Just a Quickie

The other day I was out for a run (with shoes still). I think it was in the 30s, but it was still pretty nice out. Since I've been getting the itch real bad to take my shoes off, when I was done, I did! I ran a 4 mile run with shoes and then a real quick maybe 1/8th mile without. The concrete was definitely cold, but it really felt good! It got me excited about the approaching spring. I think it's supposed to be in the 40s and 50s this week, so I'm hoping to get some short runs in this week too!

I'm Ready! Is it Spring Yet?

So I was out for a 5 mile run today - in shoes since it's still cold and snowy out - and all I could think about (besides how windy it was) was how I can't wait to take off my shoes. I'm going to start soon. The weather is finally starting to warm up a bit and the snow is starting to melt. I have two races left in my goal of running at least one race a month for 12 months. I have a race this weekend and one in March and my goal will be complete! I'm hoping once March rolls around I'll be able to start my barefoot training. I've been running in the Nike Free's a bit, but I'm still a bit limited on distance. I did my 5.4 miles this morning in my aging Asics Kayanos. It was good that I did. The top of my feet were a little sore from my 3 mile run in the Nikes yesterday.

Once I start my barefoot training I need to find a balance between that and 1/2 Marathon training. I think I'm going to skip an April race and try to balance out the two trainings. I think I'll be able to mesh the two quite well. I just have to take it easy and be smart. I'm all about trying to do this the right way - with out injury. I don't have any races planned after May, so once that 1/2 is done, it will be full force barefoot!

Mentally I'm totally ready to take on this challenge, I just need it to warm up a few degrees and the snow to melt!


Until then....

Nike Free's

I just ran my first race with my Nike Free's today. There is a very noticeable difference compare to even my worn out pair of Asics Kayanos. But they feel great and I'm really happy that for now I have a much lighter shoe until the weather improves and I can get my shoes off and start with the barefoot. I'm hoping by March it will be a lot easier to do that. One thing that I know I'll have to figure out is once I'm running with either Vibrams or barefoot in races, is how to attach my timing chip! The one today was nice with it's own velcro strap. I'm thinking I'll just have to get something similar on my own.

I am so anxious to get moving without shoes on! I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning! I know it will take time, but I'm very excited about the journey! For now I will settle for doing my indoor workouts with my Vibrams and running in the Nike's.

Until next time!

A Silly Video

This is pretty funny. There are a few other videos similar to this. Anyone in to barefoot running will understand this video...and laugh! Enjoy. :)

Barefoot Running Cartoon

New Year - New Resolution!

It has been quite sometime since I last blogged about my barefoot running adventures. Mostly because I haven't had much to write about. Sorry! But as the title has said...it's a new year and new years are always full of resolutions. I am no exception to this. This year is the year I make my full transition from running shoes to Vibrams and barefoot running! I have been doing a little bit of Vibram running lately. I did a quick stint on the treadmill yesterday after a 3.15 mile run outside in shoes. It really felt awesome! It motivated me to try hard to get switched over.

I also just ordered a pair of Nike Free's. I think I will be trying to run more in those as well. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon in May and I don't think I'll be quite ready for the Vibrams yet, so my goal is the Nike Frees. I've been running in the same pair of Asics since somewhere around June. I know they're worn out in the standard lives of shoes, but I figure (and it could be very fuzzy logic) since I'm aiming to run with shoes that have no cushion (or no shoes at all) that I don't really need to get new shoes. And now that I'll be picking up my Nikes tomorrow, we'll see how those go!

I've noticed at the races I've been doing, more and more people running in Vibrams. This always gets me excited an wanting to get going on the transition. But I'm trying not to get over anxious, because I don't want to injure myself. I know this will take time.

Now I just need to find my book on barefoot running! It has disappeared! If I don't find it soon, I may be forced to purchase another copy. I've got to have my guide book so I do this right!

Here's to a new year of great minimalist and barefoot running!!

Barefoot and Vibram Running Articles

Here's a few links to some good articles about barefoot running and Vibrams. Even the military is looking into the Vibrams!

Marine Corps Times Article #1

Marine Corps Times Article #2

Air Force Times Article

November Issue Runner's World Article

Vibrams vs Barefoot

So about 2 weeks ago I finally decided to do a test....run in my Vibram Five Fingers and then run barefoot and compare! I ran one mile of each. There were some differences for sure! I first ran in the Vibrams (pronounced Vee-bruhms - check their website) and there were definitely pluses and minuses. With the Vibrams I was definitely less cautious about any rocks or sticks or anything on the road that could hurt my feet. I could tell that even though these "shoes" are supposed to be encouraging a barefoot type of stride, it was still a little different than running completely barefoot. My stride was a little longer than bare foot, but still a lot shorter than running with shoes. My toes also surprisingly felt a little constricted. Since they are in their own respective "toe pockets" they didn't really have any where to move. There are still positives to running in the Vibrams - like not having to worry quite as much about rocks and the like and I can run longer in them than completely barefoot. My mile was about 8:30 in the Vibrams. Once I took them off and went barefoot, it was like my feet were free again! I could stretch my toes out a lot easier which felt nice. My stride definitely got even shorter and I could tell I was running slower. My mile was about 9:00. But it was neat to feel the ground under my toes and even the temperature difference where the sun was shining on the pavement compared to where there was shade. I also like feeling the difference between asphalt and concrete and where it was painted. My feet were still a little raw after the run.


About a week after that run, I did a longer run with the Vibrams. I ran 2.5 miles in them and then 1/2 mile barefoot. The biggest thing I noticed after that run (and the 24-48 hours later) was my calves. Oh man...were they sore!! That is another big reason to take the barefoot running slow! It took a full day for my calves to reach full soreness. I did that run on a Wednesday afternoon and I think Thursday night into Friday morning was when I was the most sore. But I'm hoping a good side effect will be fantastic looking calves! :P

Sorry it has taken so long to write another post. Sometimes things just keep me away from the blog! But up next...a few good articles about Vibrams and barefoot running!