So after two weeks rest due to a calf strain, I have just completed a gentle four mile run and the good news is that I felt fine!

I had intended to only have one week off, but it’s amazing how quickly you can get out of routine. With work mega busy and schools on half term the days just rushed by – which to be honest is no bad thing. Much better to fully recover, because after all it’s too late to make a difference to my performance in this weekends Bath Half Marathon.

During my two weeks off, I continued with the muscle rubs and the compression as well as some very gentle stretching as soon as I felt better. I also tested out a nifty little device designed to help Plantar Faciitis. Not that I am suffering from this, but I am slightly worried that it might develop because I keep being told it can be one of the downsides of barefoot running.

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Recent posts:

Just when it was all going so well… ^[1]

Putting in the miles ^[2]

Are my feet going to change shape? ^[3]

Newton Running shoes – genius? ^[4]

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The PediRoller, as it is known, is a ridged cylinder that you use by rolling under your foot – you can do this watching TV or even sitting at your desk. The rolling action combined with the ridged rubber massages the plantar fascia - a band of connective tissue along the bottom of the foot that can become tight or painful.

It feels great - even without painful arches, and the PediRoller claims that with regular use it increases flexibility, releases tension and aids circulation. At well under a tenner I reckon it’s worth a try!

Since Christmas, as part of my new-found foot care regime, I have also been wearing a pair of recovery shoes by Sole. The Exhale shoe has an orthopedic sole that moulds to your foot with wear. I had expected this to mean it would be softer than it actually is, in fact when they arrived they seemed distinctly solid and clumpy. I could easily have been put off – they are not exactly a fashion statement either – but then they do not claim to be.

As it happens they are really comfortable and I wear them in place of slippers. You can wear them as a shoe or as a slip on (the heal section neatly folds flat) and the soft sherpa fleece lining is really comfy. I wont be heading out into town in them – but don’t be put off by my vanity, if you are looking for comfortable lounging shoes these ones may just fit the bill.

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Vibram FiveFingers

So – in my last post I promised to let you know about my trial of Vibram FiveFingers. I will, but it’s only a short trial so far because I really like the feel of them, but picked up the injury using them, so I don’t feel I can give a fair appraisal.

The plus side is they really do feel like you are running barefoot, the individual toes have quite an extraordinary feel which is much more noticeable than I would ever have imagined.

I delayed trying them because when they arrived it was freezing and obviously they are designed to be worn without socks. Being a wimp I chased up primalifestyle (generous supplier of Vibram FiveFingers) and was very kindly sent a pair of toe socks to wear with them – although the folk at Vibram FiveFingers insisted they were not necessary.

The first time I wore them was with the socks (my children fell about laughing) – the second time was without. They were right, I do not really need socks and they are indeed more comfortable without.

Having the individual toes seems to help prevent my feet from slapping the ground – they genuinely do help you land on your forefoot.

I’ll be honest, I am not desperately keen on the look of them, somehow the combination of a traditional lacing system with the avant garde toe style does not quite work. I think a more contemporary, futuristic or even asymmetric styling would suit them better. However I am not deterred – I like the feel and will persevere. Watch this space and I will report back again soon.

By the way, I was orginally planning to do this blog up until the Bath Half Marathon - but it will continue, because I am having so much fun and there is so much more to talk about. Next stop will be a marathon!

Got a question, comment or just fancy a chat? Email me at [email protected] ^[5]

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Resources:

www.primalifestyle.com ^[6]

www.pediroller.co.uk ^[7]

www.treatfeet.me ^[8]

www.newtonrunning.co.uk ^[9]

www.merrell.com ^[10]

www.vivobarefoot.com ^[11]

www.chrismcdougall.com ^[12]

www.terraplana.com ^[13]

www.runningbath.co.uk ^[14]

www.compressport.uk.com ^[15]

About this blog: This blog is all about my experiences as I embark on converting to Barefoot running – I will investigate the market, sort facts from fiction (maybe) test the footwear and attempt to run the Bath Half Marathon in March wearing my Barefoot shoe of choice.

What is Barefoot running? Barefoot running is not actually Barefoot in most cases, but a new style of minimal shoe and a more natural way of running.

Why Barefoot running? Many people believe that the technological advances in running shoes over the last 20-30 years are unnecessary and could be responsible for many injuries. Barefoot devotees say simpler footwear allows the foot to build up it’s own strength and protects against injury better than any shoe can.

Who am I? I am a 45 year old woman, mother of two, twice a week runner and co-founder of Sportsister. I was in my younger days a pretty decent canoeist and sportswoman, now I am pretty average middle aged woman.

Where did it all begin? For me it all began with the now cult book Born To Run by Chris McDougall. Chris embarks on research into his own running related injuries and refusing to believe he will not ever be able to run again goes in search of the Tarrahumara Tribe in South America to see how they can run hundreds of miles a week barefoot well into old age and yet we cannot.

I love this book, I love the slightly anti-establishment element that challenges and questions, I love the renegade characters featured In the Ultra marathon world and I love the fact that Chris has founded a whole movement. Plus now he can run and even attempt ultra marathons.

What do I hope to achieve? I am hoping this adventure will re-invigorate my interest in running, help me stay injury free and lead to me running more! Ultimately I would like to find the time to train for a marathon and I even fantasise about going further – maybe 30-40-50 miles. Towards the end of my time as a canoeist I found myself persuaded to enter a 125 canoe race (non stop) I could not believe it was possible - but it is and I went on to complete it two more times. I would like to see if I can run a long way too…