Hi,

I've been transitioning to barefoot running for a few months now and
thought I'd give an update on how I'm doing. And maybe get some tips
on problems I've encountered.

First the good news. I did an 8 mile run this morning. I did 5.5
miles in VFFs and 2.5 miles barefoot (on asphalt). That's the
furthest I've run barefoot at one time. It really felt great. I kept
my feet very relaxed and felt a nice midfoot strike underneath me. No
hint or signs of blisters anywhere. I could have run further but I'm
increasing distance slowly as suggested by everything I've read. Chi
Running has really helped me with my form and transitioning to bare feet.

Now the bad news. Well, not bad, but I do need some help. A couple
weeks ago I did an 8 mile run in my VFFs. It was a 4 mile out and
back where about 1.5 miles (3 miles total) was on a rocky path. And
when I say rocky, I mean sharp jagged rocks about 1.5 - 2 inches in
size. Really no way to avoid landing on them as they're littered all
over the path. I didn't get more than 10 feet into the path and I was
in pain. It was so hard avoiding the rocks. I tried to keep my feet
as relaxed as possible, but once I started hurting, I think I tensed
up because of the pain. When I finally got home, my feet were bruised
all over pretty bad. How do you run on surfaces like that? What do I
need to do to be able to run on it? I'm guessing I'm just not ready
yet and maybe I should try again in about 6 months. I'm kinda upset
though because I'd love to do some trail runs in VFFs or barefoot.
But those rocks were excruciating underneath me. Any suggestions?

Just a little history. Prior to this whole barefoot thing, I had been
running for the past 3 years in heavy motion control shoes. I'm
severely flat footed and was told I was an over-pronator. During
those 3 years I had just about every running injury possible. I'm now
running injury free.

Thanks,

Jon