Hello from Belgium!

I did a little bit of an experiment with this today and found the results kind of interesting.

For the first five miles I was wearing my Fivefingers and discovered that there was indeed a more enhanced sense of stability and feeling of traction (couple of inches of fresh snow last night). I noticed that my feet touching the ground had a more definitive feeling of mid foot connection as well. Kind of neat. There was a bit of ‘tension’ (if that’s the right way to describe it) in my lowercalf/Achilles area...it wasn’t painful, just that sense of tension.

Kind of got cocky and decided to run the last 2.5 unshod. I was able to retain that focus the first couple of miles but the last half mile or so involved some numbness (it’s -7C today with a bit of a breeze) so I can’t say with all certainty that I retained that technique for the end.

Curious to see if I experience any unusual sensations in that lower calf/Achilles area.

I'm guessing that what you're feeling are muscles being used anewly, or at least more intensely than before. When I first began using my big toe I was incredibly sore on the inside of the foot, but that passed after about a week. I make sure to use the big toe properly now when walking as well, not just running. Somehow walking this way affects my physical balance but also my emotional one, and my confidence level in general.

Holy crap -7°C?! That is arctic. I'm struggling with 8°C, though my general vitality is still low, it'll take me time to build that I guess. Let me know how things go on with your big toe and lower calf? Thanks for sharing by the way. :)
 
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And...? Did you?
No issues other than feeling that tension that I mentioned, definitely gives a sensation of power and confidence. It’s easier to focus on that technique for runs of shorter duration and level roads/trails. It’s been more difficult to maintain it on trails for some reason...maybe due to the variety of terrain and continuous elevation changes?
 
No issues other than feeling that tension that I mentioned, definitely gives a sensation of power and confidence. It’s easier to focus on that technique for runs of shorter duration and level roads/trails. It’s been more difficult to maintain it on trails for some reason...maybe due to the variety of terrain and continuous elevation changes?
I'm so happy that you're experiencing that as well, it feels nice right? This strong, balanced and confident feeling is great. I've been conditioning myself to walk that way as well, I want it to become completely automatic and natural.
 
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Some images I found. :)
upload_2019-11-5_15-51-0.pngupload_2019-11-5_15-51-11.png
iu
 
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@Pawmaline, that second graphic was created by a longtime, now MIA, member Shacky.
 
I'm trying to find words for the treasure that this book has been:
51QbjtL4z4L._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg


What even just the first few chapters did for me, and what it is continuing to do for me as I continue reading and applying it, is just beyond what I can express. It changed and solidified my running, even with what little experience I have with unshod running so far, in a way that is bringing me such immense happiness, joy and physical health.. it is transforming my life and my health.

After more than two decades of suffering and agony, I am now enjoying my body so, so much. :swimmingtears::happy:
 
Frak it, it's 28°F here but even in my own thoughts I can't justify calling it barefoot running anymore when I'm not actually barefoot! No more socks or minimalist sandals, I will just run around the block right outside of my house.

Google maps says that route is exactly 500m (or 546yd), it is part concrete, part dirt road and part gravel, I think those are pretty okay learning conditions. Then as my feet get more resistant to cold I can just run two or even more rounds.
 
I did it, it was so exhillerating! I had totally forgotten how it felt. :)

The first time I ran barefoot was in summer, and was also the last time due to a bad case of BRES. Taking it easy this time because I'm not having myself a second case of that ever again. I won't be running in sandals again, I want to learn it properly and the feeling of Mother Earth's caress on my soles is just too wonderful. :happy:
 
I did it, it was so exhillerating! I had totally forgotten how it felt. :)

The first time I ran barefoot was in summer, and was also the last time due to a bad case of BRES. Taking it easy this time because I'm not having myself a second case of that ever again. I won't be running in sandals again, I want to learn it properly and the feeling of Mother Earth's caress on my soles is just too wonderful. :happy:
It is exhilarating isn't it.. Especially when it's a little bit fresh outside!
"BRES" -ok you've got me with that one...??...:confused:
 
I did it, it was so exhillerating! I had totally forgotten how it felt.
Yes! :D

If I remember correctly, it's something like Barefoot Runners Exhilaration Syndrome...
Wanting to keep on flying because it's the most wonderful thing ever, but then crashing and burning when your poor body brings you back to reality the next day.
 
Yes! :D


If I remember correctly, it's something like Barefoot Runners Exhilaration Syndrome...
Wanting to keep on flying because it's the most wonderful thing ever, but then crashing and burning when your poor body brings you back to reality the next day.
Yep, put me out of commission for a long time, and by the time my ankle got better it was too cold, or at least I thought so until today.
 
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It is exhilarating isn't it.. Especially when it's a little bit fresh outside!
"BRES" -ok you've got me with that one...??...:confused:
It really is, and it inspired me to really want to get good at barefoot running in winter! I realize it'll take years but eventually I want to be able to run long distances at any temperature and on any terrain, especially during sub-zero conditions.

I will use the Wim Hof Method to condition my body for the cold. I've been using his breathing technique for months now in the morning to energize myself. That has made a big difference for my health and well-being already, but once I've built some more strength and vitality I will also start with the cold shower and cold exposure techniques.
 
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Yes! :D


If I remember correctly, it's something like Barefoot Runners Exhilaration Syndrome...
Wanting to keep on flying because it's the most wonderful thing ever, but then crashing and burning when your poor body brings you back to reality the next day.
Thanks Noodles..
Ah yes -I think we've all fallen under that spell at some point or another!...:)
 
It really is, and it inspired me to really want to get good at barefoot running in winter! I realize it'll take years but eventually I want to be able to run long distances at any temperature and on any terrain, especially during sub-zero conditions.

I will use the Wim Hof Method to condition my body for the cold. I've been using his breathing technique for months now in the morning to energize myself. That has made a big difference for my health and well-being already, but once I've built some more strength and vitality I will also start with the cold shower and cold exposure techniques.
Goal setting can be a neat idea. Even if you know it'll take a while to get there! -Helps to keep you motivated I find... Do go carefully though if you're experimenting with colder temperatures, particularly if it's sub-zero & wet, etc... (you should find plenty of advice on here about it)... Frostbite isn't particularly pretty...:coldfeet:
 

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