Yah, getting out of one's comfort zone in any undertaking is a great learning tool and usually invigorating. That's why I finally got married . . .
Not only is that limit-pushing fun, it really develops your trail running skills. Before I had gnarly trails for training, I did most of my training on rough gravel roads. Having to dance around on that crap dramatically improved my ability to pick out the ideal foot landing in a cluttered debris field, improved my balance, and was a good core workout.
Don't be afraid to occasionally tackle the really nasty stuff. Start by walking. The sensitivity of the sharp stuff will decrease to a point. More importantly, you develop the skills to avoid debris or minimize the pain. Graduate to very slow running. Eventually you become fairly proficient. You'll be surprised at what you can tackle.
FASCINATING!!!
I thought it was just me. I have days when I can run on some rough stuff with little discomfort.
Other days running on smooth, perfect surfaces, my feet hurt like hell and I feel like I'm running on broken glass (and I'm not).
I wonder why that is, but I'm glad you shared this. I thought there was something wrong with me.
Thanks!
Ask Mike, he actually saw the tears...
Honest reports from other BFRers, especially people who have been doing it for a few years, are invaluable.This is a fact that being the barefoot runners we are, that we can not deny, or should not hide, no matter how long or how much experience one has, that there will always be some discomfort running barefoot. I can say with confidence even the old school barefoot runner veterans have some runs that just do not go as smoothly as others. But this is just never mentioned in books or talked about, but it should, because if gives beginners and non-beginners a sense of comfort that nothing is wrong.
Just from experience I can say when I am mentally, or physically tired, my feet are much more sensitive and makes my barefoot runs more uncomfortable. Also the the temperature change will effect my sensitivity more. I live in Connecticut and the temperature has been all over the place, it seems consistency doesn't exits anymore during the seasons. I can adapt to temperatures but it doesn't happen over night, it takes me a good week or so for the soles to adapt. For example if I am running in weather that is in the low 80's, then all of sudden I take a early morning run and its 50 degrees, I definitely will feel more sensitive on that run. And the last thing that attributes to the sensitivity is back to back barefoot runs, or going high mileage without taking a break for a few days. The plantar skin performs better with some rest in between runs.
Every time I try to run over 5-6 miles, the repetitive stress is too much for me. That's partly why I decided a few weeks ago to keep things in the 3-5 mile range and try to up the pace. The other reason, of course, being the plodding we both dislike. So perhaps another 2-3 months staying under six miles, and then I'll see where I'm at. I'll either keep pushing the pace, or try to get up to at least one 8-to-10-mile run a week. I know my lungs and legs can handle it, but not my metatarsals. My feet get a little achy when I go longer, and I'm being ultra-cautious about TMTS/TOPF. Continued weight loss will help as well . . .
P.S., I personally couldn't imagine running more than three miles with a jogging stroller--it's a lot of work.
I agree, form is crucial on rougher surfaces, especially when it's cold; if you're slightly off you're going to feel it.This is similar to what I run on. When I first went out I had bleeding blisters on my toes. Lets just say running on this stuff gives you more motivation to improve form and run as lightly as possible. I still prefer almost any other surface though.
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Yah, the few times I tried it, my shoulders felt sore afterwards. I'm putting the thing on craigslist today I think.Running with a stroller seems like both a lot of work, and much more difficult because you can't use your arms to run.
It's not as bad as you all seem to think. First, you have to remember that like bfr, you have to adjust and learn how to do it to be efficient. You don't run with a stroller with both hands on the handle, at least I don't. I have one hand on the handle yet I keep that side of my body loose and am still able to move pretty freely. I honestly believe because of the stroller that is why I am so good (relatively speaking comparing only myself) at going uphill. I really had to learn how to go uphill easily because I live in a hilly area. There's a downside though, I think the stroller has really messed up my downhills because I have to try to keep the stroller in control so I can't just let myself go or anything. Now, when I run without the stroller, I am terribly slow going downhill, but I can go up hills just as fast or faster than flats(something about my form seems to really snap into place for me). I think Gentile used to run with a stroller, maybe still does, and I've been meaning to ask him about the downhills and if he has any techniques that may help me.Running with a stroller seems like both a lot of work, and much more difficult because you can't use your arms to run.
... and I've been meaning to ask him about the downhills and if he has any techniques that may help me.
It's a BOB but I still don't think it's rated for my fata**! Lol! I have been tempted on the steeper stuff though. Actually there's a real steep hill behind me that I've been wanting to try but I am afraid to try it with the stroller. I don't know if I would make it a hundred meters without dying. Maybe I'll make it a weekend run of hill repeats when I don't have to take the boy. I'm also afraid of coming down it with the stroller. It's so steep the stroller may just drag me down the hill.How bout just jumping on and enjoy the ride down
Ya maybe dutchie (Montana slang, but probably more just a country boy type slang). My wife get's so mad at me when I say that. I don't think of it in any sort of a bad way so... I think it's Oregonians too, not Oregontonians (have gotten in trouble for that one), not that I'll ever be one even though I am a resident here. I will always be a Montanan at heart. Anywhos, lol!
I think my form has to be perfect, and also, that it helps to run faster.This is a great thread. And I agree that it's really nice to hear about the full range of experiences, good and bad, . . . I would be interested to hear what other strategies you guys use when running on rough surfaces.