Running the hilly 5k in my Vibram Five Fingers took a lot out of me. I’m not sure if it was because I’ve really only run longer than that in them a few times or if it had to do with the speed. I didn’t run in them at all last week.
Today, I wanted to get back into them, but right now there are so many acorns EVERYWHERE that I just couldn’t into the idea. The thought of stepping on one in the Five Fingers just made me cringe. I stepped on one on Saturday night in my ballet flats and it hurt like hell, I could only imagine how much it would hurt if I hit one wrong while running.
Instead of compromising and wearing shoes, I opted to run barefoot on the treadmill. I did a mile warm up and then a fast mile and a half. At that point, I started getting tired and my form went to pieces, so I backed off the pace and ran one more mile. Judging by my experience, I think I need to run shorter barefoot runs more frequently instead of pushing so hard to manage a four mile run. Or maybe I just need to run 2-3 four mile runs barefoot or in Vibrams each week. Any of my barefoot readers got thoughts on that? Going totally barefoot/minimalist is not an option yet. I don’t want to cut my running back that drastically (and honestly, I’m not sure I’ll ever be 100% barefoot/minimal).
On an unrelated note, I’d like to start a new feature on this blog. I wrote one “Ask Mama” post a while back and really enjoyed writing it. I’m also writing a series of blog posts called “Moms’ Help Desk” over at Metro DC Mom. As most of you know, in my pre-kids life, I was a research librarian. While I don’t miss working, I do miss having a chance to research topics. I look forward to researching and writing some posts that are less fluffy than my usual. The only problem is I need help from my loyal readers. I need topics. I need questions. So, I challenge you to ask me a question. I promise to try to answer it. So, hit me with your best shot! (And if you can’t think of a research question, feel free to ask me an “inquiring minds want to know” type of question.) Leave a comment or email me at mom2shoo at gmail.com
I prefer barefoot over the vibrams during acorn season. My bare feet seem to be able to avoid them, vibrams not so much.
I prefer barefoot over the vibrams during acorn season. My bare feet seem to be able to avoid them, vibrams not so much.
Jamoosh kills me.I'm trying this barefoot treadmill thing tomorrow. [only because I have 11 blisters on my feet-yes, I counted]. ;)You rock.
Jamoosh kills me.I'm trying this barefoot treadmill thing tomorrow. [only because I have 11 blisters on my feet-yes, I counted]. ;)You rock.
Great job getting your run in…treadmill or not.Right now I am still streaking. I do believe that our bodies were created for far more than we give them. I have read quite a bit on the debate over "rest" days, and who needs them, what actually defines them. So there is a wealth of topics for you. Streaking, OCD, sports injury avoidance, insanity…;-)Not really a question but topic I am interested in now.
Great job getting your run in…treadmill or not.Right now I am still streaking. I do believe that our bodies were created for far more than we give them. I have read quite a bit on the debate over "rest" days, and who needs them, what actually defines them. So there is a wealth of topics for you. Streaking, OCD, sports injury avoidance, insanity…;-)Not really a question but topic I am interested in now.
holy friggin ouch. I tried running barefoot on the mile and it hurt like BLEEEP. I don't know why it was worse for me on the mil than outside.
holy friggin ouch. I tried running barefoot on the mile and it hurt like BLEEEP. I don't know why it was worse for me on the mil than outside.
I've been hearing about these things everywhere! I just bought runners last year, so I can't really justify buying yet another pair, but I am really intrigued by these things and would love to try them!!Maybe I can do this barefoot thing… though I run in the park and I'd be too worried about glass and other prickly stuff… :S
I've been hearing about these things everywhere! I just bought runners last year, so I can't really justify buying yet another pair, but I am really intrigued by these things and would love to try them!!Maybe I can do this barefoot thing… though I run in the park and I'd be too worried about glass and other prickly stuff… :S
I am a complete wimp because I can't walk across my back yard without shoes. I love the idea of "ask mama". I will think of some topics.
I am a complete wimp because I can't walk across my back yard without shoes. I love the idea of "ask mama". I will think of some topics.
Glad you were able to get a barefoot run done sans acorns. I definitely think of some questions!
Glad you were able to get a barefoot run done sans acorns. I definitely think of some questions!
I just can't imagine running in anything but running shoes! More power to ya! Awesome!
I just can't imagine running in anything but running shoes! More power to ya! Awesome!
I am cringing at the THOUGH of stepping on an acron (nearly) barefoot. Good call and good luck ramping up your barefoot/Vibram mileage. Obviously no advice here. 😉
I am cringing at the THOUGH of stepping on an acron (nearly) barefoot. Good call and good luck ramping up your barefoot/Vibram mileage. Obviously no advice here. 😉
I'll say it again, I don't know how you do it barefoot, but you amaze me! Nice job on geting it done!Oooo, ask Mama, I'll have to think of a good one!Here's one: are you running barefoot to try something new? Or are you doing it for form or for your feet? Maybe you already answered this (sorry!) but I'm curious to see what brought you to this. Not judging, I'm a person that says, "never say never!" But really want to know what got you here! Keep it up! I'm so impressed!
I'll say it again, I don't know how you do it barefoot, but you amaze me! Nice job on geting it done!Oooo, ask Mama, I'll have to think of a good one!Here's one: are you running barefoot to try something new? Or are you doing it for form or for your feet? Maybe you already answered this (sorry!) but I'm curious to see what brought you to this. Not judging, I'm a person that says, "never say never!" But really want to know what got you here! Keep it up! I'm so impressed!
I've only run barefoot on the treadmill. One mile. So I don't have advice to offer you. 🙁
I've only run barefoot on the treadmill. One mile. So I don't have advice to offer you. 🙁
Yeah, I stepped on some acorns while running barefoot recently. That hurts. Avoid them, but don't avoid barefooting–it's good for you. Cheers!
Yeah, I stepped on some acorns while running barefoot recently. That hurts. Avoid them, but don't avoid barefooting–it's good for you. Cheers!
I have a question for "Ask Mama." Can you describe your favorite half marathon training program? I have signed up for my second half marathon, but I am not sure if I should stick with the same training program I used before, or try something new. I am confident in my ability to finish, and finish strong, but I am not yet ready for hard-core workouts.Thanks!
I have a question for "Ask Mama." Can you describe your favorite half marathon training program? I have signed up for my second half marathon, but I am not sure if I should stick with the same training program I used before, or try something new. I am confident in my ability to finish, and finish strong, but I am not yet ready for hard-core workouts.Thanks!