Spirit Reborn
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- Posted: Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:14:58 +0000
Derrin Claret
I have a pair of Vibram KSO's that I seem to have misplaced. I also have a pair of factory-installed feet, which I am currently trying to break in. I haven't run for years, so my feet are progressing at about the same rate as my cardiovascular system, which works out well. I have to stop running before I've run far enough that it will hurt my feet.
If you are thinking of starting barefoot running, I would recommend NOT starting with the Vibrams if you've only ever run in shoes. The problem with starting with Vibrams is that they kill a lot of the sensation of running, which means you don't have the instant feedback that your skin gives you. If you start barefoot, your skin will start hurting before you run long enough to hurt your feet (kind of like me and my poor endurance). With the Vibrams, which feel reaaaaaly good on, your skin never really starts hurting, which can trick you into training too much for one day. Once your bones and muscles are used to the barefoot running form, then you can start using the Vibrams for protection over longer distances or rougher terrain.
Either way, be sure to start for only 5-10 minutes a day. Progress very slowly, to make sure you don't injure your feet. A lot of injuries are caused by running in constrictive shoes, true, but that's only compared to minimalist/bare feet that are fully trained, not feet that are just starting. Going slow will make sure that you don't get any of the injuries that barefoot running is supposed to prevent.
Good luck with your shoe search!
If you are thinking of starting barefoot running, I would recommend NOT starting with the Vibrams if you've only ever run in shoes. The problem with starting with Vibrams is that they kill a lot of the sensation of running, which means you don't have the instant feedback that your skin gives you. If you start barefoot, your skin will start hurting before you run long enough to hurt your feet (kind of like me and my poor endurance). With the Vibrams, which feel reaaaaaly good on, your skin never really starts hurting, which can trick you into training too much for one day. Once your bones and muscles are used to the barefoot running form, then you can start using the Vibrams for protection over longer distances or rougher terrain.
Either way, be sure to start for only 5-10 minutes a day. Progress very slowly, to make sure you don't injure your feet. A lot of injuries are caused by running in constrictive shoes, true, but that's only compared to minimalist/bare feet that are fully trained, not feet that are just starting. Going slow will make sure that you don't get any of the injuries that barefoot running is supposed to prevent.
Good luck with your shoe search!
Ah, Thank you for the wonderful tips! I'll definitely consider them should I ever start on barefoot running. : )