Real experiences with barefoot/minimalist running

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  • ztdavis82
    ztdavis82 Posts: 14 Member
    So Eleisabelle, now that it's been a few months since you started this conversation, did you ever make the transition into barefoot/minimalist running? If so, what has your experience been?

    I've only been running short distances (3 miles or so) about three times a week and have already been to the doctor with plantar fasciitis. Now going again today for a calf injury and hip pain. I'm apprehensive to accept that my body just wasn't built for running, so now I'm thinking about making a gradual transition and seeing if that helps. It certainly couldn't hurt at this point.

    Anyhow, would love to hear any feedback - positive or negative - that you could offer.
  • v70t5m
    v70t5m Posts: 186 Member
    From everything that I have read, new runners adjust to the minimalist/barefoot style much more easily than trained runners.

    Bone remodeling can take anywhere from 8 months to 6 years depending on the location and stress it is under. Our feet and legs will require a great deal of remodeling when we start running and/or when we transition to extremely flexible soles.

    For beginning runners, our cardiovascular system needs to develop as well, which probably keeps pace with our bone remodeling.

    Experienced runners already have the cardiovascular endurance, but not the properly strengthened bones to handle barefoot running ... hence the reason so many experienced runners end up fracturing bone and developing other injuries when they make the transition. Too much too fast can cause debilitating injuries every single time.


    I've transitioned to VFFs as a new runner, and have not had any injury issues due to my shoe choice. When I go barefoot, I have to be careful of developing hot spots, because that will keep me out of running for several days while healing.
  • v70t5m
    v70t5m Posts: 186 Member
    I've only been running short distances (3 miles or so) about three times a week and have already been to the doctor with plantar fasciitis. Now going again today for a calf injury and hip pain. I'm apprehensive to accept that my body just wasn't built for running, so now I'm thinking about making a gradual transition and seeing if that helps. It certainly couldn't hurt at this point.

    Ztdavis82,

    I've read wonderful stories from plantar fasciitis sufferers who made the switch and now run injury free. However, I do not know any personally.

    If you decide to transition, I would begin a walking program for a couple weeks, and when you decide to do your first run, go no further than 1/3 of a mile ... and your pace may be slower.

    I go barefoot for a majority of my day, and I think that has helped my own transition immensley.
  • ztdavis82
    ztdavis82 Posts: 14 Member
    If you decide to transition, I would begin a walking program for a couple weeks, and when you decide to do your first run, go no further than 1/3 of a mile ... and your pace may be slower.

    Thanks for the feedback. I'll definitely take it slow. Looking forward to trying it though. I've been doing Couch 2 5K and keep getting hurt at Week 7, so at this point, I'm ready to try an alternative.

    I'll report back once I try it for a while.

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