I just did my first run in my new pair of Vibram FiveFingers barefoot shoes.  It really is a liberating feeling running barefoot.  It made me feel like I was a kid again… I just wanted to run. That was until my calves started reminding me that this was my first run “barefoot”, and I need to get more practice in.  I stopped at around 2 and a half k’s.  My calves are killing me now, in a good way.

I’m a huge believer in strengthening parts of the body that are underworked, rather than using band-aid type measures, such as inner-soles or heavily cushioned running shoes.  I see these as a great way to learn to run and work out naturally.  Actually going barefoot and stepping on sharp stones and glass isn’t really an alternative, so these are the next best thing.

There is a great article on the principles of barefooting at New York Magazine.  It’s quite long, but got me inspired.