New Barefoot 5K PR...just barely

Ran the Redhook 5K in Portsmouth NH this morning with my fiance' Erin. Final result was a minimal improvement in my barefoot 5K time. Ended up 20:23. I'll take it since I have been running a fever for about 24 hours and it felt so humid out there today.

I met a nice gentleman named Preston Curtis today. He came to the race for race day registration but the race was closed. It seems we have just barely been missing each other at events and even run in similar locations in Portsmouth sometimes. It was great talking to someone who has some real experience going barefoot and can relate. Looking forward to running with him at some point.

Erin's race number was 2009. We both thought it was a unique sign perhaps because we are getting married this year. She often has good luck and strange things happen to her. I often joke that she will lose her luck when she marries me.

Next up is a 5k on June 7th in Newmarket.

Barefoot Ben

2nd Barefoot Half Marathon

My second attempt at running a half marathon went well despite the two "dead legs" I ran with. I should have taken it easier this week in preparation for the half but didn't want my weekly mileage to drop that much. So within the first mile I had decided that it probably wasn't going to get much better and though I would make a long/tempo run out of the race. Got to talk with lots of great people along the way and finished without any problems with my body.

Someone asked me if I was Tom Bourassa's brother which I thought was funny. Another lady had run by me (in my hometown) the other day and we conversed about shoes and injuries. The time passed quickly and before you know it I was in my car heading home.

The course I ran, which was the Big Lake Half Marathon, began and ended at the head of Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton, New Hampshire. What a tough course! Well, maybe I have turned into a sissy living on the seacoast but it was hard for me anyways. All long rolling hills. I finished up in 1:47:41 which is a 9 minute barefoot PR for me. Today (next day) I feel great except my calves feel overstretched. My form is greatly improved allowing me to run faster with minimum impact on my feet but until my calves undo all the tension from past shoe use I will continue to suffer after faster efforts.

Up next, another 5K on May 23. RedHook Brewery race in Portsmouth NH.

Margaritas 5K

Just finished my first attempt at running a fast race barefoot. The result was 20:26. Can't be happier with that. What a nice day to race. This was the first time they have put this race on and I think it went well. Located at the Margaritas in Exeter NH the course was fairly easy, small rolling hills. It was not certified though and seemed a bit long to me but I guess you never know.

My left leg seems to finally be in alignment so my speed is getting better but the muscles have not lengthened out yet. I think when the muscles elongate it will allow me to swing that leg to the rear further thus I will be able to move more efficiently.

A side note, I need to lose weight. I am about 20lbs heavier than the last time I was able to race (in 2006). Next up is the Redhook Brewery 5K in Portsmouth NH.

I have been averaging around 30 miles per week barefoot. Not able to wear anything while running anymore. Hoping for a real breakthrough soon and be able to run 40-50 mpw in preparation for a fall marathon.

Thank God I am running pain free!
Barefoot Ben