Barefoot running

So, I think I'm so wise when I discovered barefoot runnning.  I start talking to family and friends thinking I've found this new amazing thing.  Um, much to my dismay, it's been around for a while :)  So I'm learning and discovering on my own what so many other smarty pants already knew!

I love to run.  There's nothing more freeing than to not be tethered by a piece of equipment, a room, or groups.  The thing with me is, in all the times I'd gone to every sports store known to man, I could not find a shoe that ever felt normal.  They would evaluate my feet, my gait, my foot strike.  So many shoes, so many.  Then I read this entry regarding barefoot running.  The author talked about how natural it is to NOT wear shoes, which made me think of what I wear on my feet all day, every day when I'm not running:  nothing.  I am barefoot constantly; epitome of the Barefoot Princess.  So I gave it a whirl!

I was running last week on the treadmill, feeling so lethargic.  I pressed the PAUSE button, got off, and took off my shoes and socks. Got back on, and knocked out 25 minutes in a breeze.  I felt great!  I started reading more about the techniques and got some great advice from friends.  LOTS of stretching and am forcing myself to take it slow (which is not easy when you finally feel so great all's you want to do is RUN!).  But, it's going well and is so liberating just to go out and run!  Lessen another tether...no shoes!

Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running

Great book and easy to follow.  It's been easier for me to transform to barefoot, because I was getting back into exercise after being off for so long.  I think it would be much more difficult if I were running every day and had to totally transition.  But, if you decide to do this, take the start-up VERY seriously:  ankle and Achilles tendon injuries are common to those that don't heed the warnings.  But, if you're inclined and ready for fun, go for it!