Purpose of This Blog

I have set up this blog page to give runners a forum to discuss injury prevention and learn about the benefits of barefoot running (providing there any). I recently completed my 8th marathon this year and have stress injuries in my left ankle which resulted in stress in my right quad from over compensating during my long distance runs. I have been unable to run consistently for the last 2 months and have been very frustrated. A purchase of a new Specialized road bike has not satisfied the yearning for soulful long runs early in the morning allowing me to solve the worlds problems and make my connection with mother nature.

Every week since the injuries I would start off with a nice 8 mile run only to be laid up for a few days and not able to hit the pavement. The pain in my ankle and quad would not resolve itself and the attempted miles each week would diminish to the point where even a one-miler was unbearable.

I decided to start researching barefoot running as I felt I had nothing left to lose. I had concerns about whether it would be painful, how often I would need a pedicure, and quite frankly how silly I would look running down the street barefooted.

During an attempt to run 2 weeks ago which ended in one mile out run and one mile return walk as the pain was too much, I threw my shoes in the front door and ran out across my lawn and onto the sidewalk figuring I would start by just running around the block. I couldn't believe it. I felt amazing with each step I took. I was light on my feet and to my surprise I was running ball to heel with toes splayed. Absolutely no pain. How could this be? I did not want to stop as it felt good to finally run as I had been unable to comfortably run for over 2 months.

My first barefoot run was 1 mile and I would have gone longer were it not for the precaution to get over excited during the first run. After all ,the lack of pain is a suggestion that I am using different muscles. A days rest to see how I felt would be wise. The calves were tight the next day but nothing that would prevent me from trying it again.

A few days later 2 miles of painful running and 2 miles barefoot were just what the doctor ordered. I could have gone further but again this is something that needs to be approached practically.

I have gone on 4 barefoot runs so far and here are the percieved benefits that I will further explore.

- The hearts chest is open naturally while running barefoot. With shoes I find that I tend to hunch and without shoes I feel forced to throw the shoulders back resulting in better posture

- My feet are surprisingly smooth. Exfoliation has been an unexpected benefit

- No need to track miles on shoes. I resorted to writing the miles on my shoes as I had a tough time tracking multiple shoes during trainings (I alternated new and old shoes so that I was always breaking a pair in)

- My toenails should be happier. I am always losing them.

- Creepy people should think twice about a crazy girl running down the street barefooted

I will report on my progress and provide honest feedback on how things are going. I will also continue to research this topic and would hope that you would share both good and bad experiences.