Transitioning to FiveFingers

The question of transitioning to minimalist shoe/barefoot running has come up on a few occasions over the past weeks. Important points to remember are:

• Everyone's gait/form is different. The amount of previous barefoot activity, the degree of prior heel strike, and the fitness level of each individual dramatically effects the time it takes to transition pain free to FiveFingers or barefoot running.
• Take it slowly. FiveFingers are light and fun. Many remark after running in them for the first time that the experience was 'child-like.' It is easy to do too much too soon.
• Listen to your body. The typical runner's response to pain is 'push through it!' It's almost counter-intuitive for many athletes to stop when pain or discomfort shows itself. Paying attention to yourself and your body can mean that you will be able to run the next day.

Don't forget to check out these other resources for transitioning:

• How to Transition into FiveFingers  (a Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee report also covered here at birthdayshoes.com)
  • Don't forget Michael Sandler's book Barefoot Running
• To Run Better, Start by Ditching Your Nikes (check out the colored box titles How to Run Barefoot)
• Barefoot & Ultra Marathon Ramblings (Jason Robillard includes a transition plan in his eBook)
• Switching to FiveFingers (a Vibram Q & A)
• Pitfalls of Transitioning from Shod to Barefoot (Barefoot Terry shares his perspective on Barefoot Runners Society)

Related Post: How to Transition to Running in Vibram FiveFingers