Yogesh Ashok Powar

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    • Barefoot TMM FM

    Running a Full Marathon barefoot

    Tags: Marathon Barefoot Running

    Yesterday’s TMM was special to me—not because it gave me another PB or faster time, but because I ran it barefoot. Recently, barefoot running has also come to mean running with minimal gear, such as FiveFingers or huaraches. But here, it was truly bare barefoot.

    It took 4:47 to complete the FM distance, and to my surprise, there was absolutely no pain in my feet. My legs and knees, however, had the usual post-FM soreness.

    The science behind barefoot running includes:

    1. Barefoot running activates a range of motor nerves that switch on reflexive responses to optimize ankle, knee, and hip mechanics.
    2. It improves running form by preventing heel-striking and promoting light, non-thumping strides.

    The list of benefits is long:

    1. Stronger feet
    2. No more over-pronation
    3. Fewer hip injuries
    4. Reduced shin injuries
    5. Rock-steady balance
    6. Less foot pain after running
    7. Grounding/Earthing benefits

    I began my barefoot running journey by referring to blogs by Ken Bob. It was a very gradual process, starting with 2-3 km at a time. I’ve been running barefoot for 7-8 years for shorter distances (under 21k), mostly on familiar routes. For distances beyond 21k, I previously relied on minimal gear.

    The best resources on barefoot running can be found on Bretta Riches.

    Back to Barefoot TMM: my long runs were primarily targeted for barefoot running. I also incorporated some barefoot exercises. The Mumbai roads were significantly better than the roads where I regularly practice my runs.

    [In the pic: Post-FM Barefoot Run]
    Tags: Marathon Barefoot Running
    Updated on: 2025-01-20