Barefoot running is depressing me.

I did run in shoes. For awhile I actually did all my long runs in normal running shoes, my medium length ones in my frees and my short ones in just my bare feet. Just be super careful, because you are going to weaken your feet a bit while they are getting stronger and you are more likely to fracture them even when you are in shoes. My suggestion is run in shoes like you would if you were barefoot. So no sprinting, no racing down hills pounding away ect.... When I hurt myself that was what was to blame.

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Depending on how long ago that was be careful. For curiousity's sake after I hadn't run in regular shoes for about 3 months I went out and ran 6 miles in them to see what would happen. I thought everything was fine but I ended up screwing up my periformis muscle. Nothing hugely noteworthy, it fixed itself in a couple days, but still worth being a bit careful of.
 
I switched totally to barefoot. I ran every other day. On the days I didn't run I did something active that made me feel good like biking or swimming or hiking. Could you try something like that? The long runs will come you just have to be patient. I use my running as my break as well...thanks for sharing, I hope you can work it out. :)
 
Be patient. I know that it is hard, but too much too soon will lead to injury.

Rule #1: No Setbacks. The lost time from any injury (set back) is always more than the gain from hurrying.

I started by alternating minshoes and barefoot. But, after just 1 month, I left the shoes completely at home. I started with 500 meters a run. I reached 10km about 5 months later, 20km about 10 months later. After 15 months BF, I just turned in my personal best for 10Km in my very first barefoot competition.

My only problem during this time occurred in the one month (August) where I massively increased my distance. I ended up having to lay off for nearly a week, and then downscale for a couple of weeks. It's all better now, but having violated my rule #1, well... it just goes to show how addicting barefoot running can be.

Best of luck.

Paleo
 
How do you feel about biking or spin class? I've heard of marathoners cross training on a bike for cardio, leg strength, etc. I know, when I was doing spin 1-3 days a week in addition to my running, hills seemed really easy! After about 3mo of no spin, I can feel the hills now!

Could be a good way to get your alone time stress relief. Slow and steady gets you there safe. Hang in there...it's worth it!

-Jonny
 

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