Barefoot Running Advice » Beginners' Corner

First run...huge blisters

(6 posts)
  • Started 2 months ago by TenderFoot
  • Latest reply from pythelico

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  1. TenderFoot
    Member

    I have not ran at all in 9 years. Even then I was really bad at it and only ran because I had to for the police academy. I have always suffered from terrible shin splints and compartment syndrome. I was very excited to recently learn that barefoot running could possibly be the answers to my prayers.

    So I went out and bought a pair of VFF's yesterday and in the even went for a jog. It was very positive. Only did 3/4 of a mile but I was very happy with that. I came home and started reading and watching running videos and found this site. I read all the articles and learned that I should transition from barefeet to VFF's, not the other way around. So I went out today and ran a half mile barefoot just until a little soreness started and stopped. Until that point there was no pain or discomfort. Just as I was at about the 3/4 mark on my second lap my feet started feeling kinda like they were burning even though the asphalt was cool to the touch. That is when I stopped.

    I walked to my car and drove home. By the time I got home I had the tell tale signs of blisters forming on both feet under the pads at the base of my big toes. Now it is several hours later and my feet are sore and the pads feel like they are separated from my foot if that make sense. They are not filled with fluid or anything...just loose feeling. Anyone have any suggestions as to what went wrong, what I can do in the future, and what I can do now?

    Posted 2 months ago #

  2. pythelico
    Member

    First off, ice your feet. It will help. Secondly, wait a few days before trying again.

    In general, I'd say, find a concrete surface to run on if possible for your first few times (think sidewalk). Asphalt shouldn't be too bad but, the high school track can be kind of rough depending on the surface (the burning you describe makes me suspect you may have been on a track).

    In general, it's a learning experience. Next time, if you run on the same surface, stop earlier than you did this time. Afterwards, ice your feet. See how they feel the next day and increase, decrease, or maintain your distance next time accordingly. Figure out what works for you. Pain is a good teacher but some of us (I include myself in this category) are slower learners than others. I, personally, have issues with feeling fine until I feel decidedly not fine. My grey area between discomfort and damage is fairly thin. It's something I am becoming more aware of and trying to work on. Part of that is stopping before I think I should. It's a struggle, but it's keeping me running.

    I hope you get out and try again after a few days when your feet feel normal. Try a kinder surface (concrete - it really is nice to run on) but, failing that, use the knowledge you gained from your last run on asphalt to make your next experience a better one.

    Good luck and good running!

    Kelly

    Posted 2 months ago #

  3. TenderFoot
    Member

    Thanks for the advice. You are correct that I was running on a track. This one seems to have been fairly recently paved so it is nice a smooth and not used that often. Bad thing is I ran just until I felt discomfort but it was too late. Next time...yes, there will be a next time, I am not giving up on this, I will definitely run less distance and go from there. I don't really have any place that has concrete. The sidewalks in my town are really bad and would do more damage than good. Thanks again for the help.

    Posted 2 months ago #

  4. pythelico
    Member

    Good luck Tenderfoot! Beware of tracks! :D

    Check back in with an update on your next run. I'd be interested to hear where you end up running.

    Kelly

    Posted 2 months ago #

  5. TenderFoot
    Member

    I ran the other day on the track again but in my VFF's. My feet were still slightly tender so I was afraid to run barefoot but now I think I am good to go. I will probably run this even at the track again but on the inner field were it is grass. Either that or I might run some sections of the local high school cross country trail. I mountain bike the trail too so I might do a combo of both this even.

    Posted 2 months ago #

  6. pythelico
    Member

    Cool. The trail might be rough but should be a really good test for your feet. Be prepared to not be able to go very far though.

    Kelly

    Posted 2 months ago #

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