Is Barefoot Running for You?

I had the privilege of running both cross country and track in high school and college. I also ran in the NCAA Division II Cross country Finals in 1969 and 1971. I have also coached both sports on and off for 33 years at the junior high and high school level.

In almost every major running event, the athlete always had a pair of spikes or running shoes on. However, when it came to training, many athletes trained without shoes. Going without shoes for practice depends on the terrain and conditions. Let's look at these two areas.

Terrain
Barefoot running on a rock free and grass area can be a pleasant experience. Golf courses or sod farms are an excellent place to run. Frontage roads, streets and area with possible debris can cause both minor and major injury. There is no protection for the bottom of the feet. Barefoot running on a track is usually safe, providing the athlete can avoid foot contact with other athletes.

Conditions
Weather and climate can cause major issues with barefoot running. Extreme cold or heat can quickly cause blisters for feet that are not prepared. Large crowds can also cause problems. The possibility of being spiked is heightened.

Beginning
When you decide to begin running barefoot, find a safe area. Start small and gradually add to your distance. It takes time to sculpture the bottom of your feet for this style of running. Do not over stride. Over striding causes more stress fractures.

Abebe Bikila
Bikila was an Olympic marathon runner. He was the first black African, from Ethiopia to win a gold medal. At the Rome Olympics in 1960, he won the marathon without wearing shoes. Four years later, at the games in Tokyo, he won the marathon with shoes. Bikila trained without shoes all the time. It was a natural style of running for him up to the games in Rome. He then started evolving to shoe use in time for the Tokyo games. Note; Bikila was offered a pair of shoes by Adidas at the Rome games, but discovered they didn't fit. So he ran his natural way.

Running
Barefoot running gives a good feeling. It is a natural way to run. However, many of us are use to the idea of foot protection. We also like the idea of having the best and most expensive shoe on our feet. There are some that like to mix it up. Whatever you decide to do, keep a close eye on your feet for cuts, blisters and abrasions.

Barefoot Research
The University of Delaware recently announced that they are beginning research on barefoot running. They are conducting a web based study to understand the habits of barefoot runners. You can participate in this study by contacting Allison Altman at 302-831-4646.

sources;www.therunningbarefoot.com

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