9/24/13 1:54 PM

Like Erik, I've started running too. Apart from hiking and a brief few months playing indoor soccer, I've never done any running as an adult. The bike is still my first choice every time, but it's easier to just hit the trail for the 45 minutes before my kids' soccer games.

I'll never run a marathon, I avoid running on pavement, and on top of that have bad knees, but I'd be happy if I could get to where I can crank out 5-10K regularly pain-free. I did my longest run ever yesterday (a mere 5K) and my knees are stiff as hell today.

9/25/13 6:47 AM

Erik - While a tad over 5 months is more than enough time to train for a marathon, I would be very weary of recommending it to someone who is only running 20 k / week. Upping your mileage too quickly is one of the main causes of injury, so despite your limited time window, take it slowly....and best of luck.

9/26/13 2:31 AM

Good advice. I am ramping up slowly. I am also being very careful to include recovery. Remember, my biggest limitation will be my joints. Aerobic ability won't be an issue.

My training runs started using 10k runs not 3-5k runs. No issues at all.

9/26/13 11:22 AM

I only run barefoot about once a year...and only on super soft/safe surfaces like the beach or out on a golf course. Definitely works the calf muscles...

11/14/13 5:15 PM

I took most of the summer to ride but I am back at barefoot running again. I have gotten much faster and love it. I did run using traditional shoes when starting back this fall but I am fully on my five fingers now because the traditional shoes gave me knee aches.

I am faster than ever.

http://app.strava.com/activities/95051520/overview

Oh and my target marathon was cancelled.

May just do a half in a couple months.