Barefoot Running?

I've been thinking about the arguments for barefoot running lately, but haven't been willing to experiment too much with the concept.  I understand the rationale and I do feel as though I run better when I concentrate on a mid-foot or fore-foot strike instead of a heel strike.  But I worry about putting too much stress on my ankles, shins and foot bones if I take away the padding and support of a typical running shoe.

I pulled these old Nike waffle racing flats out of storage not too long ago.  I ran in these during the mid-80s when I was on the cross country team.  They weren't training shoes.  They were specifically targeted for the 5K competitions we'd run.  They're like slippers, really, with practically no support.  I've tried running in them on a treadmill.  I don't really want to tear them up running outside. They are about as close to barefoot as you can get though.  You really feel the ground and naturally shift your running technique to a fore-foot strike.  I've only tried them on shorter treadmill runs, but I can feel it in my shins and calves afterwards.

I'm intrigued by these Vibram Five Fingers "shoes".  They are incredibly funky looking, but apparently the next best thing to running barefoot, while allowing some protection from the hazards of the road and trail.  I've yet to see anyone actually running in these but you just can't find any in stock.  Stores that sell them, like REI, can't seem to keep them on the shelf.  I keep watching Craigslist for a pair of KSOs in size 40 or 41.  I'd probably buy a pair of lightly used ones for $40.  Not sure I'm intrigued enough to spend $85-90 new.



If I do choose to attempt a transition to "barefoot" running, I think it'll be limited to shorter runs of 5K or so...no longer than 10K.  I'm just trying to get in tune with what my body is telling me, and I worry that traditional "support" shoes are training me to disconnect from the feel of the road, increasing the risk of turning an ankle again.  The last injury of that sort, last September, really debilitated me for too long and I don't want to go through that again.

But with the half marathon coming up I don't want to make any drastic changes at this point.  Maybe afterwards I'll give the flats/vibrams/barefooting a try.  But not yet.

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No run planned for today.  Probably perform a tempo workout tomorrow.  Today I'll be in the water for a mile swim and in the gym for a couple laps around the weights circuit.  It's been awhile since I've done any strength training.