Born to Run

[JamesR]

If you are serious about _barefoot_ running, begin immediately. Don't wait until you're in great running shape - your feet takes time to toughen up anyways!
And take it EXTREMELY slow. Start off with a couple minutes, then add to that every couple days.
Pay attention.. Pay VERY CLOSE attention. Pay more attention than you've ever paid before, because you never had to before.
Adjust your body to your feet. Change your gait, slow down, step closer, pay attention to what reduces the pain.
Get that feedback loop. Adjust. Grow into your new running gait slowly. Adapt.
Good luck. Enjoy
Welcome to low-impact running.

[theanimal]

The Xeroshoes came today. Only walked around today but honestly that wasn't as easy as you would think! I'm in college so I walk a lot (classes etc.). I shoretened my stride so that my feet land under my pelvis and torso. I think I land more around the upper mid foot now. Anyways my feet are definitely feeling it..as well as other muscles in my lower legs..should be a fun journey!

[Chad]

Just finished this book. I loved it. I take it more as a life philosophy book than a "I found the ultimate answer, and it's running" book. No one activity is ever the answer, but I like the positive note of the book and it is a little ERE.

[Jen10]

I used to run a lot (70+ miles a week) when I was training for marathons (my goal was to get to the Olympic Trials, which I did not do). I wore traditional running shoes with orthotics (for overpronation that was causing knee pain). I would need new running shoes every month or so because of the wear pattern on the soles (my knees would start to feel it).

These days I do mostly interval type stuff, replacing mileage with intensity. I have been doing "barefoot" running with homemade huaraches (google "barefoot huaraches" for make your own instructional videos/sites). They're probably not so great for cold weather but they're a nice alternative to actual barefoot running (I have tried it and it is not fun when you step on something sharp or when the pavement is super hot) and not as expensive as the Vibrams if you buy the materials in bulk and make your own.