Week 7



Total weekly miles: 5.5

Total BF miles: 5.5

Barefoot Sessions: 3

Terrain: Mostly asphalt, but got some trails and gravel in.

Gave my shoes to a friend for safe keeping. I am not using shoes anymore.

Weather: Very warm week.

Condition of Feet: The left foot is slowly getting stronger. I notice I am limping less, but I will watch it closely. The story this week is about the soles. Sore and tender because of the asphalt.

Comments: More smiles and polite interest.

Nasty things: No nastiness.

Changes in Running Style: The form has been coming along very well. This week I have noticed a dramatic improvement in the way I run. I posted record times on trails and record distances on asphalt this week. I have discovered how to float or sproing or whatever the correct terms would be.

Injuries: Pain is gone in the left foot. Splint still flaring up from time to time if I am not careful with form. It is a good reminder I am doing something wrong. Plantar pads are bruised this week in the right foot. No blisters, but finding hot spots. Need to watch pushing off and up the tempo on asphalt.

Wisdom McNuggets: Gave the shoes to a friend so I am not tempted to use them. I was sorely tempted earlier this week. I am hitting 2 miles at a time and feel like I am making good progress. I am happy. This week’s lesson? Asphalt is tricky. Not only do you need to get your form near perfect on this hard stuff, it can also be brutal to the soles, even without rocks. I did a long asphalt route that ended on gravel. The first part made my feet so tender that by the second part, the gravel kicked my butt. The soles were almost raw, but after some rest have healed and are tougher than ever. Lesson: run on different surfaces. Respect asphalt.