I have moved to the dark side and begun experimenting with barefoot running.
Barefoot running seems to have suddenly turned into a crusade in the US with websites and best-selling books. My friend Glen admitted to being a complete convert and evangelist for the barefoot running cult. Glen gushed about how running has eliminated his running related injuries, and how he just clocked a 10-year PB in the Vibram five-finger, a rubber sandal which apparently replicates one's bare foot.
I had been gingerly jogging a couple cool down laps bare foot on the track over the past few months since Bob, Namban leader suggested it to the club. But last night I decided to push a bit faster. I took off my shoes before the last 1000 interval in a 6x1000 workout. Pulled along by the energy of a group of 20 fast runners, I was amazed to blast through the first 200 meters in 40 seconds and finish the 1k in a respectable 3:27. The other runners seemed amazed too - "Jay, you forgot your shoes" several people shouted.
This morning the soles of my feet felt a bit tender, and my heel and right achilles tendon ached a little bit. Apparently it takes months (or years) to adapt to barefoot running. But given my chronic running injuries/imbalances I figure it is worth a try to at least do some of my running barefoot.
And anyway with the Great Recession, I cannot afford to keep buying $150 running shoes.