I’ve now been running in minimalist shoes for about 6 weeks. In that time, almost all my my miles have been run in my Vibram Sprints (one of these days I’ll write a review…), with a much smaller number run in my Merrell Pace Gloves and an even smaller number run completely barefoot on the treadmill.
Some random observations from my experience:
- I am still stiffer and more sore after short runs than I used to be when I ran in regular running shoes. I think my ankles and calves are still adapting.
- Sometimes, when I start running, the stiffness makes good form difficult, but once I loosen up a bit, running with minimal shoes feels great.
- Once I warm up, I can run more comfortably at a faster pace than when I wore regular shoes, mostly because of my form, but now warming up is an absolute necessity.
- I really need to be better about stretching and rolling my muscles.
- At this point, the Merrell’s feel like cushioned running shoes.
- 6 miles in minimalist shoes is a walk in the park now. I LOVE that. Hopefully by next fall, I’ll feel that way about 13.1 miles.
- My toenail that always goes black in running shoes is actually finally healing!!!
Yesterday I went for about a four mile run. It was my absolute least favorite running weather. It wasn’t hot, but the humidity was nearly 100%. It felt like I was trying to breathe liquid air. Bleh. I actually would have preferred to be poured on. Garmin couldn’t hold a signal and told me that I ran my first mile in 29:57 LOL. Pretty sure I could have crawled a mile in that speed.
Today, I’m heading off to volunteer at the Norther Virginia Girls on the Run race. I’m working the finish line, where apparently my main goal is too keep zealous parents from jumping over the barrier LOL. Fun times! Report on that tomorrow!
So great that you are where you are in your minimalist shoes. You've done a smart job of it. Hope those parents behave!
I am so impressed by people who can make the switch to the minimalist shoe. I'm just not there yet, but who knows maybe someday. Sounds like you have eased into it and it's working for you!
Thanks for the honest review of your minimalist running so far.
You've done great making the transition to minimalist shoes. Good luck corralling those parents!
It's been great reading about your progress with minimalist shoes. If I ever make the switch, I'll be following your example. For now, I'm thinking of trying Nike Frees, or something similar for shorter runs.
You're doing great with your transition to miminalist shoes. I'm still trying to tweak things a little bit. Balls of feet and right side of the achillies tendon is giving problems. Still running but glad to have 3 days off. Will see how it goes tomorrow. Race coming up soon got to get it together.
Merrell pace gloves are on my to-do list. I've o.nly got about 75 miles on my Nike Free Run+ though so it'll be a while