Barefoot Running?

SwindonJogger

i used this program which is a music based program, you run and walk to a podcast on your mp3 player, has different programs depending on your distance:

http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html

Free and highly recommended!

9jenn9

Interesting topic. Just yesterday I heard a interview with a fitness columnist (who is also an avid runner). On the topic of barefoot running she had mixed recommendations. She looked at a lot of the research and found that while barefoot running decreased the incidence of some injuries, it lead to an increase in other injuries (especially calf and Achilles tendon). She personally injured her calf (repeatedly), so she gave it up favor of a lite, less padded running shoe. She recommended that if you want to try barefoot running, start with a VERY low distance and increase that distance slowly. She did not recommend it for long distances.

So, although some runners can handle it successfully, I'd say be very conservative. It's easier to avoid an injury than to have to recover from one.

B_Running

Just to add a few things from experience (lessons learned)....I have the merrell barefoot shoes and love them...EXCEPT a few things.
(1) you have to start REALLY slowly...meaning only run 1 mile or so for a few weeks when you get them, then SLOWLY increase. I am not the most patient person, but I tried to do this...granted I run longer distances, so I would have to go out with the shoes for 1 mile, then put on my regular shoes. I think this really hurt the process for me to get used to my shoes
(2) so, then I got injured - my calf/shin...and it has taken a long time for me to get back into running because of it....so you need to following #1 to a tee.
(3) Generally, barefoot shoes or not, you need to follow the 10% rule with increasing mileage....look it up, but basically don't increase mileage by more than 10% a week - either time or distance.

I have two pairs of Vibrams and I absolutley LOVE them. But yes, you MUST start slowly. You calves need to adjust and yes, they will hurt. It takes a lot of patience (which I do NOT have a lot of, lol) but it'll be worth it!

clover5

I can already run 2k at a decent speed without feeling like I'm going to drop dead and I'm managing to build it up all the time. How is the Couch to 5k different to what I'm doing? Is it still recommended?

Lots of people do the c25k, and like it. I prefer to run-some, walk-some by myself. It's just jogging. People have been doing it forever. If your happy with your running, aside from the sore ankle, then continue to do your own thing. If you want guidence and direction, try the c25k.

waldo56

One point about barefoot running is that there are two TOTALLY different ways of approaching it.

Some people go all in when they do it and do all of their running that way. These tend to be the barefoot zealots, and also the type that hurt themselves when doing it. (low drop minimalist shoes though are not grouped here)

Others use it as a self coaching tool and only do it for a relatively small % of their miles. While there is a lot of disagreement regarding whether it is good or not to log all your miles barefoot, there is no disagreement on this point; a small amount of regular barefoot running is extremely good for your running form as long as you approach it with care and take it slow and easy. There is almsot no argument on this point.

I've read a bunch of stuff debunking the injury rash thing though. Partially the rise is because of the rise in barefoot running. Also the oversealous crowd, who tend to injure themselves at a higher rate than the norm (who also tend to visit doctors at a higher rate than the norm), is right now all about barefoot running.

Either way I wouldn't worry too much about hurting yourself. It it hurts, stop. I personally run softer without shoes, harder (and faster) with shoes.

HannahDiaz25

Just be careful! I was jogging in Vibram 5-fingers for a few months and then one day I was goofing around and sprinting (on a sidewalk...oops) and I got a stress fracture in my foot. My doctor said that lots of people overstride in them and it causes impact on the bones.
I am debating switching to regular shoes. but I love the Vibrams...so I don't know. BEWARE OF IMPACT

Trail_Addict

I started running in minimalist shoes so I managed to build up the running alongside my actually running - one of the things people do with switching to barefoot running or minimal shoes is to do to much to soon. I had a few issues but changing how I run sorted that (initially I was landing to far forward on my foot and not putting my heel down and so was hurting my calf as well as my foot) - now I can easily run 10 Km in them no problems. I live in a student area so whilst I'd love to run barefoot, they leave broken glass bottles and the like everywhere so don't fancy barefoot yet.

I use Inov8 barefoot road running shoes as I only run on roads. If you want some decent advice on Barefoot Running, check out

http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/

His book - http://www.tbfrb.com/ is also incredibly helpful.

^^^ THIS!

I've got the Vibrams and INOV8 minimalist trail shoes, and I also run in traditional shoes.

I think most people who get injured are doing so from going out and trying to run like they would in traditional running shoes. Your muscles, bones, and tendons aren't ready for that. You can't take a body part that has essentially been in a crutch it's entire existence, and expect it to immediately perform under it's own weight. It takes time.... a lot of time to strengthen the lower leg for the abuse of running.

Have you ever visited a village or tribe that went barefoot their entire lives? They've got the most impressively strong feet of anyone I've ever seen. Just shows you the difference a life in shoes makes.

NakeshiaB

I've just purchased a pair of Vibram Five Fingers and after some research have decided I won't use them for running long distance, but train for up to 10km in them. I'm about to start the Couch 2 5km and I'm interested to see the results in my running style from wearing Five Fingers. I figure I can always go back to shoes if I don't like them after a few weeks as I have quite a natural running style anyway. I'm also keen to use them for trekking (as well as boots, I think it will be good to mix it up and stretch your feet every few kms).

B_Running

I've just purchased a pair of Vibram Five Fingers and after some research have decided I won't use them for running long distance, but train for up to 10km in them. I'm about to start the Couch 2 5km and I'm interested to see the results in my running style from wearing Five Fingers. I figure I can always go back to shoes if I don't like them after a few weeks as I have quite a natural running style anyway. I'm also keen to use them for trekking (as well as boots, I think it will be good to mix it up and stretch your feet every few kms).

I hope you give your Vibrams a fair chance! Three weeks to decide if you like them seems a little short -- considering the adjustment period. Your calves will definitely be sore! ...I hope you're patient with them and learn to love them! I have two pairs and I highly recommend them!

Best of luck!

Sox90716

I started running on the treadmill about 3 weeks ago and I love it (still too scared to run outside at the moment though). After I've been running I always notice that for a few days after my ankles really hurt. I spoke about it to my housemate who does a lot of running and he strongly recommends barefoot running (in those funny shoes; not actually barefoot).

I've done a bit of research on it and have found many pros, but also lots of cons. Before I invest in these new shoes I want to make sure I'm not wasting my money. Does anyone have any experience of this? Will it stop the pain in my ankles?

Thank you!

I've been running in Vibrams for over 3 years now. I switched after I was sidelined with a broken right leg and ankle for 6 weeks. The transition on the treadmill took about 2 months. I suffered from intermittent shin splints and ankle pain before the switch. Those have disappeared since the switch. I do a lot of trails and have completed half marathons with the Vibrams. I hope they do the same for your ankle pain. Good luck!