How long does it take to learn to run barefoot?
Okay, foo on me for not writing for over a month. I don't know when it happened, but something changed in my running experience. Big change.In the last post, I was obsessed with stretching, having correct running form, recovery time, etc. I was about to write a post about how much concentration barefoot running takes compared with shod running. How I don't listen to music while running because it distracts me from improving my form. That post ain't gonna happen.
When I run now, I just run. Shirt, shorts, and away I go. I don't think about it. I don't stretch before or afterwards and feel just fine. What a difference a month can make.
So, how long did it take to learn to run barefoot? Seems like somewhere around 3 months.
I still have things to learn. On occasion, it feels like I'm gliding along barely touching the ground. On other runs, I struggle. While I don't have to think about form so much anymore, I'm much more aware of how much form matters to enjoying the run.
I don't shy away from unpaved areas, but big gravel is still a challenge. My feet feel tough as leather (though they still look pretty normal), but an occasional rock will remind me that I'm still not invincible. I asked my wife if she wanted to feel my feet. For some reason, she declined.
I'm looking forward to the next three months.