Introduction
Hi Everyone. Just joined and wanted to introduce myself.
I live in Durham and work in Cary. I've been running for over 20 years, minimalist for over a year in VFFs and barefoot for a couple of months. I've been through lots of the beginners injuries over the past year - top of foot pain, achilles tendonitis, pulled calf muscle, metatarsal bruises, stress fracture, and blisters. I wish I had known about some of the online groups/communities when I started as I think I could have saved myself from most of the injuries.
Before my last injury, I was running about 8 miles 3 times per week in VFFs. I'm ramping back up now, mixing in barefoot this time to ensure I maintain a good form and good foot mechanics.
I hang out quite a bit on the Minimalist Runner Google group started by Barefoot Ted as well.
cheers,
Scott
Thanks for the welcome. The injuries were mostly TMTS types. The metatarsal bruises were from stepping on rocks - hard. Live and learn...
No kidding. I have a persistent case of TOFP, the worst thing is it jumps from foot to foot. As soon as one side starts to feel better, the other side starts acting up.
Welcome! I was going to recommend you ditch the VFFs for awhile and get a good form down, but it seems like you already figured that out.
Running Nike Free 0.0
Yeah, I haven't worn my VFF's since the last injury actually. Initially it was because they didn't offer enough protection, but now it's because I bought some Mizuno Wave Universe 3 shoes which I like better than the VFFs. I'll probably get back into them this winter once I can't barefoot due to weather, but for now they remain in the bottom of my gym bag. I do my long miles in the MWU3's and my form training distances barefoot. So far, this is working well for me and my barefoot training miles are even slowly increasing (I've ran up to 2 mile barefoot on my local running track).
Scott
Hi Scott,
Welcome! I live in Cary and work in Durham. I've been running for just over a year. I was never a shod runner. I started in VFFs but after 2 weeks switched to BFR and have been barefoot ever since. I'm slow and don't go very far, but I enjoy every step!
Hope to have the opportunity to meet you some time!
Peace,
Karen
PS -- Like your avatar. Guiness and Star Wars -- 2 of my favorite things! 
PPS -- Just clicked on your FB page (I came over here after seeing your post on the BRS page on FB). I'm also an EE. BS and MS from NCSU. HS class of 86. Clearly, we have too much in common not to at least meet up for a run and/or a Guinness at some point. -- And my husband would like me to point out that, no, I'm not hitting on you. 
LOL.
Whatever works for you is all good, Scott. Just run happy and healthy, right?
Running Nike Free 0.0
EE? NCSU? HS class of 86 (I'm '87)? Barefoot running? Yeah, our families need to get together for a beer or 3 sometime.
cheers,
Scott
Scott,
I just learned about this today. Tir Na Nog Run Club in Raleigh...
http://www.nogrunclub.com/pages/running-group
My first thought after "Oh, yeah -- running AND Guinness!" was, "Hey, that would be a great meet-up plan for NC BRS.
Unfortunately, I'm usually booked on Monday evenings. Looking at the calendar, I might be able to make it on Monday, October 4. Sound like a plan?
Peace,
Karen
That would be a lot of fun! Wonder if Tir Na Nog will let me in with bare feet or if I will have to carry my shoes...
If my oldest doesn't have soccer on that Monday, I'll certainly try to show up for the run and a pint (or two). It would be cool to meet a few other barefooters.
Scott
Welcome glad you here! That sucks about the injuries.