Barefoot Runner

Last year I provided a tip on sizing Vibram Five Fingers based on my own experience. I've now found another useful tip...

So how should they fit? I was told directly (in person) by a Vibram Five Fingers corporate rep to fit the toes just BEHIND THE TOE CAPS or right in that area—obviously with different toe lengths there is going to be some fudging here! That means there is a decent amount of room between the toes and the end (close to 1/2″) and there may be some bagginess in places depending on your foot volume. Keep in mind ...

Check out what's been spotted on the interweb...

It's been a bit quiet round here over the past few weeks as I've been away from all computers, work and stressful stuff on a fantastic two week camping holiday in France.

We had a fantastic time, but more importantly, it was two whole weeks for me barefoot, or nearly barefoot, and it felt fantastic. I tried my hardest NOT to wear any shoes whenever possible and succeeded. In fact, today is the first day in 16 days in which I've had to put on a pair of shoes and socks (for work) and I must say I can't wait to...

Sorry about the lack of updates - work has been crazy and I've not really had much to write about in my little world of running, but now I do .

So far the running has been going well. I'm slowly building up the "time on my feet" to get my body and feet used to running. This is mainly an injury prevention measure. I'm also trying to stick to the old adage that you shouldn't increase your mileage by more than 10% a week.

I received a great comment on my previous post that I thought deserves a post of it's own in response.

Jason's comment was as follows:

What a great find regards V Billat. Some good stuff on that pponline site. Have read other V02 stuff on there but that was another level. Have been following your blog as I am experimenting with vibrams myself. Like all other blogs I have read, sore/stiff calf muscles are a right of passage as muscles that have been dormant re-awake. My own observation has been the distinct lack of joint pain following a run. Only doing 2 - 3 miles at a time. But when I go back to shoes my knees suffer for 3 - 4 days after.
1 question if I may. On your runs in the vibrams, how did your pace compare to running in shoes?
I ask as I seem to be clocking = or better than in shoes. I did not expect this or at least not yet.

First off, it's great hear there's someone else trying to run in the Vibrams, but more importantly, great news about the lack of joint pain after running in them. Sounds like nature may be telling you something there Jason.

The question itself is why I thought it best to provide a post of it's own.

Continue »

I've just got back from a nice run back on the road in my Vibrams and what a feeling. It's sooooo good to be back on the road instead of running on the treadmill in the gym.

Yes, I don't quite have as much control over my pace and the distance I run, but who cares. The feeling of freedom far out weighs the metrics. Anyway, mapmyrun.com does a good job of measuring the distance.

Well, last week was another low mileage week with only 2 sessions of 6mins @ 2% @ 6mph on the treadmill and in shoes as I said they would be.

The runs were good and my right foot felt good without any niggles, so I think I'll be back to barefoot this week.

Welcome to the start of what will hopefully turn out to be a great success. This is my little challenge to see if I can go from running in shoes to running the way nature intended: BAREFOOT.

Now this isn't just a whim, it's something I've been considering quite seriously for quite some time and I'm set to begin my journey on...

Monday 13 October 2008

Continue »