Random Running Plan For Potential Barefoot Marathoners...

The words “Random” and “Plan” might not be synonymous but I thought I’d throw this idea out there for you to contemplate.

I use an app called Walkmeter to record the majority of my walks, runs, and hikes. I use the paid version (yearly subscription) as it allows me to send an email link to my wife so she has an idea where I’m at on my lengthier solo jaunts (sidenote- when I’m outside of cellular range I use an InReach Satellite device for when I’ve gone bush, great safety backup for the possibility of injury and it allows her to see the crazy places I get to via google earth). Peace of mind for a spouse who’s concerned for your safety is invaluable.

Anyhow (sorry to get sidetracked for that few seconds) the Walkmeter app has a section called Plans- essentially they’re training plans for 5k, 10k, half marathons, and marathons. I know there’s a lot of different plans out there for training but for me the beauty of this is that I choose not to know how far I’ll be running (or occasionally walking) until I’m heading out the door. The intent of the Walkmeter training plan is to slowly build up mileage over a period of time (the marathon one is based over 20 weeks). When I go out later today I don’t know if I’m going to be running 3 miles/5 km or 8/13...I can check if I want but I prefer not knowing.

If it’s a short run and I’ve got lots of gas left in the tank I’ll either jump ahead to the next days run/walk or do some interval training (that’s on the app too and is customizable- I typically do 25 minute intervals).

I’m three weeks in chronologically but five weeks in on the app (training is every 2nd day but as previously mentioned I’ll sometimes do two the same day OR do a couple of days in a row).

The appeal to me as a barefoot runner/walker/hiker is that I’m going random distances to build up my conditioning cardio-wise and building up my barefooting capabilities.

So there you go- Random Plan for Barefooting. I’m enjoying it so much there’s a good chance I’ll utilize it for XC skiing/snow shoeing this winter as well.

And it’s time for a run today...
 
You're a good kind of crazy! I love this random idea. As soon as I've graduated from complete beginner status, I'm giving it a go.

I’ve had crazy used in reference to me a lot :)

I feel the progressions of the runs to suit me- a couple of short ones each week then one longer one. The plan gives tips about pacing yourself and hydration as well. It indicates using gels on longer runs...ive never felt the need for those but I’ve never considered looking at marathon distance running either so I guess it bears some investigation/research.
 
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I’m a little over the midway point of the marathon training plan and thought I’d share what’s going on...

-I’ve ran 169.73 miles and walked another 25.73 as measured by the Walkmeter app I’m using. (I’ve also walked/ran another 90 miles on my slightly over 1 mile commute to/from work during this same time period).

-to date 133.6 miles were barefoot and 61.86 miles were Fivefinger Trek Ascent shoes. Unfortunately I started this in the fall so wearing Fivefingers has been an occasional requirement as it’s cooled and snow has accumulated.

-somewhere along the way I lost 10 pounds (they can stay lost) and dropped at least a pant size. My appetite has increased considerably so lots more in the way of proteins and veggies being consumed.

-I’ve been able to run in temperatures as low as -7C for a couple of miles. I don’t think I’m going to push it much beyond that.

-discovered that the salt used to melt snow is something to avoid as I developed a couple of weird blisters moments after stepping in some. Luckily they were gone in a day.

-the endurance is getting better n’ better. Due to the terrain I’m running (mountain trails, lots of elevation change, snow starting to accumulate) I don’t think there’s any danger of me being considered ‘fast’, I’d say persistent would be a better description.

-I recently decided to change up my workout routine for the rest of this experiment. I just do a couple of different calisthenics each day instead of longer sessions every couple of days.

-my resting heart rate has dropped to the mid forties (was in the low fifties when I started). I seem to recover quickly after longer runs and the only ‘therapy’ I’ve needed is soaking my feet in cold water (preferably in the river a few hundred feet from my front door).

It would be wrong to say it’s been effortless to this point but it hasn’t been overly demanding either. I don’t think I’ll have it completed before the New Year as initially planned but that’s cool. My only regret is not attempting it two months earlier so that I could have done the majority unshod...

I’ll update at the end.
 
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Sigh- there’s nothing like a lingering cold (almost three weeks) to derail progress. I was at the 20 mile mark before getting sidelined.

Did a few miles yesterday and it was definitely work. I’m contemplating starting over from day one again...and it’s ski season so commitment to running is challenging...
 
Sigh- there’s nothing like a lingering cold (almost three weeks) to derail progress. I was at the 20 mile mark before getting sidelined.

Did a few miles yesterday and it was definitely work. I’m contemplating starting over from day one again...and it’s ski season so commitment to running is challenging...
My hubby is getting over bronchitis from having the flu. It took him two weeks to cave in and go see a doctor, at my constant *urging* (we'll call it ;)). They put him on steroids and antibiotics. One day later, and he's already feeling a lot better.

Glad you're feeling better too, Heath! :cool: