I wanted to provide a quick update on running barefoot. I have run three times in the past week. The first was on a treadmill, I know that is cheating, but I was concerned about cushioning and just generally being able to run in the sandals at all. Aside from being disappointed that I could only run about 2.5 or 3 miles and had to walk at times, I was very pleased with my pace and general feel. I didn’t have trouble with the arch afterwords and my feet were not sore. The hardest transition was running differently. The Born to Run book mentions that we should embrace our natural pronation as it allows our foot to provide cushioning support for the body. The mental metaphor I have been using to change the way I run has been to pretend that I don’t have a heel. It sounds funny, but it works. It is HARD to run this way. I have always been a pronounced heel striker. Of course I have always had back problems and have torn my achilles slightly running The Leadville 100 a couple of years ago.

Great trail run just west of downtown Boulder

My second run was on the Foothills trail, Mt Sanitas Valley and Dakota Ridge trail runs. I have a picture of the trail map in this post, but you can find more information about the run here. I love this run or used to anyway. It was not the easiest trail to run for someone that hasn’t run for a 4 years and is trying out sandals. The most awkward part initially was the loose gravel slipping under my feet. I was able to adjust the sandal to handle this and I suspect this will get better as I perfect this new running style. It was a little easier to run on my forefoot today, but still awkward.

First outside run using the Luna Sandals

The sandals are surprising grippy and comfortable especially on the flats and uphill. The next area to adjust to is the sharp little rocks that are everywhere on the Sanitas Valley/Dakota Ridge section. I have to say I am not worried about spraining my ankle, I am running with a lot of attention and focus on my foot placement. If you get a little sidetracked or tired and complacent, you get a nice sharp rock on your forefoot to remind you to wake up. I used to run downhill very fast, well fast for me anyway. This has changed a bit as I am getting adjusted to the slippery feeling (perceived not real) of running in sandals and general fear and concern that I have about the ankle in general.

Second run in the sandals

My third run was on the Boulder Creek Path. It was shady, concrete and dirt. I had an excellent run. I didn’t blaze a speed pace, but I was able to run 7:30s. This pace made me feel pretty great. I had no real uphill or downhill to speak of. I am not sure if you know the Boulder Creek Path, but it may be a reason to move to Boulder. Overall I felt great, I don’t have any wind yet and no knee or back pain. I am also encouraged that I am not crippled and hobbling around running. I actually feel worse after Tae Kwon Do.

One of the funniest things that has happened on both outside runs is the reaction I get from people running near/by me. I swear I am going to have to help someone up after they crash and fall watching my feet. Some people try the sneak look a couple times and some people steer wide of me and look at my face and feet with high speed alternating frequency like their head is on a bobble head swivel.

BTW, my lovely wife kicked my butt on this run. My girl, the little deer or tornado depending on the day.

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