Getting sandpapered!

mostlybob

Barefooters
Jan 30, 2012
7
0
1
#1
Hi. I've been getting into BF running the last month or so and I'd like a bit of feedback on something I'm experiencing now. I got my first blister this morning on one of my toes, but it's only the first spot to actually break. I haven't had blisters on any other parts of my feet, but the skin on the balls of my feet and under the pads of my first and second toes are getting noticeably abraded. I expected that this might happen to some degree, given my feet have spent a significant part of the last many years in shoes.

I looked around the forum for others' experiences and I realize that my form is still a work in progress. That's no news either, so I am trying to work on that too. The surfaces I run on are usually sidewalks and asphalt streets, so they are abrasive, but I wouldn't say remarkably so. Also, the BF parts only constitute about 1/4 of a mile over a 3 mile run.

I'm in no hurry. My first priority, besides enjoying the experience of "feet on the ground" is to not get hurt, but I'm trying to decide how best to keep up the BF stuff without pushing it too far. Judging by the tenderness of the skin on my soles, I'd say I'm getting close. I don't want to stop, but I'm curious to hear what suggestions people have for good foot maintenance, especially for a "tenderfoot." :)

I'm really enjoying the forum and I'm finding that running barefoot has really rekindled my interest in running. Thanks for any feedback.
 
#2
Oh, also, I'm usually running

Oh, also, I'm usually running Monday, Wednesday & Friday mornings.
 
#3
I think form has a lot to do

I think form has a lot to do with how abraded your feet get. Think about picking them up and not pushing off. If I think about putting them down, it doesn't work as well.
 
#4
If you're getting blisters on

If you're getting blisters on your toes it's quite possible you're "gripping" the ground with your toes. Try relaxing your feet and legs. The abrasions and wearing down of the skin is the way your body keeps you from doing to much too soon and can advise you of poor form. Make sure you learn to listen to it. The skin on your feet will toughen up the longer you run barefoot. Hope this helps, good luck!
 
#5
Thanks for the input, guys.

Thanks for the input, guys. Do you have any tips for how best to care for the feet, especially when they're a bit roughed up like this? Putting them up feels good. Would icing be a bad idea? I always heard that icing injuries at worst would do nothing, but when the skin is tender, I'm a little less sure. I'm thinking slathering them with aloe might be pretty good. It always worked for sunburn.

Thanks again!
 
#6
I just make sure to wash them

I just make sure to wash them really well. Not sure what anyone else does. I think I heard some people rub stuff on them, but I can't remember what that "stuff" is exactly. Maybe someone else will chime in here.
 
#8
Your form will come with time

Your form will come with time and practice.

You need to let your feet rest a day or two in between runs. The more you do this, the less time off between runs you will need to take until you won't have to take days off to let your plantar skin heal.

Welcome. Love your screen name.
 
#9
Hi Mostlybob.  Welcome.I

Hi Mostlybob. Welcome.

I don't know what your speed or pace is. Are you trying to go as fast barefoot vs. shod? This could wear out your skin pretty fast. You could slow your pace, but keep your cadence high and shorten your stride.

Blister on the toe? Could be a good thing. It means you are up on your forefoot, but try not to push off as previously mentioned. Tape the blister and keep going. It will grow new skin.

I don't put any ointments on my feet. I don't want to soften the skin. A mild burning or hot feeling means you are growing new skin. If your skin is very tender, take an extra day off.

Have fun.

Rick W.
 
#10
Good stuff, all. I appreciate

Good stuff, all. I appreciate the feedback.

My pace right now, is quite slow - 11 minute plus mile pace, with a fair bit of walking. The last few times I've been out, it's been about 3 miles with 1/2 mile walk, 1/4 mile barefoot, about 3/4 to 1 mile walk/run, 1/8 to 1/4 mile barefoot and the balance walk run. I'm staying aware of my pace and not wanting to go too fast.

I'll pay attention to lifting my feet as a way to keep from pushing off too much. I'm going 2 to 3 days between "runs" and doing as much in bare feet, or socks (work dress code would frown on barefoot) as I can manage. I'll try the tape and probably eschew the aloe for now. I suspect I may end up in some sort of minimal shoe/sandal, but I really want to give barefoot a try. Perhaps January was not the greatest time to start, although as Januaries go, this one's been pretty mild.
 
#11
I am flat footed and have a bunion on my left foot. So under my left big toe I get a hot spot (it actually bleeds when running 4-5 days in a row or a longer run which right now for me is 5-6 miles). The rest of the skin on both feet are perfectly fine. I have used a band aid a few times to cover up the spot, and it helps but I want to NOT use anything to "help". Has anyone successfully dealt with something like this? Thanks All.
 
#12
My feet respond well to a beeswax based lotion after a run/walk/hike...I often lather it on and put a pair of socks on for awhile. Soaking my feet and legs in cold water for a few minutes feels restorative as well (I’m lucky enough to have a freshwater stream nearby). The only blister I’ve had since I started Barefooting was from the ski boots I wore last week...I don’t miss getting blisters from footwear at all.
 
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#13
BareFootHeath said:
My feet respond well to a beeswax based lotion after a run/walk/hike...I often lather it on and put a pair of socks on for awhile. Soaking my feet and legs in cold water for a few minutes feels restorative as well (I’m lucky enough to have a freshwater stream nearby). The only blister I’ve had since I started Barefooting was from the ski boots I wore last week...I don’t miss getting blisters from footwear at all.
Click to expand...

Wow- just noticed when this thread was initiated, looks like it gathered dust for awhile.
 
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