5 replies to this topic

[hartlam]

I have only recently heard of the fivefinger and barefoot phenomenon. I have read the related message threads but still have some basic questions.

Is there actual empirical evidence for the assertion that it is a better and safer running style?

I am doing a marathon (my first) this year, and am wondering if I would be better off training and racing in fivefingers? i.e. faster time, less muscle soreness, less injury?

Is it harder than running in shoes?

Do I have to retrain my body to a new running style, or will it automatically fall in to place once I am out of shoes?

I appreciate your advice.

[Fossil]

hartlam, on Feb 7 2009, 01:47 AM, said:

I have only recently heard of the fivefinger and barefoot phenomenon. I have read the related message threads but still have some basic questions.

Is there actual empirical evidence for the assertion that it is a better and safer running style?

I am doing a marathon (my first) this year, and am wondering if I would be better off training and racing in fivefingers? i.e. faster time, less muscle soreness, less injury?

Is it harder than running in shoes?

Do I have to retrain my body to a new running style, or will it automatically fall in to place once I am out of shoes?

I appreciate your advice.

Introduce any changes slowly or you will suffer an injury :-)

That said I believe barefoot and fivefingers (and nike Frees to a good extent) encourage good technique and strength.

Edited by Fossil, 07 February 2009 - 05:39 AM.

[Barefoot]

It depends on how fast you run.

If you run slow, there is less impact and barefoot makes it easier to run, if you have trained barefoot first.

However if you are running fast, then you must wear shoes. Firstly you will strike the ground harder and need some support, also you risk tearing your feet. Try lightweight racing flats for faster running. The course is also important, barefoot running is a lot easier on a flat course. I started running barefoot due to knee problems about 10 years ago, my knees are fine now as barefoot running has given me more strength. I only run barefoot now for the fun of it.

I have run many Marathons from about half way barefoot, but not running much quicker than 3.45 to 4.00 pace. For shorter, faster events I run in shoes.

[tim]

http://barefootjulian.com/


the above blog is from a guy who regularly runs sub 3hr barefoot marathons.

[walker1st]

keep Your options open for both alternatives.

do first few about 10km road races in 5F and than try halfmarathon

in training keep alternating between 5F and the very thin racing flats so You would have an option to make Your mind as teh year progress.


which marathons You planning to do and what time You hoping for?

I was going to run a marathon or few in 5F this year,
however, my training is morstly walking-racewalking, progressing extremely well and so the running will have to wait

[hartlam]

walker1st, on Feb 7 2009, 03:51 PM, said:

keep Your options open for both alternatives.

do first few about 10km road races in 5F and than try halfmarathon

in training keep alternating between 5F and the very thin racing flats so You would have an option to make Your mind as teh year progress.


which marathons You planning to do and what time You hoping for?

I was going to run a marathon or few in 5F this year,
however, my training is morstly walking-racewalking, progressing extremely well and so the running will have to wait

i'm looking at perth and city to surf marathons in july and august, and darling half in april. Hoping for sub 4hr in Perth, and not sure on the other two as I haven't raced a hilly course before. i usually run in asics kayanos.