hurt as I was nearing the end of my run.  Went to a physio who suggested lots of stretching (calves and legs) and strengthening exercises for core body strength. He also mentioned I could look at orthotics.

I began to get interested in barefoot after hearing about it in the media, and read everything I could find on it.  This convinced me that orthotics was not the way I wanted to go and I was going to try barefoot running.

Initially started in minimalist footwear – aqua shoes then VFF’s.  Built up to about 4Km 3 times a week again, but was finding it hard to get the technique right and wasn’t happy with how I was running, my calves seemed to be very achy and sore.

Finally decided the only way to get the correct technique was to run real barefoot (rbf!).  I’ve now run 5 times on tarmac / pavement slabs in my barefeet.  Prior to this I had possibly the weakest feet imaginable.  Wore hiking shoes / boots as my everyday footwear, and couldn’t walk more than a couple of hundred feet on smooth tarmac before they were very sore.  Could not walk on gravel at all.

First run 1st July, 0.5Km.  Feet were a little tender with sore spots on balls of both feet and under the middle toe, again on each foot.

Running every other day (schedule permitting), mostly with no feet issues at all, the last run being yesterday in Lisbon (I’m a pilot and so go running wherever I happen to be).  Surface was mixed cobble and pavements (small, flat cobbles, very common in Portugal).  Left foot slightly tender on the ball, inside edge.  Not sure if I landed badly on the edge of a cobblestone or if I was rushing it and not concentrating on form enough – very hot and to be honest I seriously considered not going.

Will update weekly on progress from now on.  Please ask if I’ve missed out any useful background info in this post, happy to expand if needed.