New on the barefoot scene

BarefootBabe19

Barefooters
Sep 19, 2011
3
0
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Hello everyone!

I have never considered myself much of a runner, more so a jogger (if you will). I lost a bunch of weight once I started jogging and am beginning to get a little bored with my neighborhood. Instead of driving to new locations, I figure I can gain a new appreciation for it by starting out barefoot.



Do any of you tape your feet for outdoor excursions? Is starting barefoot walking a better introduction before full on jogging/running?



Thanks!!



June
 
Hi June, I used tape on my

Hi June, I used tape on my feet a couple times. It was typical athletic tape and found that the rocks had a tendancy to stick to the tape..... very uncomfortable, so it usually came off after a couple blocks. I started off with walking, I was suprised at how tender just walking made my feet in the begining.

Curt
 
Welcome!Never tape your

Welcome!

Never tape your feet, or cover them up if you are interested in being a barefooter. I never understood this concept, why counteract your progression? Anyways, start exposing those soles to everything! Jump right it in, it's the only way to start. I highly reccommend walking barefoot, I found my feet get more of a workout walking, than they would do when I run. Start being barefoot as much as you can. Good luck!
 
I would say walking/jogging

I would say walking/jogging is more your option. I started just a few days ago and find my feet are extremely weak from wearing shoes. I'm sure someone else with more experience will be able to give you advice better than me though.
 
The Merrell shoe site has a

The Merrell shoe site has a "barefoot" section. Check into that, there is a beginners program by Jason Robillard. It's about a 40 some day program that culminates in a 1.5 mile run. Take it slow, but be barefoot as much as you can.
 
You gotta learn to walk

You gotta learn to walk before you can learn to run, right? Yes, walking barefoot is a great way to begin. It will help to restretch your connnective tissues (calves, Achilles, plantar fascia) slowly over time, instead of all at once while running. That's why we recommend that when you do start running barefoot, you only run in short distances of 1/4 to 1/2 mile at a time and rest every other day, or so.

Whatever you do, don't tape your feet. When you tape your feet, you will be unable to tell if you are stepping safely, and later when you start running, you won't be able to tell if you are stepping properly. Running truly barefoot will best teach you how to step, where to step, and where to place your weight over your steps.

Jogging is something shod runners do, as the great Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton told me over the phone awhile back. When we run in shoes, we tend to run wrecklessly and jar our footsteps. This is called jogging. "We barefooters do not jog, we run."

Welcome, Babe!
 
Hi Everyone! It has been a

Hi Everyone!



It has been a couple weeks since I last wrote, but I very much appreciate all your feedback!



I opted not to tape my feet and have started walking around my neighborhood barefoot. I tried doing short distance running the other day but it made my feet super sore so I've been kind of anxious to try it again. The weather is going to get chilly soon, so I guess I should start before the ground is frozen...



Shaun, thanks for the Merrell info- it has been a huge help!!!



June
 
Hey Babe!  By sore, do you

Hey Babe! By sore, do you mean the skin or the musculoskeletal structure of your feet or both? Regardless, expect that both are going to get a good workout, and each time, IT WILL get a little easier and less abrasive, tender, or sore. It takes a little time, but soon you should be moving on along quite comfortably.