My name is Vanessa. I’m a health journalist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, and a barefoot/minimalist ultra runner.
Running for me was something that was born in the midst of my worst hardships and continues to carry me through life. You can read more about why I run here.
I was born in El Salvador, grew up in Canada, and now live in San Diego. You can see a complete run-down of my life in bullet points here (scroll down to the second last question).
I currently work as an Online Editor for Active.com. I love my job. You can also read more about my nutrition services here. Or view my previously published articles and interviews here. In my spare time I run ultra marathons and explore new trails. I have been running since November 2007.
Running barefoot through nature heals all my wounds. And running is something that has always been there for me. Whatever time and effort I put into it, it always reciprocates. Running is something I need. And love. It teaches me how to live. It makes me strong. Running has taught me that there is nothing broken that cannot be rebuilt. It has forced me to reclaim my body and my mind.
I started this blog in honour of the run, and to track where it will take me. I hope you will follow and share in my journey. You can contact me directly at vanessaruns@gmail.com.
37 comments
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March 6, 2010 at 10:59 am
tj
Good luck! When did you start, btw?
I did NYC last year and would do it again in a heartbeat! It is an absolute blast.
March 6, 2010 at 12:01 pm
vanessaruns
I starting running in November 2008, then built up to a half marathon. Now I’m going for the full. I can’t wait to get to NYC!
March 6, 2010 at 5:56 pm
tj
Excellent. I’m guessing you know that there’s a lottery for getting in to NYC. There’s a reasonable likelihood of getting in. I know a few women who’ve gotten in on their first try. For men, it seems to take longer, presumably because they get more men entering. If you apply 3 years in a row, you automatically get in the 4th year.
Have fun!
March 10, 2010 at 2:48 pm
vanessaruns
I actually didn’t know that. Did you get in right away?
March 13, 2010 at 5:26 pm
tj
The first time I tried in 2005, I got in. Unfortunately I got a bad injury during the late part of my training and couldn’t do it (bad IT injury. Took about 4 months to recover and be able to run just 10k again.)
I tried each year 2006-2009, got in automatically in 2009. I’ve already entered for 2010, not expecting to get in, but starting my 4 year countdown again.
March 14, 2010 at 12:33 am
vanessaruns
How long have you been running?
My physio talked to me about IT-strengthening techniques.. I’m actually going to blog about it this week.
What was your time in 2009?
March 21, 2010 at 9:48 am
tj
I did 4:45. My worst marathon time ever, but the most fun marathon, too. I have a hip/butt injury now that’s been plaguing me for a couple of years and I had to walk a lot when that got too painful.
When my mileage goes up, my hip/butt (piriformis to be specific) gets really aggravated. ART has been very helpful, but it’s hard to fit in physio time-wise. Plus it gets expensive!
I wish I’d paid more attention to stretching during my first couple of marathons. I’ve always been super flexible and think I was a bit too confident that that would always be. Running longer distances has taken its toll now and really tightened up my muscles and I think that is the single root cause for all of my injuries since then. So – I’m trying to improve that habit. My husband keeps telling me to go for more ART – and I should – but it’s kind of pointless until I get into a proper stretching routine. The good news is I’m getting much better. It’s just so easy to fall off the bandwagon – done it too many times in the past!
March 28, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Jenny
Wow, quite a background you bring you to your blog. Your courage and perseverence in life as well as running shows through. I hope you are still in touch with your family and that your partner has regained a quality of life following his accident. I know it had to take a toll on both of you. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!
March 28, 2010 at 8:39 pm
vanessaruns
Thanks Jenny. Yes, we are doing well
March 31, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Ali khan
hey …. its Ali …. I admire your passion……for Athletics……… talk to ya soon senorita……..
Adios….
Ali
April 8, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Chief
I really like your header picture! Nice Job!
June 27, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Nury
Vannessa!
Hi!
Ive just found your blog and I extremly aprecciate all what you´ve written. I think you are really honest with your words. And it is always so nice to find people like you.
Recently ive quit on swimming because of university and work which take me so much time . It also has been such a fight between mental and physical reactions ( that come out when someone produce a break in lifestyle) , but now ive decided to start running which is easier because i can actually practice this near home . So if you can give some advices i would really aprecciate that!!!!
lots of greets from Chile!!!!
bye
June 27, 2010 at 3:05 pm
vanessaruns
Thanks! Feel free to browse my blog, you’ll find lots of advice here. All the best!
July 31, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Mike
Have you done an artical on Shoe expected lifetimes?
I am curious when it is time to trade them in.
August 25, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Justine
What an inspiration you are to have overcome such trying things in your life! We have all been through trying times, but to hear your story just moves me. Thank you for sharing your true life, including its highs and lows, with the world. I enjoy reading your blog even more because of your courage and honesty.
Justine
September 5, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Rich
Nice read. As a fellow runner I wish you the best in your endeavors. I read your blog on “I’m probably a masochist” and I must admit that while you didn’t meet your goal you looked the part (like a runner, i mean that in a good way). Your approach to that race was definitely different then anything i have or would try, but it was an interesting strategy. I enjoy reading about how others prepare and execute their race day strategies for there is always something to be learned. I’m no expert in running but by keeping an open mind and disciplined training I managed to achieve a marathon PR this year at 3:20:12 and qualify for Boston. I wish you the best in achieving your goals and keep sharing. Ciao! (I’m not Italian but like the word)
Rich
October 24, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Barefoot Running
Naked foot running is sizzling right now. Since Chris McDougall’s e book, Born to Run, about the Tarahumara Indians who ran (and gained) ultra-marathons either barefoot or carrying hurraches — low-tech running sandals they typically constructed out of old tires and string, increasingly more individuals are excited by barefoot running. Folks, together with me, were transfixed by the tales of Caballo Blanco (the “white horse”) and Barefoot Ted, who got rid of their regular running shoes and went barefoot or in huaraches instead.
November 16, 2010 at 8:47 am
Andy
Vanessa,
I want to say congratulations on everything you’ve done with your running, your blog, and the resource and service you’re providing to the community at large! Your site popped up in a Google search I was doing on October 19 on recovering from marathons. In fact, you and I happened to complete in our first respective marathons during the same weekend! I did Baltimore(http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=94243931&rsID=100741), and it was a mind-blowing, life altering blast, and I experienced much of what you did afterwards. Afterwards I’ve discovered (or refocused on) the value of rest, the power of swimming with running, and some other fun things like yoga! I caught the barefoot bug about a year ago after reading McDougall’s BTR book and having stopped running from an overuse ache behind my knee, and have since experienced many of the joys, trials, and tribulations that the barefoot transition brings along with it. You continue to inspire me to put my old writing cap on and get to work sharing my experiences and spreading the good word about barefoot running (speaking of religious and/or spiritual connections of running…). So I’ve got some domains reserved, and a million things to write about on such topics, but I’m still waiting for the drive and focus to sit down and really get started (and not accidentally write a book)
. And you’re helping motivate me, so keep it up, and good luck with your goals! I’ve got my own, I’ll shoot you my site when I get it together!
~Andy, maybe Barefoot Andy if that isn’t already a bit of a cliche
November 16, 2010 at 3:44 pm
vanessaruns
Hi Andy! I just emailed you.
February 20, 2011 at 6:23 am
Stacia Rausch
I know this is truly boring and you are skipping to the next comment, but I just wanted to throw you a big thanks – you cleared up some things for me!
March 5, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Lynda B
I stumbled across your blog while looking for info on runner’s trots. I’m also Salvadoran (American) and was pretty excited to see a Salvadoreña writing about running. I can identify with your overprotective father.
I’m looking forward to continuing to read your blog!
April 27, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Erica L. Robinson
Hiya!
I found your blog because under my post on MDs: Are they all evil it linked to your entry on doctors as well (related entry) super amazing by the way! I am an RHN and studying to become an ND and my aunt (Bonnie Black) also works at Vitality so, seems we have a lot in common! I’m also paleo which seems to be a theme (at least a guest theme) on here! Will love to keep in touch and follow your blog,
Good luck with the running!
- Erica
May 20, 2011 at 11:13 pm
Tracy Thomas
Hi Vanessa. Loved reading about you. My mom lives in Canada and I just got back from a visit there. I am a CSCS and it is a great certification to get. Very cool that you are also branching into holistic nutrition!
Your mom’s death and your comments about her being your best friend really struck home with me. My mom is my best friend too and I am so lucky to still have her! Look forward to reading updates about you! Cheers! Tracy
June 6, 2011 at 8:19 pm
JosephTree
I am glad to have found your blog. I’ll keep my eye on you here and see how the running goes for you. I’ve been BF/M since I started running last year and I’m very happy to have my feet on the ground.
Suerte y salud!
Joseph
July 29, 2011 at 12:15 am
Mike H.
How’s your partner doing now?
July 29, 2011 at 10:17 am
vanessaruns
Much better. You can read more here: http://vanessaruns.com/2010/08/05/post107/
July 29, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Mike H.
What does barefoot running do to the soles of your feet? Do you go barefoot in other public places?
August 1, 2011 at 9:06 am
Johnny
Hi, perhaps you could give me some advice. I’ve been playing around with VFFs for about a year, and I’ve started running in them, mostly on “barefoot friendly” terrain for the past 6 weeks. About two weeks ago, I ditched the shoes entirely for my runs. After reading “Step by Step” by Barefoot Ken Bob a few days ago I decided to work on my form and hit the asphalt. I did about 2 1/2 miles and developed some serious blistering due, I suppose, to bad form.
I rested for a couple days and this morning I went for a run, once again trying to work on my form for completely barefoot running. Last week I ran 6 miles at about an 8:45 pace with no problems. However, this morning while adopting the style promoted by Ken Bob, I could barely squeeze out 2 miles, and they were around 11 mins each.
Is it normal to slow down this much while trying to adopt the correct barefoot running form? I’m feeling a little discouraged, but I want to figure this out…
August 19, 2011 at 10:13 am
Florina
Thank you for sharing your story; it’s very inspirational. I hope you and your partner are doing well. I’m interested in finding out more about barefoot running and would like to find a reputable trainer/nutritionist. Also, I follow a high raw diet. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
August 19, 2011 at 11:36 am
Tracy Thomas
RAW is good. Ever see “Food Matters” or “The Gerson Miracles” DVDs. David Wolfe’s book called “Superfoods” is awesome too! Barefoot and RAW are “the way I roll” too! Mostly Raw anyway…probably 75%. Never felt better and my asthma is nearly non-existant now for 4 months and no meds at all! YIPPEE!!!
December 19, 2011 at 11:35 am
Rain
Hey Vanessa,
Just stumbled across your blog and I’m excited to see you’re a barefoot runner. I have just started running with Vibrams and I’m intending to go totally barefoot once my calf and foot muscles get in shape. Running in Vibrams has definitely transformed my running for the better! I’ll definitely be exploring your blog for more advice on that…
I noticed you’re doing a Vegan 30-day challenge. Seeing that you’re 1. into nutrition and 2. an ultra-athlete, I’m curious if you’ve ever heard about or tried the raw vegan fruitarian lifestyle. (I’ve been fruitarian for 6 months now and its definitely revolutionized my energy levels and goes hand in hand with running!)
This is the site of an online community that’s got tons of info: http://www.30bananasaday.com
and this is the blog of a fruitarian ultra-runner, who blows my mind:
http://www.thefruitarian.com
Anyway, thanks for putting up your blog and best of wishes.
Rain
December 19, 2011 at 11:39 am
vanessaruns
Thanks for the links! Fruitarian is on the list for me to try! Great resources.
January 4, 2012 at 5:44 am
vanessaruns
This is great! Thanks for the link!
December 19, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Jim VanKirk
The trail above the cliffs at Torrey Pines
December 21, 2011 at 6:41 am
Janel
I just came across your blog from your canola oil post (super informative!) and look forward to reading more. Thanks!
January 3, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Chiah
Hey there- just came by your blog through facebook and am inspired by your barefoot running. Any info on arch issues? I have tried barefoot shoes, arch free, arches and am now hardly able to have a pain free day.It feels like my arch is being ripped when I apply any pressure. I used to run, now am hardly able to walk more than a few minutes or push the gas pedal. Any nutrition advice on this? I am a very healthy, I eat a lot of raw/vegan, organic eater….and have always been super healthy. Just a strange thing that has turned up and suddenly ruining my whole world…
January 4, 2012 at 5:43 am
vanessaruns
It does take a transition period and you do have to develop your arches like any other muscle – if you do too much too soon, it will hurt. It’s not supposed to be painful though. Start VERY slow if you’re not used to being barefoot, even just walking instead of running. It takes a lot of patience at the beginning, but once your feet adjust it’s much easier. I recommend you read this – http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Running-Step-Shoeless-Technique/dp/1592334652