Virtual Barefoot/Minimalist (Ultra?) Marathon

aka Minimalist Running Week #4 in Review

When I signed up for Barefoot Neill’s Virtual Race, I set a goal of running all 26.2 miles barefoot or in minimalist shoes.  His rules were that we needed to complete the mileage over the course of two weeks, with at least 1 K on May 1st.  I was pretty sure I could manage that barefoot/minimalist, but then I decided to go “all minimalist all the time” and blew that goal out of the water.

Total miles over the two weeks: 37.8 (my first virtual ultra LOL)
Barefoot miles: 8.7
VFF miles: 26.1
Merrell Pace Gloves: 3

(See Week #3 for the first half).

This week I ran 18.6 miles over the course of five runs.

Run #1: 3.1 miles barefoot on the treadmill.  No problems at all.  My treadmill got panned as an option for barefoot running, but I have no issues with it.

Run #2: 6.7 miles in Vibrams.  I ran the first 3.6 miles at an easy pace with clients, then I ran 3.1 by myself.  My final mile was at a 9:21 pace and I had zero foot pain or fatigue!!!  Longest minimalist run to date.

Run#3: 3.2 easy miles around the ‘hood in Vibrams.  I’m comfortable enough with minimalist shoes now that 3 miles is just a casual run.

Run#4:  5 miles in Vibrams with clients.  Feet felt great, no other issues.   I seem to have hit a sweet spot of my mileage and my body’s ability being in sync.

Run#5:  .61 miles barefoot on the treadmill at a ridiculously slow pace.  Everything ached and I was super tired from our camping trip, so I ran the required May 1st 1K in pajama bottoms and a running bra  (I tried pajama bottoms and top, but the “girls” were unhappy with the lack of support, ahem.)

So, there you go, Neill, 37.8 miles in your honor and all without traditional running shoes!

I also bought myself a gift for finishing…