A New Experiment: Barefoot Running

In August/September 2011, and my fourth Bristol Half Marathon, I picked up some kind of running injury in my right foot. In the 18 months since, including some extended periods of rest, it has not fully resolved. More recent assessment has indicated that the arch is fallen in my right foot. I have been wearing Superfeet supportive insoles since then to reasonably good effect, however the issue remains, and has reemerged when training volume or exercise intensity has been high. I may go into more detail at a later time.

During an unplanned conversation with a physiotherapist who specialises in running he mentioned that I should consider barefoot running, which he was very enthusiastic about. He suggested that barefoot running may strengthen my feet, and pointed to a lower incidence of injuries among barefoot runners. I had previously thought that my flat foot issue meant that barefoot running was ruled out due to a need for more support...but now it will be my new experiment!

Reading sources on the internet suggested that, rather than diving straight in with a pair of barefoot type running shoes, you should build up very gradually due to the very different running style and demands placed upon the feet. Yesterday I ordered 'Barefoot Running Step by Step' by Ken Bob, which appeared well reviewed and authoritative. My plan at present is to very gradually and safely build practice and mileage barefoot, and then perhaps a month from now, if all seems to be going well, to buy a pair of barefoot shoes. In the mean time that means running outright barefoot, though I'll be sticking to the pavement of my street for safety (and so I don't have far to limp home if things go wrong!).

Yesterday I tried running barefoot pavement running for the first time... but it wasn't really a run, but more of a strange hobble. Perhaps 80 meters up and down the street, with a strong feeling that my calfs were no where near flexible enough for this!

Today I tried again, this time immediately after the warm up of my usual 5 mile run. It went a bit better, 2x up and down the street, at what my Garmin Forerunner informed me was 11 minute mile pace. Rather slow considering I can be quite comfortable running at sub 7.30 minute mile pace range in shoes (1.41 half marathon pb), and again evidence that this transition will have to be very gradual. I'll report how it goes from here!