Tried...and failed.

SoleSolace

SoleSolace

Barefooters
Sep 20, 2011
60
0
0
#1
This past Friday, I had a group of people from work ask me to come for a trail run with them. I was excited to try out some new running 'scenery' and give a BF trail run a shot. It was gorgeous outside. 60's, sunny, and with just enough wind to keep clothing from getting soggy. Conditions were perfect for my first shot at BF trail running.

Luckily for me, I decided to bring along my VFFs, just in case. I made it all of a .10 of a mile before I threw in the towel. I tried not to let it ruin the rest of my run for me but I couldn't help feeling completely defeated. BF on asphalt? No problem. BF on various terrains (i.e. grass, gravel, etc.). Check. Just couldn't hack it on this trail. The roots were absolutely killing me. When I got home I was upset with myself, thinking maybe I should have stuck it out no matter how painful the experience was or how slow I ran it.

Has anyone else had as much difficulty transitioning as I did? I'd like to know I'm not the only one out there.
 
#2
I think everyone has run into

I think everyone has run into some terrain that they can't do barefoot. Don't let it bother you...if you can. I had a couple of runs where I folded and put VFFs on then felt more inferior than usual for a while after the race. I think part of it is I don't want to have to admit to any "doubters" that sometimes I can't handle the terrain.

I've also had some runs where I didn't bring "bail-out" shoes and it can be a real confidence booster or a painful experience depending on how challenging it is for your current skill level.
 
#3
Sol:Every trail is

Sol:

Every trail is different, and the root-and-rock-studded ones can be the worst. I've got some trails like that near me, and I usually end up with bruises all over my soles when I run on them, particularly after the leaves have fallen and you can't see all of the obstacles. The only other way for me to avoid bruising on trails that knobby is to go at a snail's pace to ensure I land only between protrusions from the ground. I've run other trails that were smooth dirt that I could run forever.
 
#4
SoleSolace wrote:Has anyone

SoleSolace said:
Has anyone else had as much difficulty transitioning as I did? I'd like to know I'm not the only one out there.
Click to expand...



I wouldn't really include running with a group of shoddies on a trail, any trail, as part of a 'transition'. Even the hardest of the hardcore would have trouble doing that, and would be forced to walk and hobble over really rough stuff. Nobody is running along nonchalantly, whistling a little tune, over rocks and roots. No way.

So, what I'm saying is, you should really remove that 'F' word from your subject line ;)

Maybe something like: Tried ... and learned.

How about trying the same trail on your own? THAT is fun. Yes, it means walking and stepping carefully over lots of stuff, maybe even the whole 'run', but you get so much more out of it than just a cardio workout.
 
#5
Sol,I have to agree with

Sol,

I have to agree with bfwillie you set yourself up for an unrealistic situation. In no way should you consider that experience to be a transition moment. You basically set yourself up for failure. For the future pget out by yourself and experience the trails. Become confident and aware of what you can handle and then challenge yourself with a group and tough terrain. If you fail so be it atleast you tried :) and now have something to keep challenging you for the future.
 
#6
everyone is different. do

everyone is different. do what you can and be proud of it because it was likely more than you did yesterday.
 
#7
Trails are very tricky!

Trails are very tricky! Especially this time of year with all the foliage on the ground covering sticks and roots.

I'd reccomend what Willie said to do. Go by your self so that your not being held to someone elses standards.

Talon? Your still alive? How did you escape from the trunk of my car? Dont forget that you still owe me $16, a new dog collar, and some raw shrimp....
 
#8
Chaserwilliams wrote:...

Chaserwilliams said:
... Talon? Your still alive? How did you escape from the trunk of my car? Dont forget that you still owe me $16, a new dog collar, and some raw shrimp....
Click to expand...



Haha! You forgot to lock the midget stripper's handcuffs! He untied me and we used the car jack to open the trunk just like on Bevis and Butthead. Also, you'll get no money from me until you return the sequenced green short shorts that say "Hot Stuff" that I bought when we were in Key West. So suck it!
 
#9
Initially I started with BF

Initially I started with BF hikes on trails because I simply couldn't run the trails barefoot. That was fine by me -- I just enjoyed the feeling of the earth under my feet. It wasn't very long before I started adding in short run segments during my hikes. Then I started doing more running than hiking on the trails. Eventually I got to where BF trail runs are my favorite type of running, especially trails with lots of big, old tree roots (but preferably not too many gravely sections). I find jumping over tree roots and constantly adjusting my footing for the uneven path uses a greater variety of muscles during my run and it actually feels like it takes less work because I'm not chronically, repetitively using the same muscles the entire run as I do on pavement. I tend to be less sore after a trail run than pavement run (even taking into account the occasional foot bruise from a misplaced foot on the trail). Of course, I don't run the trails with any performance expectations and I'm not trying to keep up with shod runners. I'm a slow runner, even on pavement. On trails I run at a blinding snails pace. :)



Bummer that your first trail experience wasn't all you hoped, but don't consider it a failure. Adjust your expectations, adjust your approach and find what works for you. Good luck with it!



Peace,

Karen
 
#10
Sole, no worries.  Try again

Sole, no worries. Try again under different conditions.

I run local trails that are also used by mountain bikers. About half of these trails are nice and soft sand or mud, and the other half is just compacted dirt mixed with gravel. In some places, for trail maintenance due to all the bikes, there is even chipped limestone - ouch!

Anyway, it really depends on soil condition. When the soil is dry and hard, it's too much for me to run barefoot, although I can walk it. However, after a day or two of rain, it's amazing that I can run even over most of the chipped limestone. The wet soil gives so much that my feet just push the rocks into the wet soil, so it doesn't bother me. Of course, you do have to dodge the roots; they don't give - at all!

Don't give up. Try, try again, and with different conditions. It might surprise you.
 
#11
BFwillie is totally right. Do

BFwillie is totally right. Do it at your own pace, which may mean you have to walk or go real slow. Every trail is different. Just because you didn't conquer THAT trail doesn't mean you failed or you shouldn't try again. I don't think there's any transitioning needed, especially if you're experienced with grass, asphalt and varied other surfaces. Just try again. And again... if need be.
 
#12
SS,  I occasionally go out

SS, I occasionally go out for a blind trail run with a bunch of shoddies myself. I call it a race, though. And I always wear my VFFs because I know it would hurt too bloody much otherwise. I don't make excuses. I save BF for trails I know I won't get hurt on, except for when I forget to do that and am reminded the hard way.

I'm a firm shoes=tools sort of guy. And if the tool fits...
 
#13
Thanks for the encouragement

Thanks for the encouragement all! I'm sure you're right.

I probably shouldn't have tried my first trail run with shoddies but I couldn't resist, what with the beautiful weather and all. I'll start sneaking over there on my own and see if I can't build up some tolerance. I was really amazed how different it felt though. I could have swore the rocks hiding beneath the leaf cover were all toting bayonets, meant just for me. :)
 
#14
I just ran with a shod group

I just ran with a shod group for the first time and on an unfamiliar trail. I wore my VFFs and I announced to them all before the run that I would be the slowest in the group so not to be worried about me. That way it took any unconscious pressure off of me to want to keep up with them. It was a rocky evil trail and I ran 4.5 miles of it without hurting myself. My number one goal whenever I run, is always AVOID INJURY, no matter what it takes to do so.
 
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