Do not force yourself to run on the balls of your feet. I have never
recommended such tension in running.

Focus on the following:
- vertical posture of torso
- bent knees
- hips forward (do not stick the butt out back)
- fast steps (cadence)
- relax, relax, relax..

Listen to what your soles and body tells you. Pain is a tool, to
teach which techniques do not work comfortably. Running is NOT an
endurance sport, where one must endure pain to suceed. One should,
instead learn to avoid pain, in order to run more efficiently,
smoothly, and naturally.

more...
http://runningbarefoot.org/?p=623

Have fun,
-barefoot ken bob

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Beth M." <mouser4@...> wrote:
>
> I have been running barefoot for several weeks on the canal road
behind
> our house. There are a few rocks mixed in the dirt. Overall, I am
> really enjoying it and surprised that the dirt feels so good. I am
a
> person who has never really gone barefoot in the past.
>
> My question is that I am trying to run on the balls of my feet. I
> think this is what you all recommended. Is my heel supposed to
touch
> the ground at all? While running tonight, my heel hit several
rocks
> and now my heel feels bruised.
>
> Also, my shins are hurting and I think it might be from running
with
> weight on balls of feet.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Beth
>