Hi,

Reading a book about Scientific Writing I came across the concept of Risk
Homeostasis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_homeostasis) which led me to Risk
compensation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_compensation).

Running is shoes seems to be another case of Risk compensation:

risk compensation is an effect whereby individual people may tend to adjust
their behavior in response to perceived changes in risk. It is seen as
self-evident that individuals will tend to behave in a more cautious manner if
their perception of risk or danger increases.

What do you think?

Adolfo Neto
Curitiba, Brazil

PS: I posted a race report here:
http://barefootrunning.com/?page_id=155&mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=19

From Runner's World UK:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/dare-to-bare-the-truth-about-barefoot-runn\
ing/8024.html

I saw this on McDougall's blog:
http://www.chrismcdougall.com/blog/2012/03/the-truth-about-barefoot-running/

It's also about barefoot running. If you run barefoot, you have to be extra
careful. When you were still running in shoes, did you ever think about how you
have to hold and land your foot to minimize the sheer forces of the skin against
the ground?

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Curt Busse" <curt@...> wrote:
>
> This is why some shoes companies attempt to instill Fear, Uncertainty,
> and Doubt <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt>
> about running in bare feet.   Look around this New Balance Minimus
> Facebook page
> <http://www.facebook.com/Newbalance?sk=app_169378679797946>  for a
> really good laugh (check out the "Winner's Gallery" - I love the one
> with the skunk).
>
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > Reading a book about Scientific Writing I came across the concept of
> Risk Homeostasis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_homeostasis) which
> led me to Risk compensation
> (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_compensation).
> >
> > Running is shoes seems to be another case of Risk compensation:
> >
> > risk compensation is an effect whereby individual people may tend to
> adjust their behavior in response to perceived changes in risk. It is
> seen as self-evident that individuals will tend to behave in a more
> cautious manner if their perception of risk or danger increases.
> >
> > What do you think?
> >
> > Adolfo Neto
> > Curitiba, Brazil
> >
> > PS: I posted a race report here:
> http://barefootrunning.com/?page_id=155&mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=19
> >
>

Just a reminder that if you plan to (or attempt to) complete the full Los
Angeles Marathon 2012 barefoot (not in "Barefoot Shoes" - though you're welcome
to bring them "in case"), we'd like to know, and if possible meet up before the
start for group pictures, maybe video silly (or not silly) interviews (to be
posted on YouTube, and maybe other distribution channels later) for absolutely
no reason whatsoever.

More info, and contact or comment at:
http://barefootrunning.com/?p=891

After the marathon please post your comments at the same webpage to let us know
if you completed the entire 26.2 miles barefoot, or not, if you had fun, or
(heaven forbid) not, etc...

Also, Roy M. Wallack and Barefoot Ken Bob Saxton (me) will be
auto-foot-print-graphing your copies (or selling you a copy for $15 to
auto-foot-print-graph) of Barefoot Running Step by Step at the Clean Bottle
booth at the Los Angeles Marathon Expo on 2012 March 17 Saturday at 11am and
2pm.

Have fun,
-Barefoot Ken Bob

Sadly, it's because people don't think they need to be as careful about the
stresses on the feet, while running in shoes, that they end up putting more
injurious stress on the rest of their body.

There I go, spreading more fear!

But seriously, all of the forces that cause repetitive stress injuries to
runners (I'm not talking about running off the side of a cliff, or into an
oncoming truck, or anything like that - this is about the injuries that prevent
most runners from running for several weeks or months of each year)... all of
those forces pass through the soles of our feet (or shoes), and that's the exact
reason the soles of our feet are more sensitive than necessary to just protect
our feet, because their job is actually to protect the rest of our body from
these repetitive stress injuries.

If you must run in shoes, run as if it would hurt to skid, pound, scuff, grind,
etc., your sole against the ground, and if you had any sense you would stop
skidding, pounding, scuffing, grinding, etc... And guess what, most every single
one of us HAS SENSES in our bare soles to do just that!

Have fun,
-barefoot ken bob

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "barefoot_martin" <mae9@...> wrote:
>
> It's also about barefoot running. If you run barefoot, you have to be extra
careful. When you were still running in shoes, did you ever think about how you
have to hold and land your foot to minimize the sheer forces of the skin against
the ground?
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Curt Busse" <curt@> wrote:
> >
> > This is why some shoes companies attempt to instill Fear, Uncertainty,
> > and Doubt <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt>
> > about running in bare feet.   Look around this New Balance Minimus
> > Facebook page
> > <http://www.facebook.com/Newbalance?sk=app_169378679797946>  for a
> > really good laugh (check out the "Winner's Gallery" - I love the one
> > with the skunk).
> >
> >
> > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Reading a book about Scientific Writing I came across the concept of
> > Risk Homeostasis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_homeostasis) which
> > led me to Risk compensation
> > (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_compensation).
> > >
> > > Running is shoes seems to be another case of Risk compensation:
> > >
> > > risk compensation is an effect whereby individual people may tend to
> > adjust their behavior in response to perceived changes in risk. It is
> > seen as self-evident that individuals will tend to behave in a more
> > cautious manner if their perception of risk or danger increases.
> > >
> > > What do you think?
> > >
> > > Adolfo Neto
> > > Curitiba, Brazil
> > >
> > > PS: I posted a race report here:
> > http://barefootrunning.com/?page_id=155&mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=19
> > >
> >
>

I have come across various kinds of wildlife while running barefoot. I believe
that running naturally makes natural life more comfortable being around you. My
theory is, the better you fit in with nature, the better nature accepts your
presence. Its people who run with loud, clumsy, slapping feet that stick out
sorely and upset the natural balance and rhythm of things. I have run up to a
gaggle of Canadian geese or a flock of ducks. Instead of flapping away in a
frenzy, they just stepped politely out of the way and let me pass. I also was
trail running one time and saw two skunks ahead of me. They also seemed very
comfortable having me around them and pretty much ignored me.

Ryan


--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Reynolds <woodlandrealm@...> wrote:
>
> The skunk one is the height of stupid, but the other one I thought comical is
the truck full of porcupines, when does anyone, barefoot or not, ever go out to
run and come across a truck full of porcupines?? lol...
>  
> thanks for sharing! I'm at the end of a 10 hour day in shoes and I needed the
laugh :)
>  
>
> ________________________________
>  From: barefoot_martin <mae9@...>
> To: RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2012 4:07 PM
> Subject: [The Running Barefoot] Re: Risk compensation
>
>
>  
>
> It's also about barefoot running. If you run barefoot, you have to be extra
careful. When you were still running in shoes, did you ever think about how you
have to hold and land your foot to minimize the sheer forces of the skin against
the ground?
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Curt Busse" <curt@> wrote:
> >
> > This is why some shoes companies attempt to instill Fear, Uncertainty,
> > and Doubt <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt>
> > about running in bare feet.   Look around this New Balance Minimus
> > Facebook page
> > <http://www.facebook.com/Newbalance?sk=app_169378679797946>  for a
> > really good laugh (check out the "Winner's Gallery" - I love the one
> > with the skunk).
> >
> >
> > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > Reading a book about Scientific Writing I came across the concept of
> > Risk Homeostasis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_homeostasis) which
> > led me to Risk compensation
> > (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risk_compensation).
> > >
> > > Running is shoes seems to be another case of Risk compensation:
> > >
> > > risk compensation is an effect whereby individual people may tend to
> > adjust their behavior in response to perceived changes in risk. It is
> > seen as self-evident that individuals will tend to behave in a more
> > cautious manner if their perception of risk or danger increases.
> > >
> > > What do you think?
> > >
> > > Adolfo Neto
> > > Curitiba, Brazil
> > >
> > > PS: I posted a race report here:
> > http://barefootrunning.com/?page_id=155&mingleforumaction=viewtopic&t=19
> > >
> >
>

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@...>
wrote:
> Its people who run with loud, clumsy, slapping feet that stick out sorely and
upset the natural balance and rhythm of things.

Whoa. We've got rattlesnakes out here. Maybe I should go buy some shoes. I want
those suckers to sound off early when I'm coming. LOL

Gordon

 

They trigger off vibrations in the ground.  All you need to do is start heel striking.  <330.gif>

Billy

On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 8:15 AM, Gordon <gajslk@...> wrote:

 

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@...> wrote:
> Its people who run with loud, clumsy, slapping feet that stick out sorely and upset the natural balance and rhythm of things.

Whoa. We've got rattlesnakes out here. Maybe I should go buy some shoes. I want those suckers to sound off early when I'm coming. LOL

Gordon

I heard one(it was dark) at 8000 feet in the hills above C. Springs. Better go
high. ;)

I really don't worry about them. I'm pretty vigilant on trails anyway, dodging
detached cactus parts and pointy rocks.

Gordon

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Adam Hicks <climbhoser@...> wrote:
>
> Yeah, rattlers are exactly why I'm wary of Front Range trails through the
summer. Luckily we have easy access to the mountains and good, well travelled
green belts.
>
> Adam Hicks
>
>
> On Mar 7, 2012, at 7:41 AM, Billy Moore <billym36@...> wrote:
>
> > They trigger off vibrations in the ground.  All you need to do is start heel
striking.  <330.gif>
> >
> > Billy
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 8:15 AM, Gordon <gajslk@...> wrote:
> >
> > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@>
wrote:
> > > Its people who run with loud, clumsy, slapping feet that stick out sorely
and upset the natural balance and rhythm of things.
> >
> > Whoa. We've got rattlesnakes out here. Maybe I should go buy some shoes. I
want those suckers to sound off early when I'm coming. LOL
> >
> > Gordon
> >
> >
> >
>

 

I heard one(it was dark) at 8000 feet in the hills above C. Springs. Better go high. ;)

I really don't worry about them. I'm pretty vigilant on trails anyway, dodging detached cactus parts and pointy rocks.

Gordon

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Adam Hicks <climbhoser@...> wrote:
>
> Yeah, rattlers are exactly why I'm wary of Front Range trails through the summer. Luckily we have easy access to the mountains and good, well travelled green belts.
>
> Adam Hicks
>
>
> On Mar 7, 2012, at 7:41 AM, Billy Moore <billym36@...> wrote:
>
> > They trigger off vibrations in the ground. All you need to do is start heel striking. <330.gif>
> >
> > Billy
> >
> >
> > On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 8:15 AM, Gordon <gajslk@...> wrote:
> >
> > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@> wrote:
> > > Its people who run with loud, clumsy, slapping feet that stick out sorely and upset the natural balance and rhythm of things.
> >
> > Whoa. We've got rattlesnakes out here. Maybe I should go buy some shoes. I want those suckers to sound off early when I'm coming. LOL
> >
> > Gordon
> >
> >
> >
>

Or run with shod runners...

Have fun,
-barefoot ken bob

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Billy Moore <billym36@...> wrote:
>
> They trigger off vibrations in the ground.  All you need to do is start
> heel striking.  [?]
>
> Billy
>
> On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 8:15 AM, Gordon <gajslk@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@>
> > wrote:
> > > Its people who run with loud, clumsy, slapping feet that stick out
> > sorely and upset the natural balance and rhythm of things.
> >
> > Whoa. We've got rattlesnakes out here. Maybe I should go buy some shoes. I
> > want those suckers to sound off early when I'm coming. LOL
> >
> > Gordon

Very dangerous. You go first.

Gordon

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "barefootkenbob" <kenbob@...> wrote:
>
> Or run with shod runners...
>
> Have fun,
> -barefoot ken bob
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Billy Moore <billym36@> wrote:
> >
> > They trigger off vibrations in the ground.  All you need to do is start
> > heel striking.  [?]
> >
> > Billy
> >
> > On Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 8:15 AM, Gordon <gajslk@> wrote:
> >
> > > **
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@>
> > > wrote:
> > > > Its people who run with loud, clumsy, slapping feet that stick out
> > > sorely and upset the natural balance and rhythm of things.
> > >
> > > Whoa. We've got rattlesnakes out here. Maybe I should go buy some shoes. I
> > > want those suckers to sound off early when I'm coming. LOL
> > >
> > > Gordon
>

This video was very good. But now it is written "This is a password protected
video". Does anyone have a copy?

Adolfo

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "davisbrftr" <ebrensi@...> wrote:
>
> It's not about barefoot running but there are some references to barefoot
running in it.
>
> https://vimeo.com/33808532
>

There was a news story a few years back about a high school cross country runner
who was chased by a deer for at least a mile. Every time the deer got close
enough, it licked the back of his head and neck. Deer crave salt and can smell
it a long ways away. This deer treated the boy as a mobile salt block!

One time I was with a bunch of Boy Scouts. A group of them had their mountain
bikes and were riding the trails. They were racing down one trail and came upon
a herd of deer. The deer started running - but they weren't running from the
boys - they were running with them! They all zoomed down the mountain together,
deer and boys forming a super-herd. That really made the boys' day!

Ryan

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Marcel Cattin" <fendent@...> wrote:
>
> I had similar experiences. Once I saw 2 deer close to me. We looked at each
> other and I felt connected to them. Often animals can't hear me approaching.
>
> Marcel

You and your co-authors wrote:

"For the duration of the experiment, subjects wore very thin, slip-resistant yoga socks for safety and hygienic purposes."

All results regarding barefoot runners were obtained using these socks (BF0M) or "the
uppers of a different model of running shoes" of Figure 3 (BF1M, BF2M, BF3M)?

That is correct. Only in this way could we add mass to the feet while preserving the "barefoot" condition.

Pete Larson wrote everything that I wanted to have written about this study:

http://www.runblogger.com/2012/03/university-of-colorado-study-determines.html

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> Today Caballo Blanco shared a message from a friend with a link to that
> blog post:
>
> "Wellllll. Caballo has always said "whatever works". Not about
> shoes/non-shoes. Anything can/will be sold....and hyped. Even nothing."
>
> By the way, today I asked the author of the paper that originated the
> blog post:
>
> You and your co-authors wrote:
>
> "For the duration of the experiment, subjects wore very thin,
> slip-resistant yoga socks for safety and hygienic purposes."
>
> All results regarding barefoot runners were obtained using these socks
> (BF0M) or "the
> uppers of a different model of running shoes" of Figure 3 (BF1M, BF2M,
> BF3M)?
>
> His answer:
>
> That is correct. Only in this way could we add mass to the feet while
> preserving the "barefoot" condition.
>
>
>
> Adolfo Neto
> Curitiba, Brazil
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I post a Figure from the paper in the Files section of this group:
> >
> http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/AIZXT87yPEuJq07hMuCqrtDYxKt_YNUXgF9L7S_wYJt\
> \
> >
> ZIMN90iDAmV2-e6d98TvvcB9I6KsXyTCjHihtkXz1hg3xEskPnw/Articles/%20Is%20Lig\
> \
> > hter%20Better%3F_Figure.pdf
> >
> > It shows what the authors think a bare foot is.
> >
> > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Tracy E. Longacre" tel@
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > Just getting around to reading this now and all I can say is WTF?
> Talk
> > about
> > > totally *not* getting barefooting. . .
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >    Tracy E. Longacre
> > >
> > >    from Katima Mulilo, Namibia
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >    just another child of God Blog:
> <http://tlongacre.wordpress.com/>
> > > http://tlongacre.wordpress.com
> > >
> > >    Run Blog:   <http://revruns.blogspot.com/>
> > http://revruns.blogspot.com
> > >
> > >    Photos:  <http://www.flickr.com/photos/tlongacre/>
> > > http://www.flickr.com/photos/tlongacre/
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >           ----O0ooo-
> > >           ----(--)-
> > >           ----)--/--
> > >          ----(_/-
> > >           --ooo0O--
> > >           --(--)--
> > >           --\--(-
> > >           --\_)-
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > From: RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> > > [mailto:RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Adolfo Neto
> > > Sent: 05 March 2012 03:22
> > > To: RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> > > Subject: [The Running Barefoot] Re: Barefoot Versus Running Shoes:
> > Which Is
> > > (Surprisingly) More Efficient?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > The author replied.
> > > He sent me the paper buta asked me not to distribute.
> > >
> > > They wrote:
> > >
> > > "For the duration of the experiment, subjects wore very thin,
> > slip-resistant
> > > yoga socks for safety and hygienic purposes."
> > >
> > > :)
> > >
> > > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> > > <mailto:RunningBarefoot%40yahoogroups.com> , "Adolfo Neto" adolfont@
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Curt,
> > > >
> > > > The main author of the paper is this guy:
> > > > Jason R Franz
> > > > http://sites.google.com/site/jasonrfranz/home
> > > >
> > > > a PhD Candidate.
> > > >
> > > > I have sent him an email asking for a draft version of the paper.
> > > >
> > > > Adolfo
> > > >
> > > > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> > > <mailto:RunningBarefoot%40yahoogroups.com> , "Curt Busse" <curt@>
> > wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > If this is true then the authors hopefully will have specified
> > this in
> > > their "Methods" section - and they should probably change the title
> to
> > > "Metabolic Cost of Running in Socks vs. Half-Shoes."
> > > > >
> > > > > After the "Methods" the second thing I would read is the
> > > "Acknowledgements" to see who funded the study.
> > > > >
> > > > > Where I live no library carries this journal, and I'm unwilling
> to
> > pay
> > > for an on-line report of research that was probably funded by
> taxpayer
> > > money. Anyone have access to the complete report?
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com
> > > <mailto:RunningBarefoot%40yahoogroups.com> , "Gordon" <gajslk@>
> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > More info from the guy who actually participated...
> > > > > >
> > > > > > They were "barefoot", not barefoot. They were never really
> > barefoot.
> > > Apparently they wore some sort of grippy yoga sock.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > When shod, they ran in half a shoe. The front half. WTF?
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

A comment I made to the website, below:

One thing I have always wondered, is if barefoot runners can expect to enjoy a
greater longevity to their running careers? I hear from a lot of people who say
they used to run a lot but they can't any more because of bad knees, bad hips,
etc. Personally, I plan on running barefoot a lot, lot longer, and I'm now 58
years old (running barefoot 7 1/2 years and counting!)

Ryan




--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@...> wrote:
>
>
> Pete Larson wrote everything that I wanted to have written about this study:
>
> http://www.runblogger.com/2012/03/university-of-colorado-study-determines.html
>

Barefoot, of course:

http://www.iaaf.org/Mini/HOF/News/NewsDetail.aspx?id=63781

"Bikila ran barefoot through the Italian capital, an occasion made even more
atmospheric by being the first Olympic marathon to be run at night, crossing the
line in what was then a world best of 2:15:16.2."

Ryan,

That's a very good point. I know a guy who does not run anymore because of bad
knees.

But this is very difficult to test. It would take many years. A PhD. lasts only
four years.

Adolfo Neto

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@...>
wrote:
>
> A comment I made to the website, below:
>
> One thing I have always wondered, is if barefoot runners can expect to enjoy a
greater longevity to their running careers? I hear from a lot of people who say
they used to run a lot but they can't any more because of bad knees, bad hips,
etc. Personally, I plan on running barefoot a lot, lot longer, and I'm now 58
years old (running barefoot 7 1/2 years and counting!)
>
> Ryan
>
>
>
>
> --- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Pete Larson wrote everything that I wanted to have written about this study:
> >
> >
http://www.runblogger.com/2012/03/university-of-colorado-study-determines.html
> >
>

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "Adolfo Neto" <adolfont@...> wrote:
> Pete Larson wrote everything that I wanted to have written about this study:

Pete was way too nice. But he's a nice guy.

Gordon

Ryan, from my perspective, yes you have nailed it.  Within 15 to 20 years I
would not be surprised to see a higher than expected proportion of older runners
being barefoot.  A kind of survival of the fittest. I expect to be one of the
survivors, despite having been advised 7 years ago at the age of 52 (after
having fluid drained repeatedly from both knees) that I should stop running.

I reluctantly heeded this advice and took up the sport of treading water until I
discovered the Galloway run/walk method. By taking frequent walk breaks I found
that I could run (still shod) without my knees swelling, but they still hurt -
and then the PF kicked in. Then I read Born to Run and have not looked back.

Some people take notice when Ken Bob gets a dozen people to run the L.A.
Marathon in bare feet. Imagine when he gets a dozen people over the age of
sixty!


--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, "rdwhitaker2012" <rdwhitaker2012@...>
wrote:
>
> A comment I made to the website, below:
>
> One thing I have always wondered, is if barefoot runners can expect to enjoy a
greater longevity to their running careers? I hear from a lot of people who say
they used to run a lot but they can't any more because of bad knees, bad hips,
etc. Personally, I plan on running barefoot a lot, lot longer, and I'm now 58
years old (running barefoot 7 1/2 years and counting!)

Help!  Twice in the last two weeks, I've managed to stub my big toe while
barefoot running.  I'm running primarily on concrete sidewalks, and I suspect
that the surface is smooth enough that I don't pay enough attention to the
ground so that when a slightly raised piece of sidewalk comes along, I'm
catching my toe on it as I lift the rear foot toward the front.  All I know for
sure is that one minute I'm happily running, and the next I'm on the ground in
pain with a chipped toenail and a bloody scrape on the front.  Once on each
foot.  Is there some trick to paying better attention to the ground?  Am I not
lifting my feet high enough?  I welcome your advice.

Kevin

God gave us some pretty amazing pieces of work just for this purpose. They're
called eyes :) Just watch where you're running and you should be fine. Same goes
for watching out where you're going so you don't step on all of those needles
out there that everybody says are out there.

--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Brubaker <kbrubaker@...> wrote:
>
> Help!  Twice in the last two weeks, I've managed to stub my big toe while
barefoot running.  I'm running primarily on concrete sidewalks, and I suspect
that the surface is smooth enough that I don't pay enough attention to the
ground so that when a slightly raised piece of sidewalk comes along, I'm
catching my toe on it as I lift the rear foot toward the front.  All I know for
sure is that one minute I'm happily running, and the next I'm on the ground in
pain with a chipped toenail and a bloody scrape on the front.  Once on each
foot.  Is there some trick to paying better attention to the ground?  Am I not
lifting my feet high enough?  I welcome your advice.
>
> Kevin
>

Hi Kevin,

I'd say try running on some rougher terrain like a trail for a little while.
Your feet might not know there own proximity to stuff. I had this happen twice a
long time ago and it was from sidewalks. Sidewalks and roads are way toooooo
smooth. A trail makes you pay attention and also lets you test out proximity to
obstacles that you can't get on the smooth road. Once that awareness gets
engrained into your muscle memory, you'll be better off on the road as well.
That's just my take on it as it seamed to work for me. In fact I now always try
to incorporate at least a section of trail if I can't find a whole trail for my
run. Trail running wakes everything up and keeps you loose, relaxed, and aware.

Best,
Josh



--- In RunningBarefoot@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Brubaker <kbrubaker@...> wrote:
>
> Help!  Twice in the last two weeks, I've managed to stub my big toe while
barefoot running.  I'm running primarily on concrete sidewalks, and I suspect
that the surface is smooth enough that I don't pay enough attention to the
ground so that when a slightly raised piece of sidewalk comes along, I'm
catching my toe on it as I lift the rear foot toward the front.  All I know for
sure is that one minute I'm happily running, and the next I'm on the ground in
pain with a chipped toenail and a bloody scrape on the front.  Once on each
foot.  Is there some trick to paying better attention to the ground?  Am I not
lifting my feet high enough?  I welcome your advice.
>
> Kevin
>