Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Bare feet & souls 101- Part II

26. This is controversial – running with music. Barefoot running is about feeling the Earth under your feet. You can still listen to music, but try an occasional run without it, so you can hear some natural sounds.

27. Change the music. Have three musical tracks – one for barefoot running, one for when you are wearing minimalist shoes, and one for when you have regular shoes on. You are creating a complete environment; little things matter.

28. Your feet are more important than most people think. Barefoot runners often discuss improvements in health, feelings, and appearance. You may have similar experiences, but don’t expect immediate improvements.


29. The storm before the calm – sometimes the transition to barefootin’ will hurt a little. Take it slow, and build up to your new strength.

30. Don’t expect immediate improvements in your glutes or how your butt looks. Even though the barefoot experience will work new muscles, it still takes some time.

31. Don’t expect all of your pains to go away. Many barefoot runners talk about the decreases in back pain and improvements in body alignment. Those things do take some time. Your body needs to get back in shape.

32. Barefooters talk about getting in shape – about losing weight. After all, you are starting to engage muscles that have been neglected over the years. You might be surprised how quick you’ll see some weight loss, but don’t expect miracles.

33. Run; don’t spend your life on the Internet, but it is useful to get involved in blogs. You, and a lot of other people, have passionately embarked on improving their health. It helps to talk about it online with your cohorts.

34. Put the cake down. Barefoot running should wake up some sleepy muscles, but it isn’t an excuse to make poor food choices. You are working hard to respect your body again – food is a big part of that success. (yikes!)

35. Presumably, you have decided to get your body realigned to its default position. Lose a few pounds. It will help you get there faster.

36. Hydration is critical. Drink more than you think you need. And, remember that water is the best drink choice. If water is too boring, mix it up with some drink mixes.

37. As you wake up those muscles again, you will realize that protein is important. Sports drink mixes are a good source.

38. Don’t get too hungry. Hungry people get hurt out there. Carry some snacks – healthy snacks (bars, goo, trail mixes, etc.). Eat every hour.

39. Don’t get too tired. Tired people get hurt out there. If you aren’t sleeping right, neither are your feet, and they won’t be up to the challenge. The good news is that barefoot running should help you feel tired (in a good way) when you get the pillow.

40. Your mommy isn’t there to ask if you need to go potty; that’s your job now. Don’t hold it. Stop to go. Again, distractions hurt runners, and barefoot runners need even more focus.

41. Again, water is the best, but if you are going on a very long run, it’s a good idea to drink some electrolytes, like Gatorade.

42. Know your route. You’ll want to know where you can stop along the way in case you need to use a bathroom or need something to eat. Remember, you might be barefoot; meaning there are some places you can’t go or don’t want to.

43. Bring some cash. If you need food, drinks, or if you get hurt, it’s always good to have some money along. While your feet are in their birthday suits its easy to forget about the world, but money makes the world go-round.

44. Celebrate your barefootin’ experiences, but don’t drink too much for a long time prior to a run. After you party, your body has to work through alcohol – that is a real burden. You want your energy available for your run.

45. Watch what you are eating prior to running. Spicy foods can work against you.

46. After the run, slowly eat some food and rehydrate. 60-90 minutes after the run are important eating and drinking times. Your body needs it.

47. Chafing can make everything unpleasant. More than a few people have quit barefoot running because of chafing. Protect yourself while you are getting used to it. Be creative, and even consider using Vaseline on sensitive spots (around the shorts, men’s nipples, armpits, etc.).

48. Although you are getting back to nature, bugs and sun can slow you down or hurt you. And, there are perfectly good solutions. Wear appropriate sunscreen. Otherwise you are hurting yourself while you are working out. And, use bug repellant when it is necessary. You are creating a pleasant environment for yourself.


49. Don’t overdo it. Increase you barefoot running miles by less than ten percent a week. Your body is working extra hard to get used to something new. Give it time.

50. Log your miles. Keep track of how much you are running, when you are wearing transitional minimalist shoes, no shoes or traditional shoes. It is important that you aren’t overdoing it; you don’t want injuries.

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