UPDATE

The last four months has been very eye opening for me. I didn't realize how bad my form was when I ran with shoes on. My hips and lower back had become so tight that they were almost deformed. Very slowly they have come loose as I have stayed away from shoes and my form has improved. My feet have gotten stronger and my body looser which has allowed me to begin to run better barefoot.

Much of my mileage has come in vibram five fingers this winter. I have had a hard time running in sub 30 degree weather barefoot. Others in the community claim that this will come with time. I have however made sure I got in some barefoot every week and at this point I am running all my other miles exclusively in vibrams.

Strangely I have noticed that I have not gotten sick since I began barefooting in August. I will keep track of this since it is unusual for me to go a winter (especially running outdoors) without getting sick.

I am looking forward to the weather turning to spring so I can transition to being barefoot 100% and compete in a few races. Right now I can run comfortably barefoot for 7-8 miles at around 8 mpm. That is slower when I am shod and not as far but I feel much looser when I am done and recover way faster.

There is a half marathon on sunday locally and I may try it barefoot if the temp is around 40.