Normally I run in my Vibram FiveFingers. I haven’t run with “normal” shoes in almost a
year. In fact, just about the only time
I wear shoes at all is going to work or social engagements that require long pants.
Over the years I’ve dabbled in running barefoot. Several years back when I actually did speed
work I would occasionally do intervals across several soccer fields. This was before I even heard of minimalist running
or Vibrams or such. I always liked the
feeling of my bare feet running across the grass.
I ran my usual five mile route, cutting through Herman Park Golf Course and a loop around Rice University and then back through the golf
course. This route is 99% crushed
granite trail lined on both sides by oak trees that must have been around since
Texas was an independent country. My
running partner Liz and I refer to this route as “the short way out and the
short way back”. When running around Rice you can go off path
onto dirt and over the tree roots to make it a bit more like a trail run. It is a nice route with several water
fountains conveniently spaced apart. Even
on the hottest of days a water bottle isn’t necessary.
I was determined to finally run truly barefoot on a
non-grass surface. I figured my best bet
was to wait until I was on the way back. The
half mile section through the golf course would be a great first unprotected foot
experience, and if anything went terribly wrong I would be within hobbling
distance from home. The main loop was fairly typical; I always get
a few stares at my Vibram covered feet. I
pulled up to the bicycle rack, leaned back and stripped off my Vibrams.
As soon as I started moving it was both great and shitty at
the same time. My feet really liked the
freedom to fully splay out. There is
something really nice about feeling the ground with your bare feet. I noticed my form didn’t really change, which
I think is good, and I kept about the same pace. At the same time crushed rock probably wasn’t
the smartest choice of surfaces. After six
weeks off, the callouses on the bottom of my feet are nearly gone so I felt
every sharp edge of those micro rocks. I passed a couple guys and the looks on their
faces was priceless. I’m not sure that they
could wrap their minds around someone running barefoot.
It was a good first experiment. With that said, as I was walking on the grass
and running across the street back to my condo.
I noticed that those surfaces are much more barefoot friendly. So for now I’ll probably keep my barefoot
running to those surfaces.
