Barefoot and distance

I have started running again after a break so decided that i would try barefoot as it is supposed to be more efficent and i bought some vivobarefoot shoes. I would like to try a half marathon in september. I have been running 2/3 weeks now with a distance of up to 6.5km with 1/2 days rest in between but my calves are sore. The route i run is not flat and i can't avoid hills.

My question is should I do longer runs with my old nike pegasus 27's or will it hamper my barefoot form? Also how long does it normally take to ajust to barefoot style?

You'll get varied responses to this. Pure barefooters will say go completely barefoot, start by walking around the house etc. barefoot, then start on e.g. 200 metres, barefoot on pavement or a similar hard, flat surface, and gradually increase, and just be patient.

When I transitioned to minimalist I was increasing my mileage faster than I was able to increase my minimalist mileage, so I continued doing my longer runs in other footwear, but tried to maintain the high cadence etc. (see below) Then I gradually built up my minimalist mileage. I do a bit of actual barefoot now and then, but only if I can check the surface for broken glass, dog poop etc. first.

The main differences when running barefoot/minimalist (I wear VivoBarefoot Neos myself) are short strides, landing with your foot under you, not out in front, and high cadence (about 180 strides/minute - that's 90 per leg). That should encourage touching the ground with your midfoot or forefoot first, after which the rest of your foot (including your heel) touches the ground.

VBs or other zero drop shoes and the barefoot/minimalist style will put more strain on your calves and Achilles's tendons, so you need to do lots of calf massage (e.g. in the evening after a run AND the following morning) and consider whether you're doing appropriate calf stretches as well.

Good luck, and remember: if it hurts, rest.

Thanks Debra

I already walk around the house barefoot. Doing runs outside barefoot not really sensible for me, too much dog poo and stones plus most of running i am doing just now is off road on a path and come time will be woodland trails. I will stick to vivos for might try going back to nikes for my long runs until running without calf pain in vivos.

Been doing plenty of calf massages and using muscle rub. Calves are at worst after sitting still for a while, which can't always be helpped at work or uni. I probably need to work on my stretching, which i have never done well but I used to get away without stretching.