"Yeah, I tried barefoot running once, it hurt so much I decided it wasn't for me"
or
"Yeah, I got some minimalist shoes, but they really just made my knees and shins hurt more so I went back to my regular supported running shoes."
Now,what I probably hear most of all is, "I have no pain while running, so I have no desire at all to change things up."
Now, my next favorite part of the conversation with those that say the last one that I shared here is,
"Yeah I really recommend this one doctor, he had my knee up and going in no-time, I was only out for a month when I got hurt"
I understand that running barefoot isn't for everyone. It is something that requires a lot of dedication. Your feet are inevitably going to be raw and hurt, it's all part of the game. Your calves are going to be sore in the beginning. You are going to have a hard time trying to increase your cadence and keeping your feet under your body. You will probably struggle with blisters on your toes, slivers, maybe even a piece of glass in your foot, but don't give up.
If you are looking to start, take it slow. If you think you might want to get a minimalist shoe to run in, learn how to run barefoot first. Like I said before, some people think it is the minimalist shoe that is causing them more pain. Remember, it's not the shoe, it's you. Learn how to run correctly first and you will no longer have pain, I promise.
I run in both minimalist shoes and barefoot. I personally prefer barefoot to minimalist because I feel that it is easier to keep good form and run lighter on my feet. With that being said, there are times when it is wet out, and everything it sticking to my feet, and there is gravel everywhere, that it is really nice to throw on my Huaraches and plow right through. But like I have said before, do what is best for you and don't give up!
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| Sunset picture I took a little while ago |
It seems like the whole barefoot running idea is taking it to the other extreme. People wear shoes for a reason, to protect their feet. Today it would appear people wear shoes to make them walk straight, jump high, and many other things shoe makers claim shoes do for you. Obviously this is ridiculous. I am a proponent of using technology to my advantage. For training, running barefoot is a good idea. It will help you improve form and strengthen muscles. If I was going to run a race, time myself, or any other run that isn't just "training." I am going to be wearing shoes. Which shoes I wear may be a harder question.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your passion for this and encouraging people to get out and try it, hey you just might learn something. It does seem like you take a reasonable approach but your posts would suggest that you would prefer to be more "natural" and abandon shoes all together.
Hey, thanks for the comment, I enjoyed reading your view here. You are correct, I really would prefer to be more natural and abandon shoes altogether, but I have found it hard to do completely because of some different factors. Sometimes when the asphalt is hot as it can get, it doesn't matter how conditioned your feet are to barefoot running, it still hurts. Also, there are times when I am on a gravel trail where it is so painful that it is nearly impossible to run barefoot (anyone who says they run completely barefoot on gravel is either crazy or lying). So because of those reasons, I am still trying to do some research and find out what alternatives I have when running barefoot is not possible so that I don't have to strap on my old thick heavy running shoes again. And, sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you, have a good one!
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