In the last couple weeks, I've rambled on about my dissatisfaction with my current shoe rotation, the Vibram KSOs and New Balance MT101s. While these shoes are OK, they don't make me excited about getting out for a run. What's more, these two minimal-ish shoes still aren't as comfortable as my old, stinky-to-high-heaven Brooks T6 Racers.
I've also not been running as far as I should be for my Akron Marathon training. A serious dose of demotivation and the compiled effects of minimalized mileage during the winter have set me back to the point that I still haven't completed a double-digit long run, although I have run some tough eight-milers on trails that have been similar in effort to longer flat runs. (Or so I tell myself.)
Furthermore, barefoot running has continued to evolve into a primary interest. Although I have preferred to run mostly on trails, where I don't have the skills to go with bare feet or patience to learn said skills, I still am forced to run around the neighborhood on occasion. These urban runs are just so much more enjoyable without shoes -- except for when I burn my soles on hot pavement.
All this is pointing me toward a whole-hog changeover to barefoot running. I figure if I'm not running as far or fast as I have in past years at this point in the year, I might as well test my limits in other ways. Why not, right?
Another run on the par course earlier this week -- done barefoot -- alerted me that I will still require shoes at times. However, smart planning will allow me limit those occasions and expand my tolerance for tough terrain.
Those of you who remember the hippy shoes will be happy to know that they will be making a return to this blog. As for my other shoes, consider them on hiatus after tonight, when I go for my last shod run and begin a barefoot streak. Wish me luck, or stay tuned for my hilarious failure. Cheers!
Showing posts with label not quite barefoot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label not quite barefoot. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, November 15, 2010
Old Trails, New Terrain
Last week was an eventful one for running in my new Vibram KSOs. I increased distance and covered new terrain.
Until Wednesday, I had only run a series of three-milers in the silly toe shoes. I ran four miles that evening on the roads, which actually seemed to loosen up my legs that had been a bit tight since switching over to my latest foray into less shoe.
I tacked on almost another two miles Friday afternoon, but on trails instead of asphalt. I ran another four-plus miles on more trails Saturday morning.
My legs are using reverse psychology on me. Instead of feeling tight and tired after longer runs on tougher terrain, my limbs feel loose and ready to go.
The Vibrams provided lots of ground feel, which was difficult when it came to a few jagged gravel patches along the two trails. However, with the rubber padding, my inclination was to try to continue moving quickly, whereas being barefoot would have made me slow down to avoid pain.
Some of the hills were tough because the silly toe shoes don't provide a whole lot of traction. With wet leaves and loose soil, my feet wanted to slide in some places.
Overall, running the trails in the Vibrams was much more fun than running on pavement. Too bad the lack of daylight makes it tough to enjoy such environs during the work week. C'est la vie. Cheers!
Two Week Taste
Saturday evening, the Enthusiast and I cracked open a couple bottles of our homebrewed porter for an early taste. Early results: F'ing yum!
The official unveiling will be Thanksgiving, when I pass the poison to family members and loved ones.
Until Wednesday, I had only run a series of three-milers in the silly toe shoes. I ran four miles that evening on the roads, which actually seemed to loosen up my legs that had been a bit tight since switching over to my latest foray into less shoe.
I tacked on almost another two miles Friday afternoon, but on trails instead of asphalt. I ran another four-plus miles on more trails Saturday morning.
My legs are using reverse psychology on me. Instead of feeling tight and tired after longer runs on tougher terrain, my limbs feel loose and ready to go.
The Vibrams provided lots of ground feel, which was difficult when it came to a few jagged gravel patches along the two trails. However, with the rubber padding, my inclination was to try to continue moving quickly, whereas being barefoot would have made me slow down to avoid pain.
Some of the hills were tough because the silly toe shoes don't provide a whole lot of traction. With wet leaves and loose soil, my feet wanted to slide in some places.
Overall, running the trails in the Vibrams was much more fun than running on pavement. Too bad the lack of daylight makes it tough to enjoy such environs during the work week. C'est la vie. Cheers!
Two Week Taste
Saturday evening, the Enthusiast and I cracked open a couple bottles of our homebrewed porter for an early taste. Early results: F'ing yum!
The official unveiling will be Thanksgiving, when I pass the poison to family members and loved ones.
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