Barefoot or shod?

The Science of Sport has an interesting article in which he analyzes a new study comparing barefoot running to shod running.

While he says it is not "the last word" on this debate, the study does give a big boost to the supporters of barefoot running.

It is well worth a read if you are thinking about going barefoot, or looking to resolve some of your running injuries that just won't go away...

10km barefoot

Tonight was a cold night for a run.

I ran part of Dolev, down Yarden to the kikar by the junction with Yarkon. Then I ran back to Dolev and back to the Kikar. Then down Yarkon, across Kishon and then back home.

All together, I ran 10km barefoot, with the last 2.5km being a tempo run.

So far so good with the barefoot running. I am increasing distance and so far feel no discomfort, no pain and no problems.

6km barefoot

Last night I went on my first real run with the Vibram's. I could clearly feel the difference in my gait, as I felt like I was running much lighter on the balls of my feet rather than slapping and pounding the pavement with my full foot, heel first, as I used to in my running shoes.

I took it easy with a light and easy paced 6km run. I know it takes time to get used to and I did nto want to push it too soon too fast. I felt like I could have easily kept going for a longer run, but I cut it short as planned. 6km was the top limit I had considered running last night and I felt it smart to keep it at that limit despite my feeling like I could continue. Next time I will run longer.

So far so good.

Gorilla Feet

I have been walking around a bit in my new Vibram FiveFinger barefoot shoes. I just went out for my first short and easy run in them.
The only thing I felt was that I am way out of shape. But I didn't feel any pain in any of the parts I was having pain in recently. Of course it was only a very short run so it might not mean anything.

I must say I did feel that I was using different muscles in my foot and leg than what previous running, with shoes, used, and I felt my legs getting tired in those areas. So it will take some time to build up those muscles.

But it was a good first attempt.