Newbie needs some Help

Laura Thorhauer

Barefooters
Feb 7, 2018
3
3
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I have been barefoot (about 95% of my day) for approximately one year. I am able to run about two miles with good form. There is still a bit of a heel strike on my right leg. I think it is due to my foot mechanics; that arch was completely collapsed but is making a slow come back.

My pace is very slow about 13 min. per mile.

When I try to increase my speed, I find myself throwing out my lead leg (like I used to in high-heeled running shoes). I know I need to lean a bit to increase my speed, but honestly, it freaks me out and I don't feel comfortable leaning in.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to upload a clip of my running form.

Do you all have any advice? Thanks!
 
Welcome Laura!

that arch was completely collapsed but is making a slow come back.
I'm a severe over-pronator (more on one side than the other), and both barefoot running and spending a LOT of time barefoot has helped slowly build the strength in the muscles and tendons so I don't pronate as badly and no longer need the prescription orthotics I once had to wear because of it.

My pace is very slow about 13 min. per mile.
My $0.02 - don't worry about your pace, just get out and run. Focus more on your form and the experience of being "in the world". Your pace will improve on it's own as your running form improves.

I know I need to lean a bit to increase my speed, but honestly, it freaks me out and I don't feel comfortable leaning in
It is a bit freaky at first and it some take longer to get used to it than others. One thing I found that helped was finding some hills to run on. The slope helped exaggerate the lean (or the appearance of it anyways) and I got past the "I'm going to fall flat on my face" anxiety.

Another thing (and possibly more importantly) I found that helped immensely with that was focusing my attention forward (scanning the road/path 50-100+ feet ahead of me) rather than downward (up to just 20' in front of me) - our bodies naturally follow in the direction we're looking, so if you're looking forward, you go forward, and if you're looking down....:inpain:
 
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I have been barefoot (about 95% of my day) for approximately one year. I am able to run about two miles with good form. There is still a bit of a heel strike on my right leg. I think it is due to my foot mechanics; that arch was completely collapsed but is making a slow come back.

My pace is very slow about 13 min. per mile.

When I try to increase my speed, I find myself throwing out my lead leg (like I used to in high-heeled running shoes). I know I need to lean a bit to increase my speed, but honestly, it freaks me out and I don't feel comfortable leaning in.

I tried, unsuccessfully, to upload a clip of my running form.

Do you all have any advice? Thanks!
Welcome Laura! I think I've seen you around the Society for Barefoot Living. I'd say to start off slow and work your way up with it.
 
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Welcome Laura!


I'm a severe over-pronator (more on one side than the other), and both barefoot running and spending a LOT of time barefoot has helped slowly build the strength in the muscles and tendons so I don't pronate as badly and no longer need the prescription orthotics I once had to wear because of it.


My $0.02 - don't worry about your pace, just get out and run. Focus more on your form and the experience of being "in the world". Your pace will improve on it's own as your running form improves.


It is a bit freaky at first and it some take longer to get used to it than others. One thing I found that helped was finding some hills to run on. The slope helped exaggerate the lean (or the appearance of it anyways) and I got past the "I'm going to fall flat on my face" anxiety.

Another thing (and possibly more importantly) I found that helped immensely with that was focusing my attention forward (scanning the road/path 50-100+ feet ahead of me) rather than downward (up to just 20' in front of me) - our bodies naturally follow in the direction we're looking, so if you're looking forward, you go forward, and if you're looking down....:inpain:

That's a great suggestion; I'll try it.

Also, I too had "professional" orthotics for almost 15 years for my right foot. I swear between those things and the high heel running "motion controlled" shoes, they really wrecked my feet, ankles and knees.

Have a great weekend!
 
Welcome! :barefoot: