New Barefoot Runner

MartinO

MartinO

Barefooters
Mar 19, 2012
2
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#1
Hi Everyone,

New barefoot runner here. I have finally took the leap ant left my comfy expensive running shoes.

Im not a big runner, im a rugby player so I am not built for long distance running but I try and run 5 to 10K twice a week depending on how much training ive been doing.

Everything I have read sounds encouraging and although my first run has caused me a bit of pain at the top of my foot (I ran a bit too far and a bit too fast) it felt very natural.

I guess I am looking for advice on how to start off. I have started on a treadmill and ran 1.5K at a speed of about 8 to 10K. I think this was too far but it felt good while I was running.

Did anyone else get pain at the top of the foot near the ankle when they started?

When I am sure my technique is OK I will move onto the track before moving onto the roads (Live in Brunei and the roads vary different in quality dramatically) Will be looking to buy some shoes but not ill I am sure BFR is working for myself.

Any advice would be greatly recieved!

Thank you

Owen Martin
 
#2
Make sure you take your transition slowly. I think some pain is normal at first as your body is learning to use muscles and flex in ways that it hasn't while encased in shoes. My biggest piece of advice, one that I have had the hardest time following myself, is listen to your body. If your body says it hurts or is tired, listen. Otherwise you'll be like me and injured every so often, for much longer than is necessary. I've never run barefoot on a treadmill, but I do know that your form will be different on a treadmill than it will outdoors. May want to look at just trying the great outdoors and letting your feet give you the feedback you need to fine tune your form.
 
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#5
find a nice road or parking lot and start there. carry your shoes in case you need them. a treadmill is not a good place to learn. the road is the best. track is too soft. a hard surface will return more energy making learning easier plus the harder surface will teach you to land softer. the other roads that aren't great are good for building up skin and teaching you to relax.

be patient. it doesn't happen overnight, unless you are under 12 years old.
 
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#6
Welcome!
 
#7
You say your not built for long distance running? I think were all built for long distance running it's just the further we have allowed ourselves to stray from what we were actually built to do the more time we have to put into our transition back to where we belong. Besides, as a new BF runner long distances should be a long term goal and not on your mind now. Definetly begin on hard rough surfaces as learning the proper form for your body is most important and you need instant feedback from your soles. Instead of thinking about long distances think about how you will celebrate your first painfree mile on rough asphalt. It's worth celebrating and it only gets better. Have fun.
 
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#8
I think we were all built for long-distance, endurance running, but some of us are definitely built a little better than others. Sadly, not me. :(
 
#9
Ya, Owen. Ditch the TM as soon as you work up the gumption. Step out and try pavement, even if only for a hundred meters. Perhaps you should start early in the AM. I don't know Brunei, but it sort of sounds hot to me. Also, just keep your scouting eyes open for dirt tracks that are used by pedestrians if there are any such within your range. It's probably too soon for you to actually do an off road trail run, but they can be very instructive...unless there are things like goat thorns or scorpions lurking.
Welcome and good luck with waking up your feet!
 
#11
Welcome to the trip. I love that!
 
#12
Top of the foot pain is totally normal. When I started out (and overdid it :rolleyes: ) I would wear big huge cushy shoes when walking around the neighborhood, to protect my totally blown foot muscles.
You'll see your feet, ankles, and calves will get super strong in no time! Just be careful to listen to your body & not to overwork them!
Welcome!!!!
 
#14
Glad to see you back, Mary. Missed you!
 
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