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My questions about barefoot running
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S. Pinkfontaine
May 13, 07 9:09
Post #1 of 11 (1905 views)
I keep hearing how barefoot running will help people to develop an efficient running form. Well, today after my long run, I went running around the grassy inside part of a track to see what it was like. I only did 2 laps but I tried some different things. I tried my normal running form and I also tried running more on my forefoot. Both ways felt fine.

However, since I heard about it and tried it, I admit that I didn't really know about what I should look for when I'm doing the barefoot running. Should I land more on my forefoot? When I tried it today, my heel was barely touching the ground. How often and how far should I go when I do barefoot running? How long before my stride starts to change?

Thanks.
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http://trainingoferic.blogspot.com/
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [erichollins] [ In reply to ]
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IzzyG
May 13, 07 9:41
Post #2 of 11 (1885 views)
    Barefoot running is often linked with the chi method of running-try googling that. Definitely try to land on your forefoot. However, for some beginners, landing forefoot for longer distances without shoes can be hard(development of calf muscles). It should feel like you're fluttering and not really landing at any point of time. Without shoes, I've always felt I can feel the ground more and hence make subtle changes that I otherwise cannot notice with a shoe. For example, over pronating can sometimes be missed when wearing heavily cushioned shoes(this is my experience and opinion). However, with barefoot running, you can't cheat. I think all in all it's about form. Some people have an already awesome form while wearing shoes and hence can do so with no problem. I can't seem to translate it over when I wear shoes because it's a different feel. I think barefoot running kinda allows you to run with a more natural form.


Buuuuuuuuuuut, I could be all wrong.
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [erichollins] [ In reply to ]
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Dreadnought
May 13, 07 11:24
Post #3 of 11 (1850 views)
http://www.runningbarefoot.org/?name=ZolaBudd
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [erichollins] [ In reply to ]
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vo2maxed
May 13, 07 12:22
Post #4 of 11 (1819 views)
Try reading this article... It's changed the way I look at barefoot running and my choice of shoes..

http://www.menshealth.com/...CM10000013281eac________
http://wardmoya.blogspot.com/
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [erichollins] [ In reply to ]
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BarryP
May 13, 07 16:18
Post #5 of 11 (1741 views)
6-10 by 50 meter striders at the end of a run.

Most importantly, stand up tall and make sure your feet plant beneath you, not out in front. The foot should be relatively parallel to the ground when it strikes (+- 15 degrees) with either:

A) The heel hitting micro seconds before the forefoot
B) The forefoot hitting first and then the heel following microseconds later'
C) Landing on the heel and forefoot at the same time, but immeditately transfering to the forefoot
D) Only landing on the forefoot.

What ever you do, don't lean forward and crash onto your heel.

Good luck.
-----------------------------Baron Von Speedypants
-----------------------------RunTraining articles here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...runtraining;#1612485
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [erichollins] [ In reply to ]
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Rowdy
May 13, 07 16:35
Post #6 of 11 (1722 views)
I run barefoot quite a bit. Your heel will touch just after you land on your foot.

Take your time to build up bone density and allow your muscles to strengthen. If you stay on grass you can push the distance a little more than you can on pavement. I started out by running a mile and by the end of the week I was up to three. Go by feel. You may experience fatigue in your stomach, lower back and ankles. That is normal. Your using your muscles properly. It takes a little time to build the endurance.

What I noticed most with running barefoot is that my cadence is high and that my feet land right underneath me. My stride is pretty short. Do a brick workout while running barefoot. You may find your legs come to you much sooner than when wearing shoes.
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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S. Pinkfontaine
May 14, 07 6:14
Post #7 of 11 (1657 views)
That's many different ways to land but thanks for the advice and I'll try it out my next barefoot run.
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http://trainingoferic.blogspot.com/
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [erichollins] [ In reply to ]
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BarryP
May 14, 07 7:02
Post #8 of 11 (1627 views)
Most people who run with good form do A) at lower speeds, B&C) at medium speeds, and D) at high speeds. For me, B&C occur at ~4:40/mile and D) happens @ 4:10/mile. It all depends on how you are built.

You should practice all of them and find what works well for you at what pace.
-----------------------------Baron Von Speedypants
-----------------------------RunTraining articles here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...runtraining;#1612485
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [BarryP] [ In reply to ]
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S. Pinkfontaine
May 14, 07 8:04
Post #9 of 11 (1596 views)
I almost never do D) unless I'm consciously thinking about it. I usually do A) or C). I don't think I ever do B) either. I'll have my coach yell at me, I mean critique my running form at the next run practice that we have and see what he notices about my foot strike.
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http://trainingoferic.blogspot.com/
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [vo2maxed] [ In reply to ]
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portez
May 15, 07 12:00
Post #10 of 11 (1538 views)
In Reply To:
Try reading this article... It's changed the way I look at barefoot running and my choice of shoes..

http://www.menshealth.com/...CM10000013281eac________
I read this article, was pretty entertaining. It sounds like the guy concludes in the end that while running barefoot is best, an alternative that is more viable for road surfaces but still promotes strengthening of foot, form, is to find the shoe with the smallest heel and least amount of support for arch--i.e, a neutral shoe, maybe even a racing type shoe. Does that make sense? I've got pretty flat feet, as a result, use motion control shoes AND orthotics. I run in them and my feet don't hurt or anything but it sure feels like my feet are miles from the ground they're running on. Seems like it all just serves to isolate them....any thoughts?
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Re: My questions about barefoot running [portez] [ In reply to ]
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ttbikefit
May 15, 07 13:00
Post #11 of 11 (1512 views)
yes motion control shoes/orthotics are evil. If you mid-forefoot strike, you can throw them away. The only"motion" that needs "controlling" is the heel-toe transition - no heel strike, no over pronation. Put it this way - the frequency of injured runners hasn't changed in the last 30 yrs even with all the "advances" in shoe technology. Stop relying on big fat shoes with stiff planks in them to "cushion" your "impact" - do it the way nature intended, learn to run properly and you can wear lightweight trainers or flats all the time, sans orthotics.

TK
ttbikefit.com
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