Thank you so much for this thoughtful and considered reply! I deeply appreciate it.
I haven't experienced the foot pain you did, as I feel like I sussed the short stride thing pretty early on. If anything, my feet tend to feel better the longer I run.
However, I think my stride may
still be too extended. Once I heal up I'm going to try increasing my metronomic pace and see if this shortens things for me even further. But I certainly hadn't tried the 'hot coals' thing, even though I do think I run near-ish to that form.
The more I've been thinking about it, the more I think I pushed the mileage up too fast this time. I went from a three mile base run, to a fiver on the weekends. Then quickly to a five base and a seven on the weekends. Then to a 7-9. Too much, too soon, I'm thinking...
Thankfully, the foot seems to be getting better, for which I'm thankful. I'm also feeling vindicated, as I told the ortho I wouldn't be able to wear the stiff boot she recommended because I don't own any "regular" shoes to balance it out. She replied that it would be okay, as long as I don't jump up and down. Two weeks on and my foot has no pain. So much for a Jones fracture...
But again, thank you. You've given me hope that I can do this after all. I was feeling pretty discouraged the other day as I was being gently admonished by some friends for running barefoot -- hearing them say I did this because I don't wear shoes really hit my self-doubt right in the target area.