New to Barefoot running & have questions

HolleeERL
HolleeERL Posts: 313 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Howdy!! I have been running for three years now and have decided to go barefoot. I started running in my barefoot shoes for about 2 1/2 weeks now (every other day or so). The first few times I felt no different and was not sore. I heeded the warnings not to go too far at first. Now I'm up to about 5 miles and am feeling some foot pain in the arches and in my heels. Plantar faciitis is worse now, too. I was kind of expecting this, but...

The question I have is how long should I expect this pain. How long does it take in general to get used to this type of running. Does it really help with the plantar faciitis in the long run? Any advice or suggestions? I am planning to run a half marathon in March and a 30K in June and hope to be in the barefoot shoes, but I'm just not convinced that this is the best for me.

Replies

  • macdiver
    macdiver Posts: 145 Member
    If you are up to 5 miles in two weeks you have really done TOO MUCH TOO SOON. I would suggest stopping for a few weeks till the pain stops then start again. It is like starting from scratch when transitioning to barefoot or to minimum shoes. You should be thinking c25k timeline i.e. 9 weeks to 3 miles then no more than 10 - 20% per week (not run).

    Sorry, but most people who have foot pain from transitioning do exactly what you did then complain that it did not work for them. It took me 3 months to get to 5 miles my first time.

    Try going to the Barefoot Running Society webpage for more information and training suggestions. Most people here will chime in soon to tell you to go to a shoe store.
  • HolleeERL
    HolleeERL Posts: 313 Member
    HA ha ha!! I've already gotten some flack for "not taking care of my feet" but I really want to give it an honest try. I ran 1 mile (on the treadmill) the first time - no pain, next 2 miles - no pain. Then I went three miles and still no pain so I kept it at 3 for the next several runs with no pain. Went to 4 miles last week and only had calf stiffness but no foot pain. I guess 5 was taking it too far. I guess It's really hard for a distance runner to stick to the shorter miles. Will scale back and check out the website suggestion. Thanks!

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