Hey y'all,
I've been inspired by the modern male fitness trends to take up running again and train for longer distance runs / rucks with my soldiers. I converted to being barefoot (or wearing minimalist shoes when necessary; I work in healthcare and military) about 2 years ago now, and since then my foot health and run form for short distance runs has improved dramatically. Haven't had any shin splints, no plantar pain, and my lower leg strength is at an all time high. However, I'm hard stuck at about 6-8 miles before my calves and soleus lock up and it's very difficult to keep generating force to move forward.
I've been stuck at this range for a few months now. Today, I completed a 6 mile run in 53 minutes, running the last mile and a half fully barefoot, and I was qutie sore by the time that run was done. Still no improvement, and I'm feeling like I won't ever make it even to a half-marathon at the pace I'm going. I'm inspired by the runners here that can do long distance barefoot, and I was hoping I might be able to get some advice on how to augment my training sessions to run better and longer in minimalist shoes or even fully barefoot.
Thanks for your help y'all!
~Nathan