New from Wiltshire, UK

cjtsmith

Barefooters
May 31, 2011
3
0
1
#1
Hi All,

I am a new to running and have been convinced to try barefoot by all I have read on the web. In the past when I have run, I have got injured really quickly, but this time round I have been concentrating on getting my running form correct first, and I am convinced that running barefoot will help with this.

What I would like to know is, do any of you think that barefoot running could be a problem for someone like me with limited running experience, as opposed to experienced runners transitioning to barefoot?

So far I have taken it really slowly, running very short distances barefoot in addition to my main run, where I am building up my distance, and which I still do in shoes.

Any thoughts would be helpful ...

Chris.
 
#2
I don't  think you are at a

I don't think you are at a disadvantage. You are definately doing the right thing by taking it slow. What kind of shoes are you wearing? It would probably be best to wear a minimalist shoe.



By the way, my last name used to be Wiltshire!
 
#3
Chris, you actually have an

Chris, you actually have an advantage over someone who takes to barefoot running after running years in shoes. You haven't been contaminated by bad habits. You are more apt to take to this way of running with less setbacks than a more experienced runner. So good for you! Just take it easy, listen to your feet and your body, and you will be fine. Keep us updated with your progress. Welcome!

We have a UK Chapter too, so be sure to join them. (See Chapters link above).
 
#4
Thanks for the encouragement

Thanks for the encouragement guys ...

I did wonder about the 'not falling into bad habits' argument. I am currently running in bare feet for short distances and in aqua shoes for slightly longer ones.

I will let you know how I get on ...
 
#5
Hi Chris,Quite a few of my

Hi Chris,

Quite a few of my relatives are from Wiltshire, around Corsham and Chippenham. Hope to visit there when I get over in August.

As for the running, I would say that starting with a clean slate like you are, you will get the barefoot running form sorted out much quicker than I did with 30 years of running behind me.

It takes a lot of brain rewiring when you have spent 28 years landing on your heels. Even now after nearly 2 years I always have the fear that I might revert back, like a smoker trying to kick the habit.

Have you got any good trails around there to run on? there should be lots of public footpaths over fields and hills.

Just got in from a 10km run this evening, its winter here at the moment and the ground is around 10C-15C in the afternoon, this morning it was closer to 4C, just a little too cold for me.

Just take it easy, if you feel any calf pain don't 'push' through it, stop straight away. The thing I experienced most during transition was calf, ankle and tendon pains. All gone now that I have made it to the other side.

Good luck.

Neil
 
#6
Neil,Yes there are loads of

Neil,

Yes there are loads of nice trails over the hills to the south of Chippenham. I have walked a few of them, although not run any just yet.

We also have a great cross country marathon in the Spring, the Neolithic Marathon, from one ancient stone circle at Avebury to the more famous one at Stonehenge. Lots of hills and great views. I'm hoping to build up to do that at some point.

Chris.
 
#7
Welcome, Chris.  Your bare

Welcome, Chris. Your bare feet, especially early on, will do two things for you. They will provide you with excellent feedback to prevent you from doing too much too soon (TMTS), and they will help you ensure that you get your form correct. It helps greatly to learn on a hard, flat surface, particularly until your form works its way into muscle memory. Enjoy!

Phil
 
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