Levi’s Exercise Tip #1: Run barefoot once a week to strengthen your arch muscles. When you step on a thorn, take it out, keep running, take cephalexin for 10 days, and stop whining.

Have I stepped on a 1 inch hickory thorn while running barefoot? Yes. Did I keep running? Yes. Did it hurt? Yes. Did I take cephalexin to prevent any infections? Yes. Is running barefoot retarded? Maybe.

I have run one 5k. This is what I wore.

There are 19 muscles (or 20 depending on your opinion of the extensor hallucis brevis)  in the human foot. The trend in running shoes have generally been an increase in padding. More padding (mostly) means less exertion by the foot muscles.

If you go easy on a muscle the muscle atrophies. When your mileage increases, your leg muscles will adjust to the higher volume but your foot muscles may not (depending on your shoes). This could lead to pain (no problem) and injury (problem). 

Does this mean blisters, abrasions, and bleeding? Yes but only at first. Callouses form.

Nice blisters on the toe and midfoot. Mr. Chris Douglas practicing the art of suffering.

As a side note, don’t wear vibram five fingers or any other “minimalist shoe.” They are stupid. If you want to run barefoot take off your shoes and stop complaining. 

If this is your running shoe, follow the directions stamped across the image.