Last week, I realized that people might be sick of hearing about only my experiences with barefoot running, so I asked you to submit your stories about barefoot and minimalist running. I’ve received a number of stories and I am so excited to share these with you.

So, with out further adieu, here is Melyssa, blogger at Go Mel, Run!

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I started running in July of this year (2010). A coworker kept telling me about this program that teaches you how to run. (Couch to 5k to be exact.) Pretty funny when you think about it. Everyone knows how to run. Duh. But I could never run for more than 2 minutes at a time. I’ve seen him on the treadmill at the gym in our building. He coupled this running program with counting points (Weight Watchers). I started to watch him lose weight. And for a person who has always struggled with weight, that was quite a testimony. I knew I just had to give it a try.

He took the barefoot/minimalistic approach. He would run on the treadmill in his socks. Like everyone else who has never seen this done, I thought it was a bit wacky. I began to do my own research on it. I’ve heard the complaints of aches and pains due to running. If that’s the case, then why would I want to run? I have a friend who ran for years. But then she stopped because she was having lower back pain. Another friend who did track in high school complained of shin splints. As I continued my research I found so many discomforts due to running. So I started to wonder why people were getting hurt doing something that’s supposed to benefit you. It just didn’t add up.

 
If I was going to start running, I don’t want to go through the pain. What’s the point, right? But when I came across the reasons why people run barefoot, it just made sense. I learned why I couldn’t wait to get home and kick off my shoes. It’s because our shoes are traps, while our feet want to be free.

I have always done my own thing despite what people thought. I started the c25k program in my favorite sandals. It was a little different but pretty neat. The next run, I tried running with shoes. I’ve always run in shoes in the past, but this day was different. I really thought I was going to trip over my shoes and fall face first. After running in sandals one time, it was enough to show me what a difference minimalistic shoes made. And if that happened with my sandals, then how much better would barefoot running feel? After that day, I never wore shoes on a run again. I finished the program in my sandals. Shortly after, I had the funds to purchase my long awaited Vibram FiveFingers KSO’s.

 
What was once a sport I hated has now become a big part of my life. All I want to do is read about running and practice my form. I even sometimes walk or run completely barefooted in my neighborhood. I advise people to keep an open mind, and to do research because running is supposed to be fun. And it’s pretty neat to be part of this movement to promote healthy feet.

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Thanks for sharing, Melyssa! Be sure to visit Melyssa’s blog to read more about her adventures in her KSO’s!

It’s wonderful to hear the different reasons why people started running barefoot. Everyone’s experiences are so different, so if you have a story about barefoot or minimalist running that you’d like to share on Abby Normally, shoot me an email at abby.normally.blog[at]gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more stories!

When did you first hear about barefoot running? Was it from a friend (like Melyssa did) or a book or magazine? What was your initial reaction? Intrigued or incredulous?!

The Bare{foot} Essentials I
The Bare{foot} Essentials II
The Bare{foot} Essentials III
The Bare{foot} Essentials IV
The Bare{foot} Essentials V
The Bare{foot} Essentials VI
The Bare{foot} Essentials VII
The Bare{foot} Essentials IX
The Bare{foot} Essentials X
The Bare{foot} Essentials XI 
The Bare{foot} Essentials XII
The Bare{foot} Essentials XIII