Shod Runner Finds Recovery Benefits to Running Barefoot

I first met Tim Pearson at a local 10 mile road race. He was friendly and inquisitive about the Vibram FiveFinger Flows I had on my feet for the race. After a short discussion regarding footwear, the wind and whether or not to wear a jacket for the race, we wished each other well. The next time I saw him was when he passed me coming from the turn-a-round, third in the pack and more than 5 minutes ahead of me. I met up with him again at a half marathon in my home town. I had mentioned it to him during our first discussion, and he came out to it despite the snowy weather, putting on a strong show by placing first, minutes ahead of second place.

Presently, I'm recovering from the Lewis and Clark Marathon from last Sunday. I went for my first 4-mile recovery run yesterday. The going was tough. My quads ached from the trashing they took on the undulating "net downhill" roads and single track of Bozeman, Montana. I really wasn't enjoying my painful 8:00 min./mile pace, but I know it's a necessary first step on the road to recovery and racing again. As I was passing a large grassy space that remarkably resembled the dimensions of a track at G.S. Lakie Elementary School, an idea popped into my head. Remembering our conversation about your barefoot saga after the Legacy 2 weeks ago, I spontaneously kicked off my Brooks and continued my run, barefoot on the grass. What a difference! The pain in my quads virtually disappeared and my eyes nearly popped when I checked my pace on the Garmin. I was effortlessly cruising around this field at a 6:30 min./mile pace. I think you and Zola Budd have it right. When I had to put my Brooks back on to make it home over the ashpalt and gravel roads, the pain in my quads returned and my pace dropped back down again. Very interesting. I'm going to include a weekly barefoot session in my runs from here on, and I'm looking at picking up a pair of Vibrams.