Hi guys, I've been running barefoot in Flagstaff since May. I'd like to compare notes with other FLG barefooters. I run mostly on the trails, a lot in Buffalo Park. I've gotten where I can go 4 miles on gravel or 8 miles on pavement. When not barefoot I wear my Vibram Five Fingers, but at longer distances they still give me blisters! Best wishes, Craig C.
Hi Craig, Good job on the barefoot miles. I hit a plateau with similar mileage during the summer. I was prepping for a marathon and I would do my longer runs in VFF's. After the marathon I did strictly barefoot miles and was able to push the pavement miles to 13. Gravel miles are still at about 6. I have tried about 4 different models of VFF's and still haven't found one that I truly like. With barefoot running, my feet grew, and this made my first pairs of VFF's too small. The model that seems to work the best for me is the KSO. Which model do you have? I think your blister problem will fix itself. Let them heal, and your skin will get tougher in those spots. You could also try putting some body glide or aquafor on those spots before your runs. Good Luck. I'm coming over for the Sedona Marathon on Feb. 4th. Anyone else thinking about being there? Rick W.
Hi Rick, thanks for the input. I have the KSO's. I'm running the Rock and Roll half marathon in January and I think I'll do that barefoot. I know some of our NATRA runners are doing the Sedona Marathon as well as helping with aide stations. So are you doing marathons barefoot or in VFF's or something else? By the way NATRA = Northern Az Trail Runners Assoc. It's a great gruop that runs every Saturday AM around Flagstaff or around Sedona sometimes in the winter. NATRA.org. Best wishes, Craig C.
Craig - Thanks for the info. I'll look up NATRA. I would love to get over to Arizona more. I have timeshare options in Flagstaff and Sedona, a friend that lives in Page, and my brother is moving to Phoenix. I've only done 1 marathon so far. The St. George Marathon in October, in KSO's. I did a Grand Canyon hike rim to rim 2 weeks later in Merrell Trail Gloves and a half marathon in November barefoot. I just started doing longer runs in Altra Lone Peak's (not a min-shoe, but zero drop). I'm having some knee pains, so it is back to barefoot and sandals (Unshoes). I hope to do the Sedona Marathon barefoot and Unshoes, but I will bring VFF's just in case. Rick W.
