First Truly Barefoot Run

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.