Barefoot Running Speed: All in My Head
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
June 9, 2010 12:01am CST
I've always thought I was a much slower runner when barefoot, but tonight I realized that is all in my head. I am definitely more careful because of the obvious factor of not wanting to step on something that will hurt me. But I don't necessarily have to be slower.
I decided to do an experiment to see if I could go under 8 minute mile pace, just for a quarter mile to see if it would be possible to run the mile race barefoot. And I totally surprised myself. My time for the quarter mile was 2 seconds faster than my normal fastest time. Granted I went through the track first to ensure that it was safe and my toes were burning as they don't get used much when I'm just running slowly barefoot, but I apparently can run not only just as fast barefoot, but faster.
So now I am pretty sure I will do that mile race barefoot. Even though it will be on hot pavement, in July.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
9 Jun 10
Ouch! Hot pavement in July!!! Brava! I'm so proud of you. Runnin any distance would hurt me.lol/ So Whatis the date of the race in July? I hope you will find a suitable sunscreen by then.Take Care.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
10 Jun 10
I'm planning on just wearing a t-shirt until the last minute, hopefully the mile will take me less than 8 minutes to run so I shouldn't get a sunburn. I can't decide if I'll wear my usual racing tank top or if I'll just wear a sports bra. It depends if I can lose this weight and if I've got some abs by then. I've been working on my abs lately a lot.
The race will be on the 4th of July. Fireworks after it's over. :)
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
11 Jun 10
I vote for the sports bar. It will give you more support. How can I say this? The "girls" won't bounce as much.the 4th? cool A Freedom Run! I will remember to write Go Pigglies! I don't know your coloring so I'll say it like this. If you have real fair skin, Girl use sunscreen. If you were what I like to say, " born with a tan." Then i think you can do a quick run without sunscreen.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
13 Jun 10
LOL, I'd definitely be wearing a sports bra either way. I just meant that if my abs are actually showing a bit I might go for wearing only a sports bra since it will be hot out. But if I still have this flabby belly I will withstand the heat even if it is 100 degrees out rather than show my belly!
I am somewhat small chested I suppose, but no where near small enough chested to run without a sports bra.
I have very fair skin, but I'm hoping 8 minutes won't burn me.
1 person likes this
@syndibee (799)
• United States
14 Jun 10
Yay to a barefoot run. Though I must admit that I won't go on hot July pavement in bare feet.
I vote for the bra. I have recently shed the shirt and it's amazing how much more comfortable I am. Who cares about the belly!!!
My post baby belly and zero ab definition still likes the open air.
I'm also fare skinned. What time of the day is your race. If it's mid day definitely a sunscreen. If either morning or later evening then I'd pass on it. One mile and the sun will barely notice you. Though take into consideration any activities after the race. You don't wanna be slathering a sweaty you with sunscreen :)
My freedom run is June 26th, and a 10K. I will be wearing sunscreen lol.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
15 Jun 10
Once I'm done running I plan to throw on a light and loose long sleeve shirt to prevent burning. The run starts at 6pm, so I can take the long sleeve shirt off too after the darkness has set (fireworks follow the post race activities).
I'm impressed that you can run around in public with a belly (maybe yours isn't as horrendous as mine though). I am so nervous about it! Especially when I know others there will be in shape.
Good luck with the 10K! I definitely recommend sunscreen for that. I got burned on the last one and it started at 8am. I guess nearly an hour of running without sunscreen is kind of asking for a burn though.
