Barefoot Runner

A couple of weeks ago, I received the following query in a comment...

Hi,
I'm a Physio based in Guildford. I've been looking into barefoot running for the last 6 months having had repetitive shin splints from running in expensive shoes-and finally found some fivefingers on sale. So I've taken the plunge and ordered some kso's to test the whole barefoot running out of both personal and professional interest. Can I ask, how did you start out? What sort of training plan would you advise?
Thanks,
Joe

I started to write a response to the comment in the comments section of that post and realised it was becoming a rather long response and should probably warrant it's own post so others can find it too. So here it is and sorry about the delay in writing it Joe, it's been a crazy few weeks.

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Looky looky what I received in my inbox from a kind lady at Terra Plana (click for full size):

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My Vibrams recently developed a mind of their own, and were about to grow their own legs, I'm sure of it. They absolutely stank and a lovely cheesy smell followed me whenever I wore them, and even after I'd taken them off and washed my feet (it wasn't me, I promise). Sadly washing them normally (ie in the washing machine) and allowing to dry completely didn't completely relieve them of their smell and they were soon creating a fugg around me again within a run or two. As you can image, the Mrs was not happy at all - "he normally smells so nice".

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I've just recently stumbled upon a great site dedicated to the world of "feet as they were designed to be—unshod and free" with a big dedication to Vibram Five Fingers - birthdayshoes.com.

If you're feeling apprehensive about going out in your Vibrams (you shouldn't be: I wear mine all the time when I'm not at work or barefoot and have only had 1 comment, from a toddler of all people), take a squizz through this site and see all the pictures people have submitted of them in their VFF. And once you've ventured out, send Justin a pic of your VFFd feet and get your feet on t'internet.

I've not done this yet as I haven't been anywhere interesting in them yet, but I plan to once I get back from my holiday in the Lake Annency region of French Alps next month.

(I have no affiliation with birthdayshoes.com, I just love the whole concept of VFFs and thought I'd share a link and show some link love)

Just a short update to say I had a glorious 15 minute drills/run session in my Vibrams on Monday and it felt FANTASTIC. Sadly my feet were quite tired the next morning, so I've not been out in them again since. I think I'll stick with once a week in the Vibrams until such time as I'm getting in some good mileage with shoes on, and then I'll start weaning myself off the shoes and back into the Vibrams.