I would first press, against the wall or my footboard of my bed, alternating pressure on the backs of my calves, achilles, and foot, by pushing my  knees forward and down.

I would then go into a monkey squat and work out any remaining tweaks in my lower body from my knees to my feet by adjusting my body weight left and right, forward and back.

Ok now fast forward to 2010 and my a new season of barefoot training. On my agenda this year are two races; the Sapper Joe 50K, and the St. George Marathon. I will do the first in homemade huaraches, and the latter barefoot. Both are rough course races. To prepare I have been running trails and asphalt that are rough. One thing that is peculiar about the start of this season though is that I am waking up in the morning with none of the soreness and achy-ness that I described above.

Hmmm…

1. I took an extended break about 3 months November to January. Running minimal miles.

2. I feel stronger in my feet, calves, and upper legs than I ever have since I have started running.

3. I have eaten well.

4. I am having more fun running barefoot than I have ever had.

Michael Carroll