Haven't been on this forum in forever. But just started getting back into running again after my long layoff this summer. I started my training runs like normal but after some nasty shin splints decided to try my hand at barefoot running again. I entered one 5k race thinking I was going to tackle it barefoot but chickened out after I saw how rough the asphalt felt. But during the race after the first loop I decided to just go for it and removed my shoes and went barefoot. And even though my feet were tender from it felt awesome to say I ran a race barefoot.
Next weekend signed up for another race and I wasn't intending to run it barefoot but after seeing they had a timing chip with an ankle strap they gave us. If this wasn't a perfect excuse to go barefoot I don't know what isn't. So removed my shoes and got to the starting line. Where I train running barefoot is at a park with nice smooth concrete surface. This 5k had its spots where the gravel started to hurt my feet I almost regretted going barefoot but I finished strong at the end. Was such a good feeling to know that I did a whole race barefoot. And when I checked my time I actually PR'd. Someone even came up to me after the race and asked to look at my feet after seeing I went barefoot.
Next goal is to get a 10k and who knows maybe a half marathon in.
Next weekend signed up for another race and I wasn't intending to run it barefoot but after seeing they had a timing chip with an ankle strap they gave us. If this wasn't a perfect excuse to go barefoot I don't know what isn't. So removed my shoes and got to the starting line. Where I train running barefoot is at a park with nice smooth concrete surface. This 5k had its spots where the gravel started to hurt my feet I almost regretted going barefoot but I finished strong at the end. Was such a good feeling to know that I did a whole race barefoot. And when I checked my time I actually PR'd. Someone even came up to me after the race and asked to look at my feet after seeing I went barefoot.
Next goal is to get a 10k and who knows maybe a half marathon in.