Barefoot on the Treadmill?

Last night at the gym Jennie and I decided to test out our new style of running. We worked out on the elliptical for about 30 minutes and then decided we should give the whole barefoot thing a try. We had heard from several people that we needed to start slowly and carefully so as not to injure any of the muscles that we haven't been using with our fancy running shoes.

We started out walking barefoot on the treadmill at about a 2.5-3.0 speed. We definitely got some funny looks from those around us at the gym! After about 5 minutes of walking (it felt really nice to be barefoot I might add) we decided to go for it and jog for a few minutes. We jogged at about a 5.0, a 12 min mile pace, which is slower than either of us typically run, but it was our first barefoot experience. We both loved it! Definitely need to build up the strength in my ankles and shins and the callouses on my feet, but it felt so nice--so natural compared to running in shoes. Jennie said she definitely felt it in her calves more than anywhere else. I think my calves were alright because I tend to take shorter strides and stay more up on my toes, even in running shoes.

My biggest complaint is that the balls of my feet are rather raw this morning. I will definitely have to build that up, but I think that I prefer the barefoot feel to wearing the Vibram Fivefingers that we tested out. Jennie definitely wants a pair of the Vibrams but I think I'll save the money and use my bare feet. I am also thinking about investing in a pair of the gladiator running sandals for running on rocky terrain.


Overall, it was an awesome experience and I think this change is important on our road to the life more abundant (no pun intended)! I'm hoping this will motivate me to run more often and enjoy it. I'm also in the middle of reading Born to Run which is helping to motivate me. Who knows, maybe we'll actually do our half-marathon!

EDIT: And now that I've read more about barefoot running I'm realizing I don't need to build up callouses, but instead I need to change my technique :) Apparently I need to land lighter and pick up my foot sooner--those actions should help avoid any friction!