Run #12

Today I ran the route I'd mapped out when I first started the barefoot running.

My goal was to run to the end and back of a long stretch of grass near the seafront.

The next goal is to keep running that route until I don't feel anymore aches and pains in my lower legs.

The bruised foot wasn't really showing itself so that was a good first sign.

What I noticed today and other days is that the strengthening process involves a rotation in the lower leg region of tightness and soreness. It seems as one area strengthens another area needs to catch up. The pads on the foot have been the most consistent area to respond to the stimulus. The other areas seem to come and go, although having said that the stiffness in my calves has now cleared up.

Today I felt it in the Achilles tendon on the right foot. It did pass towards the end of the run and only kicked in after about 12 minutes into the run.

Also my left foot on the top left, a small muscle seems to be straining under the load. So I think that muscle too, needs to strengthen.

This process is not just about tight calves. It involves the whole region.

Today the weather was a bit drizzly. The grass was wet and the ground a bit soft from the recent rain. It was lovely to run on it.

Having got some momentum today I started to feel it working me slightly with some slightly heavier breathing. Its still not working my lungs like the swimming does. But its still baby steps.

It was a fair 40 minute run. I still need to measure it out. Its definitely 3 miles, just need to see if its a bit more than that. At the pace I was going its probably not that much more.

I changed my daily walking this last week. I didn't see any point continually aggravating the bruise by walking everywhere barefoot. So I decided this: I'd teach barefoot, I'd do my grass run or walk barefoot, be at home barefoot, do my tai chi practice barefoot, but the rest of the time I'd walk in slops.

This approach paid off as it allowed my bruise to heal faster. So now I should be able to run twice a week. Once my foot heals completely I'll increase that to more(3 or 4).

I like the route because it has a mixture of terrain.

My knee feels a tiny tenderness but its livable and doesn't feel its much more than a mild stress from the lengthy run.

I'd like to get to 5 miles as my next target. That involves running on tarmac as well which I want to be able to do easily. I shan't begin that increase until everything has settled down on my current level.

One thing I like about this new interest is I've got something to work on over autumn, winter and spring. I believe its important to have winter projects to work on otherwise one gets bogged down in the gloom of winter. In fact I'm keen to see just how long I can run barefoot this winter. I'd like to see myself running all winter barefoot. That's my goal. I'm not sure when frostbite sets in but I will find out before its that cold.

I am running well within myself, so its just a matter of getting the lower legs in shape to match the rest of my body and endurance.

I will say that this barefoot running seems a lot easier on the energy used by the body. Also my thighs aren't really feeling these runs at all. I would imagine once I start stretching the distance a bit, I'll feel it in the thighs. Also upping the pace will probably bring the thighs in more as well.