Hi, a guy (shod runner) in my running group has shin splints.

My theory is that if you run barefoot or in minimal shoes, you won't
have shin splints. Am I right?

Thanks.

Hi,

My mom had a neuroma but hasn't had a problem for a while now.  It
started after she ran her first half marathon.  She used Yoga Toes a lot,
and iced her feet religiously.  She also did some foot exercises and
stretches similar to those prescribed to someone who has plantar fasciitis.
I know she didn't run for about 8 weeks after she got it, too, so that could
have had something to do with her success.  Best of luck to you.

--Nate

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "purps_ky" <wakep@...> wrote:
>
> I'm sad. I worked my way up to running ~8 miles of a 13.1 race this
> spring, but an old Morton's Neuroma problem has flared up and I
> can't seem to shake it. This is where you get a nerve swelling
> between the 3rd and 4th toes.
>
> I can run ok with my H-streets that have hardly any padding, but
> can't even walk a 1/2 mile without pain barefoot.
>
> Anybody worked through this problem? I've heard surgery is not
> always successful.
>
> Wake
>

I'm sad. I worked my way up to running ~8 miles of a 13.1 race this
spring, but an old Morton's Neuroma problem has flared up and I
can't seem to shake it. This is where you get a nerve swelling
between the 3rd and 4th toes.

I can run ok with my H-streets that have hardly any padding, but
can't even walk a 1/2 mile without pain barefoot.

Anybody worked through this problem? I've heard surgery is not
always successful.

Wake

In searching for assistance on poison ivy & the barefoot runner, I
mentioned that I was doing Dances with Dirt. Here is the race report
on the event:  This is a 100K team relay.  The day was perfect with
temps starting in the low 60's and going up to about 75 or so through
the day.  I had a great group of friends to race with and our only
goal was to have FUN!  I brought along my huaraches and Viabram five
fingers because this is some tough trail.  When it came time to do my
first leg I knew that it was the swamp so I decided barefoot would be
my best option.  The leg was actually perfect for the barefoot runner.
  I was in over my waist in mud and when we finally got out of the mud
the other runners were complaining that their shoes felt like cement
blocks.  The second leg I was a bit overly confident in my barefoot
running.  This leg was torture on my feet - lots of large rocks and
downhills.  It slowed me considerably and I have some serious bruises
from this leg.  The last leg I asked my team if they wanted me to wear
my huaraches or five fingers so I wouldn't slow them down anymore.  I
really wanted to do the whole thing barefoot.  In a show of support
they all rallied around me and encouraged me to do it as I wanted.
Thankfully the last leg was another advantage for the barefoot runner
- running through a lake.  In the end we achieved our goal and had a
blast!  Running barefoot through the mud and the muck is like being a
kid!  So if we get a barefoot team together someday we need some folks
tougher than me cuz I am not running that one leg again!

BTW - some of the trail was just path cut through the poison ivy!  So
hopefully all the preventive measures worked otherwise I will be off
to the store for Clearisil.

Yeah...I learned my lesson :)

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Mike Rose <have_faith@...> wrote:
>
> Jon,
> You might also try just biting off a small bit at a time. I mean:
try running only about 1/2 mile on the rough surface the first few
times, then 1 mile, 1 1/2, 2, etc. until you are able to handle the
entire 3 miles on the rocky path without too much pain.
> Mike R
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Jon <jonmhayden@...>
> To: RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 2:18:01 PM
> Subject: [RunningBarefoot] Re: Barefoot Running Update
>
>
> All,
>
> Thanks for all the great replys. It's good to see that it's difficult
> for a lot of barefooters. I'll just keep practicing and practicing.
> I'll try that surface every couple months to see how I'm progressing.
> After seeing Barefoot Rick's pics of running on the gravel trail, I
> know it's possible...just need to toughen up my feet some more. And
> the fox walking looked interesting so I'll do some reading on that too.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Jon
>
> > --- In RunningBarefoot@ yahoogroups. com, "Jon" <jonmhayden@ > wrote:
> > >
> > > 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
> > >
> >
>

All,

Thanks for all the great replys.  It's good to see that it's difficult
for a lot of barefooters.  I'll just keep practicing and practicing.
I'll try that surface every couple months to see how I'm progressing.
  After seeing Barefoot Rick's pics of running on the gravel trail, I
know it's possible...just need to toughen up my feet some more.  And
the fox walking looked interesting so I'll do some reading on that too.

Thanks again,

Jon

> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Jon" <jonmhayden@> wrote:
> >
> > 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
> >
>

Hi Jon,

      I just finished a trail race that I do once a year barefoot.
Its the Mt. Baldy trail race run to the top, up 8 miles, about a
4,000 foot elevation gain.  This race is, I believe, similar to what
you are talking about.  Most anyone wouldn't attempt it barefoot
because of the rocky trail, but I for some strange reason, am
compelled back each year.  Each time I run it I am amazed at how well
I adapt to the insane conditions.  It felt really pleasant most of
the way.  Like most bare footers, I watch where I step and avoid
rocks, glass, and all in the streets and sidewalks at home.  But on
this trail, there are so many rocks-often you are just running on
rocks- that you just accept that you are going to be landing much of
the time on less than comfortable textures.  What is weird is that it
begins to feel a little surreal, like you are almost floating over
the rocks at times. You just seem to run extra gentle, maybe with
knees flexed a little more.  The mindset is everything, one
of "embracing the surface" rather than avoiding or dreading each step.
      Normally I avoid anything uncomfortable so this is quite a shift
in approach for the comfortable surface seeking bare footer.  But
even KenBob agreed with me that you should train a little on
uncomfortable surfaces just so you know you can do it.  You never
know where your running might take you and to have the confidence
that you can do anything when necessary can be invaluable.  You may
even end up in some mountain trail race strangely drawn to
unforgiving rocky trails.

                                       Larry


P.S.  I forgot to mention that I don't run downhill barefoot on these
rocky trails- much too slow- but this race is all uphill so I can
compete with the shod runners.  I suggest training on flat or uphill,
uphill is even better when barefoot.  Only use your sandals as a
backup or for a fast downhill return trip.  To be barefoot as much as
possible is so important.  I could tell when running back down the
mountain in my huarache sandals that I was more surefooted than the
other runners in the most dangerous sections.  This I attribute to my
barefoot technique and  minimal footwear.  Us bare-footers
are 'dialed in' to the feedback from our feet like no one else.


--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Jon" <jonmhayden@...> wrote:
>
> 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
>

--- Jon <jonmhayden@...> wrote:

> 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?

Be patient. Practice practice practice... You're not alone in thinking that
it's hard, but at the same time, it's not impossible. It's a skill that humans
possessed for thousands of years as they walked over all sorts of rough
terrain, but these days, modern flat surfaces have dulled our senses and made
this skill almost extinct. That doesn't mean that it cannot be reacquired with
practice.

I struggled with running on rocky trails, so I decided to slow down and learn
how to walk first. The most important thing that I've learned is to be
receptive to what my soles are telling me. With each step, I gradually apply
pressure to test the surface that I'm stepping on. This allows me to gauge how
to distribute my weight over my foot. If I sense a hint of pressure under my
toe, I lift it up slightly. If I feel pressure under the arch, I'll land more
on the outside edge of the foot. There are countless permutations to how you
can apply weight to your feet as you walk. With time, the musculature of your
feet will grow stronger to allow you to execute all these weight adjustments,
and your brain-foot coordination will get faster to enable a quick reaction
time. I believe that these same techniques can be applied to running but, in
the case of running, the consequences for taking an ill-conceived step can be
much more painful.

I suggest Googling the term 'fox walking' for more information.

Good luck!

-Paul

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Sharon" <heysharon@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, another newbie update on my progress and setbacks.  I wrote several
> weeks ago that around the end of July, I'd gotten a splinter in my
heel and
> suffered a sprain from trying to run on the injured foot.  The
sprain caused
> a lot of swelling, but very little pain.   But to be safe, I took a
week and
> a half off running, then slowly started back, being careful not to
cause any
> pain.  It's been over a month and I'm still battling swelling from the
> sprain, and my ankle feels tired at the end of the day if I've spent
a lot
> of time on my feet, but running doesn't cause me pain during or
after.  I've
> been taking it easy, running 3 miles outdoor barefoot on asphalt
every other
> day, though I did run 6 miles the other day and felt fantastic, feet not
> even sore.  My ankle doesn't swell up more on the days I run, it
just stays
> swollen every day.  I elevate and sometimes wrap it for a few hours
in the
> evening, but no ice or Advil.  Am I doing the wrong thing to keep
running?
>
>
>
> The other unpleasant issue I've encountered is at the gym.  I'd been
running
> barefoot on the indoor sealed concrete track at the gym for several
weeks
> (they have childcare, which is the biggest reason I ran there), when
a gym
> employee reported me to the general manager of the gym, who insisted
I wear
> "tennis shoes."  I wrote a letter to the association that manages
the clubs.
> I offered to sign a waiver of liability, and asked for the
regulation that
> requires footwear in writing.  Is this even worth the battle?  Now
that my
> kids are in school and I can run during the day, I'm seriously
thinking of
> terminating the membership I paid two years in advance for, so
they'd have
> to refund my money.  I hate to give up the weight room, but I
haven't even
> been back since the incident because I'm still so peeved. AND, I've
> discovered like so many of you that going back to wearing any kind
of shoe
> to run in just feels too uncomfortable!!!
>
>
>
> Sharon in MD
>
Your ankle may just need a bit longer to heal. I follow R.I.C.E for a
good two, or more, months after a sprain while focusing on
strengthening (with bands, stairs (using a slow, but full motion
step), stability board movement, and pool work) over straight running.

It is tough to get you 'spring' back after a sprain, I'd keep
rehabbing the ankle for a few more weeks and see if that helps.

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Jon" <jonmhayden@...> wrote:
>
> 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
>
As a kid, I used to run over river rocks with no issues, however,  a
few years ago I tried to run down to the lake from my parents home and
ouched my way across every stone to the water. Your body has to adjust
to the terrain, whether it slick, icy, wet, rocky, or prickly. With
enough patience, and slowly building tolerance to the different
terrain, you will be able to run across the rocks without issue.

Good luck!

That is the toughest marathon course I've ran, but I still keep
coming back after 6 times!!

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "nanopiesnegros"
<mariano.jr@...> wrote:
>
> Great video Rick.
>  You`ve ran many marathons, but still,... wow!!!
>
>
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Rick"
> <barefootrick@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Not much reading, but several pics!
> >
> >
> >   BR's Heart of America Marathon Report -
> > September 1, 2008
> >
> > Hebrews 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you
> have
> > done
> > the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ... More!
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> >   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> > Heart And Feet of America
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
> >
> > Click Here for Video!
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
> >   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
> >
> > http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> >
>

Inch by inch ... it's a cinch! Just took it SLOW!

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Ashish Mukharji <ashish@...>
wrote:
>
> 3 miles of gravel?  Ouch!
>
> -unshod ashish
>

Thanks Ann! It was a tough day, but rewarding to be done!

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, ann parker <arparker50@...>
wrote:
>
> BR,
> WOW is all I can think of to say. Thanks for sharing the pics.
>
> --- On Mon, 9/1/08, Barefoot Rick <barefootrick@...> wrote:
>
> From: Barefoot Rick <barefootrick@...>
> Subject: [RunningBarefoot] BR's Heart of America Marathon Report -
9/1/2008
> To: RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, September 1, 2008, 9:37 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Not much reading, but several pics!
>
>
>
>
>
>  BR's Heart of America Marathon Report -
> September 1, 2008
>
>
> Hebrews 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you
have done
> the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ... More!
>
>
>
> Heart And Feet of America
> Click Here for Video!
>
> http://barefootrunn er.org/reports/ 08hoa/08hoa. htm
>

Thanks Victoria. Glad the Free Wheelchair Mission got some press.

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, victoriapatt@... wrote:
>
> Great video, Rick....way to go!
> Victoria
>   ><>
>

Ryan - Of about 150 registered and starting, 30 or 40 DNFed. It was a
brutally hot day with lots of folks stiffening up from lactic acid
build up.

I have never seen an ice bath at the end of any other marathon than
this one, but you can bet I was thinking about it all the way to the
finish line ... AAAAHHHH!!!

Thanks for the kudos!

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan - Barefoot in
Vancouver" <ardydub@...> wrote:
>
> What a heart-tugging, warm fuzzy report! A stellar performance for a
> stellar cause. Way to go!!
>
> I noticed some guy limping in the background, around the 38 second
> mark in the video. I'm guessing shod runner injury or stiffness.
>
> You're looking great, Rick!
>
> Ryan
>
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Rick"
> <barefootrick@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Not much reading, but several pics!
> >
> >
> >   BR's Heart of America Marathon Report -
> > September 1, 2008
> >
> > Hebrews 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you
have
> > done
> > the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ... More!
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> >   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> > Heart And Feet of America
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
> >
> > Click Here for Video!
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
> >   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
> >
> > http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm
> > <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> >
>

...even as a fighter pilot during WWII!

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/1239976

Dude!!!

Did they add the rocks this year?

BFT

On Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 11:15 AM, Ryan - Barefoot in Vancouver
<ardydub@yahoo.com> wrote:
> What a heart-tugging, warm fuzzy report! A stellar performance for a
> stellar cause. Way to go!!
>
> I noticed some guy limping in the background, around the 38 second
> mark in the video. I'm guessing shod runner injury or stiffness.
>
> You're looking great, Rick!
>
> Ryan

--
One foot at a time. One sole at a time. One hell of a good time.

Barefoot Ted's Adventures
www.BarefootTed.com
206-405-0872

Huaraches - Indigenous Running Sandals
http://groups.google.com/group/huaraches

Dude!!!

Did they add the rocks this year?

BFT

On Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 11:15 AM, Ryan - Barefoot in Vancouver
<ardydub@...> wrote:
> What a heart-tugging, warm fuzzy report! A stellar performance for a
> stellar cause. Way to go!!
>
> I noticed some guy limping in the background, around the 38 second
> mark in the video. I'm guessing shod runner injury or stiffness.
>
> You're looking great, Rick!
>
> Ryan


--
One foot at a time. One sole at a time. One hell of a good time.

Barefoot Ted's Adventures
www.BarefootTed.com
206-405-0872

Huaraches - Indigenous Running Sandals
http://groups.google.com/group/huaraches

What a heart-tugging, warm fuzzy report! A stellar performance for a
stellar cause. Way to go!!

I noticed some guy limping in the background, around the 38 second
mark in the video. I'm guessing shod runner injury or stiffness.

You're looking great, Rick!

Ryan


--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Rick"
<barefootrick@...> wrote:
>
>
> Not much reading, but several pics!
>
>
>   BR's Heart of America Marathon Report -
> September 1, 2008
>
> Hebrews 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you have
> done
> the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ... More!
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
>   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> Heart And Feet of America
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
>
> Click Here for Video!
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
>   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
>
> http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
>

Great video Rick.
  You`ve ran many marathons, but still,... wow!!!



--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Barefoot Rick"
<barefootrick@...> wrote:
>
>
> Not much reading, but several pics!
>
>
>   BR's Heart of America Marathon Report -
> September 1, 2008
>
> Hebrews 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you
have
> done
> the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ... More!
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
>   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
> Heart And Feet of America
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
>
> Click Here for Video!
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
>   <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.wmv>
>
> http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm
> <http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm>
>

3 miles of gravel?  Ouch!

-unshod ashish

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

Not much reading, but several pics!

BR's Heart of America Marathon Report - September 1, 2008
Hebrews 10:36 - For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ... More!
Heart And Feet of America Click Here for Video!

http://barefootrunner.org/reports/08hoa/08hoa.htm