New Shoes

I made the plunge today, as I expected I would, to join the world of barefoot running.  The plan was to get some FiveFinger Vibrams.  My wife and I set out to REI to try them out and snag a pair for me.  I think Julie thinks I am crazy, but at least she is supportive.  She warned me before we even went that she didn't think my toes would fit in the FiveFingers; she was correct.  I highly recommend you try a pair before ordering a pair via the internet. Fortunately, Merrell has accommodated for individuals like myself.  I found a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves that facilitate the barefoot feel but look like normal shoes.

I know that I said in my previous post that I would stick mostly to walking, drills, and strides on softer surfaces trying to avoid asphalt, but tonight I felt a flood of adrenaline to try the new shoes.  I kept it conservative, but strided out a fast 3/4 mile run.  The premise of the shoes are that they create a forefoot running pattern that causes you to maintain the "perfect" running posture.  I don't know if it was placebo effect or if it really did it, but I felt great.  I felt like I was gliding across the pavement keeping my upper body still with a nice front-to-back arm swing.  I still don't want to get carried away.  The plan is to ease into the distance and maybe tackle some trails.

Even though tonight was only 3/4 mile, it reminded me how I felt during the Tobacco Road 1/2 marathon in March.  Absolutely the best I have ever felt running (minus the last half mile).  It was one of those moments when your stride feels good and effortless (again, minus the last half mile).  During that race my friend Michael and I set personal bests thanks to some pacing from our good friend, Ryan.  The three amigos of running.  We have the type of camaraderie that draws me to sports.  I am hoping the new barefoot training mixed in with our usual workouts we'll continue to push toward new PR's.

So far I give the barefoot shoes a positive endorsement.  I will continue to update as I log a few more workouts in them.