"Doesn't that hurt?"
When I tell people that I'm going to run barefoot in my next triathlon they look at me cockeyed and by their facial expression I know their internal dialogue is something like 'that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard.' Then they force an awkward smile and ask, "doesn't that hurt?". My answer is, "No, not really it actually feels good." If you run 10 miles the first day then, yes it will hurt.
You are using muscles that you have never used before. As you transition to barefoot running, you should start slowly. Ease into your mileage and listen to you feet. Most runner’s require 3-4 weeks before achieving ~80% of their regular mileage. Over the last three weeks I have worked up to 1.5 miles (yesterday) and everything feels great. I listen to my feet. As soon as they begin to ache (the arches usually), I stop.
I was introduced to barefoot running by my friend Sam Jones who was raving about a book called BORN TO RUN. This New York best seller seeks to dispel the myth that you need an overly supportive, cushioned, orthopedic shoe-boot in order to push the limits of human potential in running and exploring the world joyfully. I Highly recommend this book. I read it in a day and it helped me understand why I kept getting injured.
Barefoot running may not be for everyone (Eric Hanson who is a Pansy). But don't knock it, till you rock it! Let go of the stigma and set your feet free. You'll instantly run softer and your biomechanics will automatically change, by running more on your forefoot instead of heel striking (which cause more stress
and torque on your knees and hips). Besides.....its fun to be a hippie! Try it!
6 comments:
I can't wait to hear how it actually goes! It sounds painful, but maybe not as painful as shin, or knee problems.
epic post brah! I didn't know you had read the book yet...i'll call you about that...by the way there are definitely weirdos cruzin the net ...you and me , seriously though, i should be more conservative,,thanks!
Just,
I came to your blog to say thanks for all of the commentary and found somehow I hadn't read this post yet. Definitely an interesting approach. Makes sense, considering the history of man. I'll be curious to see your long term evaluation of it. Anyways, hope you guys are doing well and thanks for being my familial blogging cheerleader.
Ajay says he wants to try barefoot running, but he wants to buy the thin shoes for it. That sounds like an oxymoron to me.
We're happy that the swell lasted after we left. Too bad we weren't there to enjoy it. It was fun to watch you surf the Lane, and thanks for going to the smaller breaks for us!
Enjoy running and training!
And give our love to everyone!
Eric is a pansy! just kidding! Good luck with the barefoot running, and even before you ran barefoot you were one of the weirdos in Santa Cruz. We love you guys! Kara
Sounds fun. I'm tired of getting bruised toenails from having a nail just a little too long on my run...wearing shoes!
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