New Shoes

Well, if I'm supposed to be self-locomoting my fair share of 1000 miles this year, I figured it was time for some new running shoes.  So, I've been running in 2 new pairs lately, with generally positive results.  You may find them a little atypical, but I like 'em:

If you're unfamiliar with Vibram Five Fingers shoes (KSOs, specifically) your first thought is: you have to get your toes into there?  Well, yes.  It takes a little practice, but after just a few weeks, I dare say I can get them on in the same amount of time it takes you to get your running shoes on; I have toe slots and velcro, you have socks, shoes and laces.  Essentially, these are a glove for your foot with about 1/8" of rubber on the bottom for traction and protection from sharp rocks and sticks.

Realistically, if you're interested in running, you're probably at least aware of people that run in shoes like these.  And if you want to know more about them, you could read books, or visit all sorts of websites.  So I won't try to write a great dissertation in running with minimalist shoes.  I will, however, tell you a bit about my experience.

I think they're great.  Shannon listened to a RadioWest podcast about barefoot running (which she has saved many months for me to listen to, and I never have, and it's only my fault, not hers) wherein the guest says something to the effect of "I don't have to make an argument for barefoot running.  Just take your shoes off and run for one block and see if you like it."  Well, I do like being barefoot.  I'd be barefoot more often if I could.  So, I got these shoes, which a much closer to being barefoot than wearing normal shoes, while still providing some protection from heat, cold and sharp things.

You do have to run a bit differently in them, though.  As there is no padding in the heel, you just can't land on your heels; instead you land toes first and then your heel.  To do this you take shorter, quicker strides, and the first time you do it for any distance, you light your calves on fire.  Yes, burning pain for the next day or two.  This is why people suggest a very long, slow transition period.  I have, to a certain degree, ignored their specific advice of starting with very short distances and only lengthening them at a painfully slow rate.  Yesterday I did 3.56 miles in them and basically feel fine.  As an added bonus, I'm significantly faster in them, too.  (Though part of that is probably the big reduction in distance.  I went from doing 4-7 miles to doing about 1 mile, so it makes sense that I was faster.)  Over the few weeks, my muscles are adjusting to the different running style.  I've got a tendon on the top of my left foot that is a bit complain-y lately.  It's not painful, just a bit uncomfortable at times.  And I can't definitively pin it on the new shoes either - it may be basketball related.  In summary, I love them, and have absolutely no desire to go back to my old shoes.  They just feel nice and light and simple.  Maybe it's all in my head, but, as I run because I like to, I don't need any reason to run in them other than that I like them.