Week 7

• Total weekly miles

 1.7 miles.

• Number of running sessions

3.

• Total weekly barefoot miles

1.7 mile.

• Number of barefoot running sessions

3.

• Running terrain

Flat circuit outside my house on pavement.

• Ground surface of barefoot runs

A mix of smooth and rough pavement and road.

• Runs in minimalist shoes, e.g. Five Fingers.

None.

• Weather for barefoot runs (rain on road?)

Two dry runs, one a bit damp with puddles.

• Condition of skin on feet — hotspots, blisters

Good.  Again, on the wet run my shorter strides seem to make sure that there’s no pain when running.  My big toe on my left foot (the one I stubbed a couple of weeks ago) was a little sore, but no sign of any damage once I finished my run.  I think I just wasn’t picking it up quickly enough and it was rubbing slightly on the pavement as I lifted my foot. 

• Interesting/amusing comments received during the week: e.g. ‘You’ve got no shoes on!’

No comments.  Again, a few funny looks, but I don’t really pay attention to other people when I’m running.

• Treading on nasty things: e.g. glass, thorns, poo — how you dealt with any

Nothing.  I have to say this was something I worried about when I started running outside, but I continue to be impressed by the relative cleanliness of the streets around where I live.  Anything that is on the pavement that could damage my feet/gross me out if I stepped on it is usually very visable, so I can avoid them.  But it’s actually very rare that I do see anything.

• Changes in your running style that you’ve noticed.

I think my running style has become much smoother.  Even when I’m not concentrating 100% on keeping good form, I still find that I’m running more gently than I used to.  For example, if I was running in shoes and had to cross a road, I’d leap out into the road (after looking of course!) and land on my heel.  Then when I reached the other side, I’d leap up onto the kerb and carry on.  I’m finding now that I automatically step up and down more gently, keeping a more constant speed and effort.  Difficult to explain exactly what I mean, but it certainly feels smoother and seems to have less impact on my feet.

• Injuries incurred, or reduction of existing symptoms.

None.  Although I’m very aware that I increased my mileage by a lot this week.  I’m going to stick with much the same distances this week to try and make sure I don’t fall into the TMTS trap again. 

• Useful tips and nuggets of info you’ve picked up along the way.

Not this week.  For the next week, I’m going to stick pretty much to the same distance I did this week just gone.  I’m away on holiday for a week from Friday, so won’t be able to update this for a while.  But hopefully I’ll get out for a few barefoot runs while I’m away!