What's your experience with barefoot running?

Although I’m no recent convert, I’m still relatively early in my journey to become a true barefoot runner. I (like many others) was first introduced to the concept by reading Christopher McDougall’s “Born to Run” (which, by the way, is a real eye-opener). Anyways, shortly thereafter I attempted a few clumsy barefoot runs myself and invested in a pair of Vibram FiveFingers to help train my feet slowly to get used to the strains of going bare after being caged for so long.

4 months down the road, I have to say it’s been one of the most inspirational experiences of my entire life. Not only has running barefoot strengthened me physically (stronger arches, much better balance, less cario strain when running), but I’ve grown spiritually from the experience too. Being barefoot has (on it’s own) launched me into a brand new relationship with the Earth and gotten me in touch with my raw humanity. I’ve become a true believer in the existence (if not necessity) of the human spirit, and I’ve come to grasp with the beauty of what it truly means to be a human being. When I run, I can feel each step almost as a connection not just with the pavement or grass beneath me, but a tap into the all encompassing subterranean soul of our Earth that thrives unbeknownst to so many.

Any other unshod runners out their care to share their experiences with barefoot running? Has anyone experienced a similar spiritual awakening and felt more in tune with the world around them?

And as a side note, is it just me or do regular shoes become unbearable after setting your feet free? : ) It feels like I’m hauling around a 10 pound block of rubber that’s suffocating my poor toes!