I am a new member, and I have posted in the new member area. I thought I'd just share my progress here. I've been walking barefoot on the roads for a few weeks to prepare for barefoot running. I am 44 years old. I used to run quite a bit and have done 1 marathon (3:41, White Peak Marathon, Derbyshire, UK). I am 5'10" and weigh about 12st 4lbs. Last week I did 1 mile bf on Thursday. Then I did about 3.5 miles bf on Monday. Tuesday I ran 2.5 miles in huaraches. Today I did 2.5 miles barefoot. So far things seem to be fine. I am probably still going a bit fast with my "transition", but my feet are not sore and my calves seem fine also. I do quite a lot of skipping / jump rope (I also do kickboxing and strength training) and I feel my feet are pretty strong. I am very pleased to have found this forum!
Thanks TJ. I got up this morning with a slight ache in my lower legs, but this went off after doing my morning chores (including a short walk with my dogs for which I wore huaraches).
Just did a gentle 4 miles with my OH and our kids (the children biked it!). Everything feels fine. I do have a question, though. Is it a good idea to rub anything into my feet? I have some "Bag Balm" which I bought to care for my hands (I lift weights and have some calluses). I have been putting this on my feet too, but is it counter-productive?
Took me a couple months to work up to that distance barefoot but we all develop at different paces, plus I was learning on really rough asphalt/chip seal and coming from a completely non-barefoot lifestyle. Good luck and keep it up!
Thanks Tristan. I am aware that I am going pretty quickly. However, I do go barefoot quite a lot anyway and I am being pretty careful that I feel well recovered after each run. Mark
Welcome! I don't typically remember to check the new members forum, so thanks for posting here. Keeps us informed on your progress and experiences!
Thanks Penno and scedastic. I did about 3.3 miles today. The pavement was wet and I felt a bit less confident. However, everything seems fine after the run.
On closer examinations I have a small blood-blister (I think) under my second toe (left foot). My second toes are quite long and I think I may not have been lifting them off the ground very well. It's minor and I think I will be okay to go again tomorrow. Probably should have been a bit more careful in the wet!
Well, the tiny blister was nothing really. I did notice I had worn down some of the skin on my forefeet. More to do with my lack of form than the weather, I am sure. I think the conditions made me feel I needed to grip and push off too much. Anyway, I had a couple of days off and did 2.5 miles last night and that felt fine.
Today I did 3.8 miles. My OH came with (also running) and the kids on their bikes. All the runs I do with my OH are at an easy pace, which allows me to focus on good form.
Greetings and welcome! 1st, how many pounds in a stone? ( I think it's 14 or 16) 2nd, is "OH" Brit speak or just another web acronym I missed? Akin to "SO" as in "significant other?" 3rd, I'm a big proponent of the muscle roller, especially for folks in the building phase, when there is often muscle soreness to live through. Where are you in the UK? I'm somewhat familiar with my wife's home town of Salisbury and can navigate my way around Hackney in a pinch.
Asphalt and gravel rubbed into the feet regularly is best! Just keep doing what your doing! What is "12st 4lb"? Good luck, go slow, BUT.... Have fun!!
Hi JosephTree. I see you worked out the stones and pounds thing! OH is uk internet for "Other Half" (in other words, my wife!). I have a foam roller, but haven't needed it much. I am taking it pretty steady. I live near to Congleton. It's in between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent (roughly). @BillB Thanks for the encouragement!
