Subject: Barefoot - minimalist running I just ran the Fantastic Nantasket Tri (sprint ), it was my first race. The run was on the beach so I ran it barefoot. My time was slightly faster than training (prob due to race nerves ) but better still I had no shin splint pain which I usually always get. I found that I ran more contained, had no heal strike but landed mid-foot. It felt great and I will look into running barefoot at any race that it is practical. Luckily I have a long beach nearby for training. I also saved huge time on the transition; I had my bike shoes undone before dismount (no socks ) so I jumped off, unbuckled the hemet on the way to my parking spot and only stopped to rack the bike. Speaking of hard-core minimalist there was another barefoot guy that did the whole race in only a tiny Speedo, I'm pretty sure everyone was as horrified as I was. |