Monday, August 30, 2010

Fivefingers- Day 3 run

Today I was not enjoying my fivefingers. Calves killed me today when I ran. Everything that I have read says this is normal when you first start out. It was extremely hard to run. With the mud run coming up I cannot afford to decondition while trying to get adjusted sooooo I am going to use them only once a week so I can go back to my normal running mileage. Going to order the Nike Frees to train in for now. Still plan to wear the fivefingers to the gym and one short run a week until after Sept 25

Friday, August 27, 2010

Day 3- Vibram Fivefingers

Oh boy, calves are screaming! Could barely walk this morning!! Did some stretches and walking around, was good to go. I had planned to wait a few weeks to time my mile BUT curiosity got the best of me so I did this morning! I ran the fastest timed mile that I have ever run- 7 minutes, 17 seconds! Shaved 13 seconds off my time! I have been trying for months to break a 7 1/2 min mile!!! I was so excited that I wanted to cry! I am only 17 seconds from my goal now!

Still loving them in the gym too to do weights, I feel very stable and grounded. They were also great for plyometrics. Felt good in my jump squats.

Still giving two thumbs up! Ready for my calves to get used to them! They are getting a serious workout from them!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Vibram Fivefinger shoes- Day 2



Oh my gosh. Got out of bed this morning and my calves were so tight and sore!! Holy smokes. Can definitely tell that the calves do not work much in the traditional running shoe. After a few stretches and walking around they are loosening up and feel fine. My feet feel fine, I expected them to be tight or sore but they feel normal this morning. I meant to add that yesterday I also lifted weights in them. They were great for that! I felt more grounded and stable and noticed that my balance was much better. Today is a running rest day for me, I will spin but tomorrow is is hopefully 3 miles in the Vibrams.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Vibram Fivefinger shoes


I have been doing a lot of research on the benefits of barefoot running. My father in law and brother in law bought a pair of Vibram Five finger shoes and I have seen several people running in them. Some friends from up North said they are HUGE there, as well as on the west coast. My husband got a pair and likes his so after several weeks of researching I decided to buy a pair of Fivefinger Bikilas.

Today is my first day wearing them. You are advised to start slowly transitioning in them to get your feet used to the shoes before you jump right in with your regular mileage. I decided to run an easy 2 miles today. By the way, the shoes do not feel as weird as they look, they are very comfortable. The first thing I noticed when I took off is that I am a definite heel striker and I take long strides. The shoes will force you to move your stride into a mid sole to toe run with shorter, quicker steps. I have read that people who run and strike on the heels have higher lower body injuries and I have also read that you should not try to change your natural running pattern. Is heel striking my natural running pattern OR is it a learned pattern created by wearing supportive, high cushioned shoes?? I don't know. WHat I do know is when I take off my running shoes and go barefoot my natural instinct is to run on the toes to protect the heels. Anyway, second thing I noticed, I do not work my calf muscles very well in running shoes, you could feel them burning like they do when I do calf raises, of course I love this because anything to help develop my calves is good for me! I love the sweeping diamond look in a calf. I also noticed the muscles in my foot that never get to work out. It did not hurt at all to run, there is a sole on the shoe, just no cushion. I also felt very light and felt quicker on my feet. I ran 2 miles in 16 minutes. My fastest mile is 7 1/2 minutes. Of course I can not keep that pace when I run longer than a mile, I naturaly begin to slow. I am going to give myself 2-3 weeks of transition in the shoes and then time my mile. I will be interested to see if it increases my time any, I am wanting to break a 7 min mile so bad! I will keep you posted on my journey in the fivefingers! Today I give them a 2 thumbs up