I have been very interested in learning more about barefoot running lately. When I run with regular (albeit good quality) running shoes, my shins, knees, and various other body parts begin to ache after a while. This especially happens if I run 2 or 3 days in a row. From what I have heard, running barefoot and landing on the balls of your feet rather than your heels significantly reduces these aches and pains. It makes sense, since you are not pounding your heels and jolting your legs and lower back with every step.
I have done a couple of very short barefoot runs on the treadmill and man does it make my calves burn. It also feels very awkward and I have to go slowly and take very short strides. I can see that it is going to take a long time to be able to run the same distances and speed that I am used to running with running shoes on.
Here’s a cool video about barefoot running:
