You don't get any little aliens popping out of your chest and scurrying away do you? What's your name, John Hurt?

I think this is a fantastic idea for a thread.

I have been running regularly for the past 5 years and find it's a great way to keep both mind and body in balance. It's a while since I actually timed my 5k and 10k distances so have noted the last recorded times.

However, my main target this year is to increase the overall mileage I run and attempt the half marathon distance. The furthest I have ever run in one go is 10.6miles.

I would like to be running on average 100miles a month. This month so far I'm up to 90.99 so a should be able to have a few slack weeks later in the year.

Distance: 5k
Current Time: 18'35"

Distance: 10k
Current Time: 40'12"

Distance: Half Marathon
Current Time: Not attempted yet, but planning one before the end of the month
Target Time: 1'35"

Impressive times What terrain are you running on? Are you quite tall by any chance?

I think this is a fantastic idea for a thread.

I have been running regularly for the past 5 years and find it's a great way to keep both mind and body in balance. It's a while since I actually timed my 5k and 10k distances so have noted the last recorded times.

However, my main target this year is to increase the overall mileage I run and attempt the half marathon distance. The furthest I have ever run in one go is 10.6miles.

I would like to be running on average 100miles a month. This month so far I'm up to 90.99 so a should be able to have a few slack weeks later in the year.

Distance: 5k
Current Time: 18'35"

Distance: 10k
Current Time: 40'12"

Distance: Half Marathon
Current Time: Not attempted yet, but planning one before the end of the month
Target Time: 1'35"

I'm 172cm tall

Distance: 5k
Current Time: 18'35"

Distance: 10k
Current Time: 40'12"

I did also see a guy running in thin rubber skin-tight foot covers; I presume these are a stepping-stone between trainers and going barefooted.

Could've been something like these odd things.

Yes they're very similar to what he was wearing - don't fancy them too much myself either!

How would you start running barefoot?
Do people start on the road and just slowly extend the distance?

You start slowly, as you're using muscles and ligaments etc. you aren't used to using as much when wearing trainers. The theory is that we evolved barefoot so this is how we're designed to run. It's only recently in our evolution we've worn shoes and only the last few decades trainers. Modern trainers with their spring heels make us run incorrectly.

To start of you do 100 yards or so one day, then 200 a couple of days later, then slowly increase the distance. This both toughens the soles of your feet and strengthens your muscles. It takes 3-6 months to get up to 5 miles. You can also go our barefoot walking too to begin with.

I've been running on the road as seems the smoothest surface, with less debris than footpaths. The firmer the surface the more feedback you get through your soles and feet, so starting on grass/sand isn't as good.

I received these for Christmas:

http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Running-S...9862&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Running-L...9862&sr=1-2

It's odd, on the short runs I've done it does feel different but in a really good way.

I did the first ever Newbury 5k parkrun this morning in the snow this morning. There was a big turnout and a really good atmosphere. I'll be back next week. Time was 24:30. http://www.parkrun.org.uk