Today I Lost a Couple Toes

Tales of a Rookie Barefoot Runner

I was trying to put on my new Vibram Fivefingeres barefoot running footwear, when I kept loosing toes. It happened when trying them on in the store, so much so that I bought a pair with only having tried on one of the seemingly floppy glove-like slippers. But first, let’s go back to why I would even consider making such Cinderella moment.

Turns to Pursuit Punishment

Players of almost any high schools sport who are being punished for something, anything, are frequently asked to run as a form of punishment. Since my scholastic athletic career is dotted with many misunderstandings between myself and the coaching staff, I have put in my share of running around many fields. I actually enjoy running. I found it then and now a refreshing distraction and a wonderful way to have inspirational thoughts glide into my mind. I began to run in earnest and was able to letter early in high school. Running kept my endurance level in good enough shape to excel in both fencing and martial arts. Running has, quite by accident, become the backbone to my fitness and peace of mind.

Oops! The Trail Ends Here

It was one of the first gorgeous warmish and sunny days of the spring when I knew it was the perfect day for my first trail run of the season. I went to a local reservation where I know the terrain well from snowshoeing during the winter and in warmer conditions I enjoy mountain biking, walking or running the trails. Perfect! So I thought. In my excitement, I my first run was about 90 minutes of hill climbing, which was exhilarating and unfortunately exhausting.
When I finally limped back to my car I was experiencing significant pain in both feet. Had I gone too far? I know how to treat a variety of foot complaints with acupuncture, massage and herbal foot soaks. This pain was more significant than I had previously experienced, even when I added ice and Advil. I made an appointment with a Podiatrist that I had referred many patients to with great satisfaction. He diagnosed me with a trifecta of pain: Achilles tendonitis, heel bursitis and plantar fasciitis. Wow, a trio of tremendous pain that was keeping me from doing anything fun or athletic.

Time Heals All……well almost.

My staff and I did an admirable job with treating these ailments. It is, after all, one of our specialties. Acupuncture, massage, herbs, stretching and therapeutic icing stopped the pain….as long as I was a good boy. Never having been a good boy, it was challenging for me to avoid aggravating my foot pain. Symptoms kept returning and it seemed no matter what I did, it would end up causing more pain. I was disappointed and disillusioned with my limited choices of exercise. I began to gain weight and loose my patience with this ongoing pain. Almost three painful years passed until by chance I stumbled on a solution.

Fly Me to the Moon
Travelling to the west coast on a business trip, I rebelled against the workload weighing down my carry on, by buying a book at the airport entitled “Born to Run” subtitled A hidden tribe, superathletes and the greatest race the world has never seen, written by Christopher McDougall. The author’s story hit me close to home and I devoured the book as I learned about barefoot running, staying healthy and the conspiracy of shoe companies to control our feet. Is it at all possible that running barefoot or wearing just a thin soled covering could help my banged up feet stay fit and healthy? I was willing to experiment on myself to find out.
This is the first entry for this topic. Stay tuned for more of my saga, detailing the journey of an acupuncturist who is embracing a novel footwear craze to keep up his running without injuries. I’ll be adding my experiences, medical perspective and the training tips I learn along the way.

Dave Sollars