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Woman Plans to Run Barefoot Across Wales

runners.pngLynne Allbutt, a 47-year old professional landscaper from Llangattock, intends to run across the Welsh countryside without any shoes on next month. Her plan is to start at Anchor and run 45 miles all the way across the nation to Borth, a feat which she predicts will take about two days. She’s been running up the side of a mountain practically every evening to prepare.

Allbutt first got into barefoot running in 2012 when she completed the London marathon without wearing shoes. Her love of this somewhat unusual sport was what inspired her to decide to run the length of her home country. “I like running and being barefoot and I love Wales, so obviously it seemed like the ideal way to combine my greatest loves in life,” Allbutt said.

Many people believe that running barefoot is better for the body and can help prevent injuries. If you would like to learn more about this style of running, see podiatrist Dr. Zahid Ladha of Foot First Podiatry. Dr. Ladha will give you all the information you need to determine whether or not you would like to try this technique out for yourself.

Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running Impact

-Running without shoes changes the motion of your running
-Running barefoot requires landing be done on the front part of the feet as opposed to the heel

Barefoot Running Advantages

-Running and landing on the front feet reduces the impact on the knees and ankles
-It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
-Balance of the body is improved
-Greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

Barefoot Running Disadvantages

-No protection while running, resulting in cuts and bruises if the runner lands on something sharp.
-Blisters may form.
-Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
-Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

So what can runners do to make barefoot running safe? It’s best to make a slow transition from running shoes to barefoot running. Once the feet begin to adjust, try walking, then jogging and gradually increasing the distance. Minimalist running shoes may also be an option.

If you have any questions, please contact our office located in New Albany, IN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

Read more about Barefoot Running

Foot First Podiatry

3605 Northgate Ct Ste 206
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 945-9221 (812) 945-7141

Our Location

3605 Northgate Ct Ste 206 New Albany, IN 47150

Hours of Operation

The office is closed from 12:00 to 1:00 for lunch Monday thru Thursday.

Foot First Podiatry

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed