Suffered from Morton's Neuroma for a number of years due to a history of many football injuries. This was really aggravated by wearing tight foot wear around the forefoot with heal elevation (especially Innov-8 Trails). Found Vivo's (Wide fore foot and zero heal drop) the best solution for running, casual wear and retired from wearing football boots(playing and coaching). These days I train barefoot in the gym, enjoy running 3-5 times per week and complete the odd marathon in Vivo's. I love my Vivo's and the channel Ben-Great work!
Enjoyed watching this, regarding doing RUclips (or whatever it is that you want) as long as you're passionate about it, then it's a success no matter what happens 10subs or 10k subs. Yes it is tough to not get caught up in all the stats, I have, but as long as you're doing what you love, thats what matters, we clearly see that with you. That is exactly why I started YT and sharing my journey, hard to start, but oh so worth it.
Yes.. I did kind of miss that point in the video and it's certainly what I believe hands down! When I started making videos I gave myself 18 months, without caring at all about the subs, like, comments, watch time, revenue etc etc. I certainly do pay more attention to it now, as youtube is a chunk of how I make a living and need to be able to support myself through it, so need to know what works. But you're of course right 100% Marc, do it because you're passionate about it first for foremost.. if it turns into your living then it's just a bonus!
@@BenParkes don't worry it comes across in the video that you meant this, just maybe you didn't say it word for word, yours was more like.... I love running, I love running, running is great, share your passion, my passion is running, did I tell you I love running :P
I run half of my week in Vibrams and the other half in altras (speedwork/long runs). I love the feeling of being connected to the earth by very little, makes running so playful as you dodge every crack feeling every undulation of the road. Took a long time to build to 50 miles a week, but I feel really strong and I don't have any complaints about the ground being too hard (apart from maybe my extremely calloused skin on my feet)
Love it thanks Ben! I'm also working on a RUclips channel, so this advice is really timely. I also love barefoot running, and I run primarily in light neutral shoes, Merrells, Xeros and Altras. I teach people good running form and find that people run so much better in wide flat neutral shoes, they tell me this all the time when they get Altras. Regarding foot injury issues, agreed those happen often when people get all excited about barefoot running. I think you need to know how to run well first (not overstriding, using the glutes, feet correctly, etc) and build foot strength in minimal shoes day to day before trying to do much volume in them, that's why Altras are great because they allow natural form without exposing you to injury from overstressing the feet. Having been doing this several years I can comfortably run several hours in a minimal shoes with no risk of injury, but agree it's not for everyone.
Agree with you 100% in everything you’ve said. The main issue is the majority of people want to strap a pair of shoes on and just carry on running as they do. But the transition (like you’ve said) takes a long time and can easily lead to injuries if not managed well. I taught myself to run doing some barefoot techniques such as running on grass and on the beach and that worked really well for me. It’s certainly very hard to run with bad form in barefoot shoes and everyone can learn some good techniques from taking their shoes off, or using a barefoot shoe now and then. Sarah uses her Altras now with a lot of success.. they really are the best of both worlds shoe! Appreciate the insight! 😀
It's said that barefoot running can improve your form and speed, particularly by helping you transition to a mid-foot strike if you're a heel striker, and that the resulting impact on the joints is LESS. However the soles of the feet are still vulnerable. I did 4km on a beach last week and ended up with 2 giant blisters under my toes. But I'm a heel striker. Anyone interested should check out Keith Bateman's Older Yet Faster book and website.
Really enjoy following your videos, the only downside is there isn't one per day! Your a very likeable dude... Easy to follow and your running is inspiring myself. Keep it up Ben!
You are such an inspiration, and certainly contributed to my +20 min and sub 3 hr pb at Abingdon marathon in October. So pleased to see your journey - the highs and lows - the love for running and the genuine emotion. Bought a pair of hoka speedgoat 4s and even adding chia seeds to my diet. Keep up the great posts.
Great to hear Peter!! Sub 3 hour at Abingdon is a great effort. I bet you had a big smile of your face going round the track for the final 300m. Congratulations!
"Fasted run" sounds like what I do 90% of the time. I only carry food or eat breakfast before my longest long run (3 weeks before marathon or ultra) and on race day.
Great video , I spent 2 years running in barefoot shoes, increased my mileage slightly one week and spent 14 months recovering from a stress fracture. I’m now running in Altra paradigm 4 and feeling great. Keep up the great work.👍
With the zero drop of Altras, there are similarities to running barefoot.. you just have the benefit of the cushioning as well! Good all round solution, like you've found Scott! Glad to hear you've recovered and back running great again :-)
Hi Ben and Sarah, thanks so much for answering my shoe question, much appreciated and gives me some good options to checkout. Best of luck in South Africa! Cheers, Scott
yeah i do the odd bit of barefoot running within a bigger run when i get to a trail or on grassy areas but only ever do about 2 miles a few times a month i seem to choose to do it more when its hammering down with rain when my feet grip better than my shoes! Its nice to mix in with the training for me but i havent stood in anything too nasty to put me off yet haha! I feel like it helps but i do tend to prefer more minamalist shoes anyway. thanks for another super video :)
I do love running in the rain on wet grass, so long as there is no dog mess around!! Haha.. Glad you liked the video Sarah, hope your running is going well!
@@BenParkes Yeah love some good puddles to stomp through haha. Yes thankyou, just training away for the Coastal Ultra now! My legs are certainly missing doing so much on the trails with it being so dark though! Hope you have fun on your travels!
I started my RUclips channel for myself to look back on in the future. I’m blessed that people have subscribed, follow my journey and comment but I do it for myself primarily and speak the truth about my journey. Giving it a go and enjoying myself
I did kinda of miss that point in the video and it's probably the most important.. just start it for you, make videos you're passionate about and tell the truth about your journey! Hope your easy/rest period is going ok.
@@BenParkes Not at all, I extrapolated that through your suggestion of just getting out, filming and being passionate. Thanks for the words of support, much appreciated. I'll be back on the trails soon :)
Good running form comes from the ability to stabilize you body while balancing one one leg at a time. If form is your priority anything that causes instability is not a good idea, like running on sand, or having too much cushion on your shoes. I agree with strides on grass barefoot, but the risk of injury while running barefoot on sand is greatly increased. Even firm sand gives way under the forces of running.
Barefoot running is quite an interesting topic, especially in relation to injury- prevention and healing. (IT band problems it is for me) Keep sharing your thoughts! 👍
Ace advise about starting RUclips, I've only been doing it for like a month now and it is a struggle but because I love doing it I know I wont stop 💪💪💪
Good job with the plan Connor.. good use of all the different colour felt pens! Keep uploading it because you love it. All the best with your running and RUclips!
I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about going to UTCT just to meet you Ben. It's less than a 30 minute drive for me but I have a newborn and two more kids at home to take care of (or rather for my wife to take care of and for me to play support crew 😁).
Enjoy your trip, strange stop off point Turkey seems out of the way, it's usually Paris or Amsterdam but a seriously huge airport. I'm guessing people need their running shoes to get to their gates.
Think it's best to go to a proper running shop, have your gait and running style analysed and getting them to find the right shoe for you. You may spend more money but you'll feel more comfortable, have fewer injuries and most importantly, run faster. Plus the service and expertise is well worth paying for.
Hi ben, currently looking into how barefooted running affects cadence and landing pattern for uni. Would love to hear from you about your experience with it!
Oscars running am doing a video after the next one on how I film the videos.. that will be out at the end of the week. Will touch briefly on editing in it!
I always thought that barefoot running was supposed to strengthen your feet/ lower legs to prevent injury and promote better form. Love the videos dude, u run like the tarahumara 😏💪
Great videos recently Ben. Just wanted to thank you for these videos and tour advice my half time is still number one for under 20’s this year 😃👍 (1:07:58)
Yes, she’s incredible. Have no idea how she’s done that! Like I said, there’s always exceptions and people who can (given time) build up to it really well. Lovely personality too!
@@BenParkes I could never do it! Haha. On another note, would it be possible to email you to ask for some marathon advice? Thanks, always enjoy watching your videos :)
For anyone who wants to explore barefoot ruining, then I’d certainly say to start your search there. Altra for example. Something that has a bit of cushion to help with the impact if you run on hard surfaces.
Ben Parkes thanks, I have been using merrell trail on pavement which have a bit more rubber than the vapour. I might go for more cushion for the next shoe and see how that affects injury prevention. Thanks again and all the best with the running
Capetown is beautiful, but one day plan a trip to Durban and be apart of the Comrades marathon the most south african historical race ever - the ultimate human race
I don't get it why anyone should have a vegan tuesday. One can eat salad or any food without meat but it doesn't have to be vegan. I for example had pasta with sundried tomatoes, olives, feta and tomato sauce on Monday in a veggie restaurant. It tasted good but I didn't make big deal about it. There is no added value that a meal is vegan compared to being just veggie. Of course, I eat met too because I like it but I have salad also as side dish then.
Hey Ben, no flying-shame? Flying has the single biggest impact as an induvidual on the climate, as it releases huge amounts of CO2. I see you are vegan, presumably for animal welfare? Wild animals also needs care... Climate change will severley impact every aspect of life on earth...
![Baby Kia - GLOVES & DRACS (BLACK AF1s) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ajm8LeB0qQk/mqdefault.jpg)
Suffered from Morton's Neuroma for a number of years due to a history of many football injuries. This was really aggravated by wearing tight foot wear around the forefoot with heal elevation (especially Innov-8 Trails). Found Vivo's (Wide fore foot and zero heal drop) the best solution for running, casual wear and retired from wearing football boots(playing and coaching). These days I train barefoot in the gym, enjoy running 3-5 times per week and complete the odd marathon in Vivo's. I love my Vivo's and the channel Ben-Great work!
Enjoyed watching this, regarding doing RUclips (or whatever it is that you want) as long as you're passionate about it, then it's a success no matter what happens 10subs or 10k subs. Yes it is tough to not get caught up in all the stats, I have, but as long as you're doing what you love, thats what matters, we clearly see that with you. That is exactly why I started YT and sharing my journey, hard to start, but oh so worth it.
Yes.. I did kind of miss that point in the video and it's certainly what I believe hands down! When I started making videos I gave myself 18 months, without caring at all about the subs, like, comments, watch time, revenue etc etc.
I certainly do pay more attention to it now, as youtube is a chunk of how I make a living and need to be able to support myself through it, so need to know what works. But you're of course right 100% Marc, do it because you're passionate about it first for foremost.. if it turns into your living then it's just a bonus!
@@BenParkes don't worry it comes across in the video that you meant this, just maybe you didn't say it word for word, yours was more like.... I love running, I love running, running is great, share your passion, my passion is running, did I tell you I love running :P
Ha! I do get a bit over excited at times.. Glad to see you're back running again.. illness over!
I run half of my week in Vibrams and the other half in altras (speedwork/long runs). I love the feeling of being connected to the earth by very little, makes running so playful as you dodge every crack feeling every undulation of the road. Took a long time to build to 50 miles a week, but I feel really strong and I don't have any complaints about the ground being too hard (apart from maybe my extremely calloused skin on my feet)
I've done a 100km ultra in vibram with zero injuries or pain.
Love it thanks Ben! I'm also working on a RUclips channel, so this advice is really timely.
I also love barefoot running, and I run primarily in light neutral shoes, Merrells, Xeros and Altras. I teach people good running form and find that people run so much better in wide flat neutral shoes, they tell me this all the time when they get Altras.
Regarding foot injury issues, agreed those happen often when people get all excited about barefoot running. I think you need to know how to run well first (not overstriding, using the glutes, feet correctly, etc) and build foot strength in minimal shoes day to day before trying to do much volume in them, that's why Altras are great because they allow natural form without exposing you to injury from overstressing the feet.
Having been doing this several years I can comfortably run several hours in a minimal shoes with no risk of injury, but agree it's not for everyone.
Agree with you 100% in everything you’ve said. The main issue is the majority of people want to strap a pair of shoes on and just carry on running as they do. But the transition (like you’ve said) takes a long time and can easily lead to injuries if not managed well.
I taught myself to run doing some barefoot techniques such as running on grass and on the beach and that worked really well for me.
It’s certainly very hard to run with bad form in barefoot shoes and everyone can learn some good techniques from taking their shoes off, or using a barefoot shoe now and then.
Sarah uses her Altras now with a lot of success.. they really are the best of both worlds shoe!
Appreciate the insight! 😀
It's said that barefoot running can improve your form and speed, particularly by helping you transition to a mid-foot strike if you're a heel striker, and that the resulting impact on the joints is LESS. However the soles of the feet are still vulnerable. I did 4km on a beach last week and ended up with 2 giant blisters under my toes. But I'm a heel striker. Anyone interested should check out Keith Bateman's Older Yet Faster book and website.
I'm addicted to your videos. When I don't feel like running, these inspire me
Really enjoy following your videos, the only downside is there isn't one per day! Your a very likeable dude... Easy to follow and your running is inspiring myself. Keep it up Ben!
Can't wait to see your ''South African'' content!
me too,.. i am from SA the home of Comrades marathon hehe
your
@@DMGC529 my bad.
You are such an inspiration, and certainly contributed to my +20 min and sub 3 hr pb at Abingdon marathon in October. So pleased to see your journey - the highs and lows - the love for running and the genuine emotion. Bought a pair of hoka speedgoat 4s and even adding chia seeds to my diet. Keep up the great posts.
Great to hear Peter!! Sub 3 hour at Abingdon is a great effort. I bet you had a big smile of your face going round the track for the final 300m. Congratulations!
Also, look into the New Balance Beacon. great shoe.BTW love these travel running vlogs!
I love seeing your Greenwich footage, used to live in Blackheath and stay at an Airbnb near the church in Greenwich when we are back!
"Fasted run" sounds like what I do 90% of the time. I only carry food or eat breakfast before my longest long run (3 weeks before marathon or ultra) and on race day.
Great video , I spent 2 years running in barefoot shoes, increased my mileage slightly one week and spent 14 months recovering from a stress fracture. I’m now running in Altra paradigm 4 and feeling great. Keep up the great work.👍
With the zero drop of Altras, there are similarities to running barefoot.. you just have the benefit of the cushioning as well! Good all round solution, like you've found Scott! Glad to hear you've recovered and back running great again :-)
Enjoy SA - hope you have a lekker time while you're here!
Thank you Bruno!
Hi Ben and Sarah, thanks so much for answering my shoe question, much appreciated and gives me some good options to checkout. Best of luck in South Africa! Cheers, Scott
Thanks Scott! Appreciate the support!
yeah i do the odd bit of barefoot running within a bigger run when i get to a trail or on grassy areas but only ever do about 2 miles a few times a month i seem to choose to do it more when its hammering down with rain when my feet grip better than my shoes! Its nice to mix in with the training for me but i havent stood in anything too nasty to put me off yet haha! I feel like it helps but i do tend to prefer more minamalist shoes anyway. thanks for another super video :)
I do love running in the rain on wet grass, so long as there is no dog mess around!! Haha.. Glad you liked the video Sarah, hope your running is going well!
@@BenParkes Yeah love some good puddles to stomp through haha. Yes thankyou, just training away for the Coastal Ultra now! My legs are certainly missing doing so much on the trails with it being so dark though! Hope you have fun on your travels!
Love your videos! Totally inspiring!
I started my RUclips channel for myself to look back on in the future. I’m blessed that people have subscribed, follow my journey and comment but I do it for myself primarily and speak the truth about my journey. Giving it a go and enjoying myself
I did kinda of miss that point in the video and it's probably the most important.. just start it for you, make videos you're passionate about and tell the truth about your journey! Hope your easy/rest period is going ok.
@@BenParkes Not at all, I extrapolated that through your suggestion of just getting out, filming and being passionate. Thanks for the words of support, much appreciated. I'll be back on the trails soon :)
Would love to hear more about running workouts on 10k and half marathon.
One of these days I will finish all your older videos haha. Been fantastic to go through all the older stuff after seeing where you are now.
I'm running in the vibram 5 fingers but I only run in the forest and on dirtroads
Wish I could run more on forest trails and dirt roads! Sounds lovely Merlin!
Good running form comes from the ability to stabilize you body while balancing one one leg at a time. If form is your priority anything that causes instability is not a good idea, like running on sand, or having too much cushion on your shoes. I agree with strides on grass barefoot, but the risk of injury while running barefoot on sand is greatly increased. Even firm sand gives way under the forces of running.
I am half Turkish and sometimes fly on Turkish airlines occasionally. their kofte with rice is a meal I would die for
Great Q and A Ben looking forward to the Cape Town content 🙌🏻
Barefoot running is quite an interesting topic, especially in relation to injury- prevention and healing. (IT band problems it is for me) Keep sharing your thoughts! 👍
Used WestJet twice in 2017 to Canada. They do great food on the plane ✈️ 🇨🇦
Will have to search them out next time I’m in the USA/Canada!
Ace advise about starting RUclips, I've only been doing it for like a month now and it is a struggle but because I love doing it I know I wont stop 💪💪💪
Good job with the plan Connor.. good use of all the different colour felt pens! Keep uploading it because you love it. All the best with your running and RUclips!
I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about going to UTCT just to meet you Ben. It's less than a 30 minute drive for me but I have a newborn and two more kids at home to take care of (or rather for my wife to take care of and for me to play support crew 😁).
Have you tried Goddards pie & mash shop? Ideal running nutrition 😁
I have.. very good food!!
Enjoy your trip, strange stop off point Turkey seems out of the way, it's usually Paris or Amsterdam but a seriously huge airport. I'm guessing people need their running shoes to get to their gates.
It was a bit strange.. but time wise they were all pretty similar. Plus wanted to see the new airport and see what Turkish Airlines were like!
Think it's best to go to a proper running shop, have your gait and running style analysed and getting them to find the right shoe for you. You may spend more money but you'll feel more comfortable, have fewer injuries and most importantly, run faster. Plus the service and expertise is well worth paying for.
Hi ben, currently looking into how barefooted running affects cadence and landing pattern for uni. Would love to hear from you about your experience with it!
Shoutout from 🇿🇦
Have you tried/done bleep test? Would be cool to see what score you and Sarah get on it, just for fun ofc
Woah I'd never thought you would come down to South Africa. I'm very curious what you think of my country - maybe I could even meet you? ;) Enjoy!
He posted on IG that he'll meet at the expo
Will be at the Expo tomorrow about 3-4pm!
Looking forward to seeing SA 🇿🇦🇿🇦
Be careful with your safety and gear when running there
You can say that about running literally anywhere in the world.
Welcome home🇿🇦
Hey Ben, due to the current situation with the coronavirus, could you do a video of how you edit your videos, it would be a great help!
Oscars running am doing a video after the next one on how I film the videos.. that will be out at the end of the week. Will touch briefly on editing in it!
@@BenParkes Thank you!
I always thought that barefoot running was supposed to strengthen your feet/ lower legs to prevent injury and promote better form. Love the videos dude, u run like the tarahumara 😏💪
Awesome videos Ben, love watching them and totally inspiring, keep up the good work👍🏻🤙🏻
Thanks very much! All the best with your running!
Happy Thanksgiving !
lol
Happy Thanksgiving too!!
Hey Ben, AirFrance have fantastic food on the plane!
Great videos recently Ben. Just wanted to thank you for these videos and tour advice my half time is still number one for under 20’s this year 😃👍 (1:07:58)
Ahh. the lake vyrnwy HM?! That does look like a lovely route.. awesome running Jack!
Ben Parkes Yeah that’s the one it’s a great run. Thank you 😃
I’m 13 and I ran a 1:33:50 decent or not ?
For barefoot running, go and check out what Anna McNuff has just completed...
Yes, she’s incredible. Have no idea how she’s done that! Like I said, there’s always exceptions and people who can (given time) build up to it really well. Lovely personality too!
@@BenParkes I could never do it! Haha. On another note, would it be possible to email you to ask for some marathon advice? Thanks, always enjoy watching your videos :)
Come to South East Asian some day Ben. 😁
Istanbul airport is so big u can organise a park run 😂
Goodluck at UTCT Ben. You'll be running in my back yard 😁
Great vid!!!
it was
Ah you can't beat a gregs vegan sausage roll!
What about 0mm drop trainers?
For anyone who wants to explore barefoot ruining, then I’d certainly say to start your search there. Altra for example. Something that has a bit of cushion to help with the impact if you run on hard surfaces.
Ben Parkes thanks, I have been using merrell trail on pavement which have a bit more rubber than the vapour. I might go for more cushion for the next shoe and see how that affects injury prevention. Thanks again and all the best with the running
Welcome to RSA👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽
Garlic bread has butter on???
Not in Nandos!
The garlic sauce contains butter sometimes. 😋
How long have you been vegan?
About 4 years
Capetown is beautiful, but one day plan a trip to Durban and be apart of the Comrades marathon the most south african historical race ever - the ultimate human race
@tami0202 OH WOW that is awesome
I don't get it why anyone should have a vegan tuesday. One can eat salad or any food without meat but it doesn't have to be vegan. I for example had pasta with sundried tomatoes, olives, feta and tomato sauce on Monday in a veggie restaurant. It tasted good but I didn't make big deal about it. There is no added value that a meal is vegan compared to being just veggie. Of course, I eat met too because I like it but I have salad also as side dish then.
Isn't there meat in the sausage roll you had, I thought you are vegan
It’s a vegan sausage roll
Hey Ben, no flying-shame? Flying has the single biggest impact as an induvidual on the climate, as it releases huge amounts of CO2. I see you are vegan, presumably for animal welfare? Wild animals also needs care... Climate change will severley impact every aspect of life on earth...