Someone recently told me that I always have something new going on. The latest new thing for me is considering the benefits (if any) on running barefoot. I have been reading about running barefoot which looks and sounds like fun and have decided to try a little experiment.
1. Try 10 to 15 minutes running on treadmill 2 to 3 days a week.
First attempt: After 5 minutes feet felt tender and I quit after 8 minutes in fear of blisters.
Conclusion: Maybe after 2 weeks I can run 10 minutes.
2. If and when I can run 15 minutes on treadmill with no problems then I will run the 2 mile loop in Garfield Park barefoot!
Here is a couple interesting web sites on barefoot running
Running Barefoot
RunnersWorld Article
This was an aticle from Sportsci.org
Running barefoot is associated with a substantially lower prevalence of acute injuries of the ankle and chronic injuries of the lower leg in developing countries, but well-designed studies of the effects of barefoot and shod running on injury are lacking. Laboratory studies show that the energy cost of running is reduced by about 4% when the feet are not shod. In spite of these apparent benefits, barefoot running is rare in competition, and there are no published controlled trials of the effects of running barefoot on simulated or real competitive performance.
I have to admit I am scepticle regarding any claim to running faster without shoes. Although as a kid running races up and down our neighborhood streets I would run barefoot and thought I was FAST!
This is only for fun and you probably won't see me running races barefoot unless I forget them at home or leave them in T2.
9 comments:
Interesting!!! I am always amazed when I see people running barefoot....just makes me go, "OUCH!" :)
I am intrigued by this too. I used to refuse to wear shoes even while playing outside in the gravel and woods as a kid. But now I feel that my feet may be a bit too tender for this.
How intriguing...
Please keep us informed of your little experiment. I will definitely come out to see you run barefoot in the park.
Wow, another person talking about running barefoot, I read one this morning: Visit Joyce's Blog
During the summer I tried running barefoot during my cooldown runs are the track. The infield of the high school track was the only place I felt safe to run barefoot, ground was nicely groomed.
If u run barefoot during a tri....u can save a few seconds from putting on your runners during T2.. :)
Thanks for your comment on my blog :) I'm excited to see how you like the barefoot running :) I got some ballet shoes to try out today so I can ease into it without getting sore skin!
good luck with the experiment!
Thanks for the comment on my blog Papa Louie. No time to read your posts right now, but will mark them for future reading pleasure and edification
Since you're a fan of Plumb and POD, we have more in common than barefoot running, triathlon, and the template we've chosen for our blogs ;)
Good post - my belief is that the barefoot running forces you to run properly without the aid of cushioning or motion-control. But for the reasons of adaptation mentioned, it will take a long time and a lot of practice and effort to experience its benefits
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