Barefoot Evolution

[TMo]

Ok, so I know it takes a while to get your feet in shape, and I was totally pumped to be able to get 2 days of 4 miles in last week with no discomfort. It was an asphalt run with some concrete and 1.5 miles of wood chip trail. I was feeling great and decided to try my 5x1's bf and was only able to get 2 miles BF. I rested 4 days and went to do an easy 4 miles BF Monday, and my feet are killing me. I got a big patch of dead skin on my left foot that came off, and a spot on the inside ball and outside ball of each foot that feels bruised.

I guess I am just looking for some input here as to why I feel inconsistent, and why it feels great one day, but doing the same thing multiple days hurts so bad. Also, how much time should I wait between BF runs?

 

[SaraLord]

I think it just takes time. Most of us have spent years with our feet crammed into STYLISH footwear that did us no favors. I also secretly think it's the universe's way of not only having a good laugh but testing our persistence. I don't know your BF history, but maybe shorter distances for now. If you are losing skin, likely it's a function of your stride - maybe an adjustment is needed?

 

[Barefoot TJ]

Maybe take a day off in between runs to let your skin and feet settle and heal. I used to do that when I was starting up and increasing miles. It works. Just don't run back to back days until you really are able.

 

[Cesar]

Sounds like too much too soon, as well as form issues. I myself realized I had to learn barefoot walking before running. All I do right now is walk, and my skin is still adjusting day by day. Takes time.

 

[TMo]

I guess it's back to my Branca's then.

 

[PatrickGSR94]

Wait, you're giving up and going back to shoes??

 

[jldeleon]

It depends on how many miles you are running and on what terrain. For me, I can run 2-3 miles every day on asphalt. If it's going to be 3-5ish then I have to run every other day. For trail running, for about 5 miles, I can do that twice a week. So, it really depends.

 

[RunningPirate]

Wait, you're giving up and going back to shoes??

Well...minimalist shoes, it looks like (Branca's are Huaraches - somewhat like the Invisible Shoes...)

I toy with either alternating (minimalist and BFR, intermixed) or just toughing it out and living with the growth curve...

 

[TMo]

Wait, you're giving up and going back to shoes??

I am definitely not going back to shoes, but to keep my training up for my half ironman in may I am going to have to alternate.

I have been converting since February, I am just too impatient I suppose. I enjoy running BF so much it frustrates me to have to wait. I can do my easy runs bf up to 4 miles no problem, I think where I got into trouble this week was doing an interval run (5x1) where all my attention was focused on maintaining pace. I beat my feet up that day.

 

[TMo]

It depends on how many miles you are running and on what terrain. For me, I can run 2-3 miles every day on asphalt. If it's going to be 3-5ish then I have to run every other day. For trail running, for about 5 miles, I can do that twice a week. So, it really depends.

Hey Jen, how long have you been running BF? That might give me some perspective on where I am and how long it will take me to get to where you are.

 

[jldeleon]

Hey Jen, how long have you been running BF? That might give me some perspective on where I am and how long it will take me to get to where you are.

9 months. I am NOT a competitive runner by any means. I noticed your comment about focusing on your pace -perhaps rather than focusing enough on your form? That may explain a lot. Quality over quantity always. The better your form, the faster your pace will become, anyway.