The Real Randy (The Natural Randy)

Ok i hope this thread brings a lot of suggestions. 

So the road crew just recently paved our nasty roads out here in idaho (3 weeks ago), but they seemed to do it so bad they did them with loose gravel/ paved road. 

So i was walking to the store and was getting gravel in my shoes (a week ago), i had an idea, barefoot running and gravel training.

At first it seemed just stupid, but you know what i gave it a shot anyway, i strapped on my vibrams, walked outside picked up some gravel rocks, and placed some in different areas of my vff’s. 

Went for a 4 mile run, not being able to kick the gravel around just having it stationary, not taking it out….Very irritating, i run barefoot in gravel every week (3xs), and thats not so bad.

2 weeks later i have still been doing the gravel in the shoe, i took off the VFF’s, and ran on the road by itself for 3 miles. I have to say, IT MADE A DIFFERENCE, i not only improved with my time, the toughness of my feet, it just felt 100% better! 

It was a little experiment based on some gravel workers working on a road, and it worked for me. Simple dumb and brilliant, i dont know what it will be like for the rest of the pack, but i want to see what you guys all think, try it, dont just post a response with some rude comments please, try it first for 2 weeks log your progress BF and with your Shoes or VFF’s. tell me what you think.

Could it be just somthing so simple and inovating that it worked, or is it something that you just hated the most. 

Either way, i will tell you this was a success story for me, and i will keep posting on the progress. well worth it. 

Of course get ready for the pain the callises, and yes i had a couple bruises because of it, but now im running just fine, ease into it, just like any BFR and let me know what you think. 

GET OFF MY BLOG AND RUN NOW! 

I notice that a lot of the new Barefoot Runners, are so excited that they seem to be jumping the gun. Yes its a brand new way of running, its something exciting and addicting. But its something you can do for a lifetime, you need to gain the experience just like with anything running. If you have never ran before and you enter a marathon you really think you will perform at your highest peek on the first race?

The same goes for BFR, there are steps you will have to take to prevent yourself from being injured, burning out, or just quiting all together. Its a part of the journey into shaping yourself into a healthy, out going, great barefoot runner. 

A couple things you can do to start is exercise those feet, walk in place and build up to a slow run, get the feel for touching the ground lightly with more steps, your stride is going to be shorter while bare foot running. Walk around your home, your yard, ease into being barefoot. Try out new surfaces, but try and start on the smooth ground and grasses, your local track, then move outside a little hit some road a little bit of gravel… but do not make it agonizing, just do it enough to where you wont experience to much pain, calve workouts will always help during the process.

Build up to your runs, start off slow, low lengths, try and do barefoot 3 times a week if you can with your running, and by the end of the month try and get yourself to run 3-4 miles with no pain and a good pace.

The whole reason to start barefoot then move to your minimalist shoes is to gain the right and proper technique, working your feet and the tendons/muscles to perform the right way. A lot of runners who have been running 10+ years that are now switching to barefoot, themselves are having to re-learn proper running. So do not give up and think the slow start is a waste of time, we all go through it, the wait is the worth. Remember barefoot running is the right way to run, so when you want to slip on those minimalist shoes, you will have the proper technique and be able to use them the way they were intended.

Hit some 5k - 10k races barefoot, bring a long an extra pair of minimalist shoes if you don’t think you will be able to do it all. But no shame in it at all, you are just learning the process, and every step barefoot counts! Good luck to all

So it has finally come!

I woke up this morning at 7:30 to go out and cash my check, and headed straight to my local REI store (30 miles away) but it was all worth it. I originally went in to get the bikila LS, the woman decided to bring out all the vibrams for me to try on, and thankfully she did. 

What turned into a great shoe shopping experience for once, i tried them all and when i plugged my foot into the komodo’s i was hooked, i got up and started running around the store, and felt great. Not only was this lady very nice, she was VERY knowledgeable about the vibrams, i did my fair share of research on them all, but she just had that positive attitude and information that said, Randy you need these.

Finally the anticipated drive home, strapped them back on hit the road, and busted out a easy 8 miles, running was fantastic (not like my bare foots) but just as good, very pleased very satisfied and excited to get them KSO’s next.

Well, after a month of researching why natural running & minimalist running is a better form of running i took it up. Started off slow, very slow just a couple miles barefoot every other day, and that was included on a regular run.  As of today June/2/2011 i will have my new vibram five fingers (so excited). It not only made my running better, physically, posture, pace, and mentally…. It improved me as a person.

Barefoot running is a part of my personality and it very much shows. I am a 24 year old father of 1 baby boy ‘Talon’, and a noc shift working CNA, running just put itself in my life and filled that little void of me needing to compete with myself, push myself, and have something else just for me to strive for. 

Since running i have quit smoking and drinking (cold turkey), and have not looked back on it. My life has had a major improvement, and its all thanks to the minimalist and natural barefoot running. Watching the movies, reading the books, hitting the road/trails, and everyday pushing myself to get closer to those amazing ultra runs. 

I am more ambitious (even though it was always there), my goals have improved, my all around personality is 2x’s as better. I don’t treat it just for running, i am one of those crazies who implement it in my everyday lifestyle on and off the road. As a father, a brother, a son and a friend, it tends to rub off. 

And my Favorite part of it all, i get to share my knowledge my adventures and stories with the world, those who want to know more, what it can do, how it can help, its knowledge that few seem to have unless they have made it a habit. Its healthy, its real and its ALL NATURAL.

Barefoot running in a sense really did save my life, and the community of natural/minimalist runners is amazing.

Send me your story of what barefoot running has done for you!

I like how newton put these 10 rules for running in their shoes on there site, the more knowledge the better to all whom choose the barefoot/minimalist lifestyle

01

GET A PROPER FIT. Standing with your heels pulled to the back of your Newtons, you should have a thumb’s width in front of your longest toe. The ball of your foot should line up over the middle of the red actuator lugs.

INSERT ORTHOTICS IF NEEDED. Newtons are not a substitute for custom orthotics. Remove the sockliner to accommodate your custom footbeds for the ultimate ride.

PRACTICE GOOD FORM. Relax, lean slightly forward and shorten your stride. Your foot will naturally land on your midfoot at a point under your hips. Keep a high cadence and your stride length short. (Do not run on your toes.)

LAND-LEVER-LIFT. Good running technique is as simple as Land-Lever-Lift: Land quietly in an athletic position with each footstrike under your hips; Lever off the front of the lugs; Lift your knee (do not push off or pull back with the toes) to begin a new stride.

ADAPT SLOWLY. To adapt to Newton’s Action/Reaction Technology™, start with short, slow runs (about a mile or so) a couple times a week for the first two weeks. Focus on good form and gradually increase your time and distance as your body feels ready. As with any sport, too much too fast can cause injury.

REDUCE FRICTION. Landing heavy, braking on your heels, bounding on your forefoot and pushing off too hard with the toes all create friction. Excessive pounding creates more shock to your muscles, tendons, and bones. Land lightly and run smoothly and efficiently.

LEARN FROM YOUR SHOES. Newtons wear like tires. The shoes act like a coach. By studying the friction wear patterns, you can learn how to adjust and improve your running form.

KEEP THEM CLEAN. Hand wash with mild soap and air dry. Do not place in direct sunlight.

STAY EDUCATED. Follow our website to keep updated on information, videos, tips and customer service. Share your stories and experiences on our blog.

HAVE FUN!