Friday night at dinner, we decided to go to Great Falls Park on Saturday (review of our day at Metro DC Mom). I mentioned to Beer Geek that a lot of people hike in their Vibrams, but that I didn’t think I was quite ready for that yet.
Jones looked at me and said “You won’t know if you don’t try.”
Well, hmm, guess he has been listening all these years.
So, off we went to Great Falls, with me in my Vibrams. We proceeded to walk some rocky paths and climb some big rocks near the falls. The verdict: they worked well, but I probably wasn’t quite ready for them. I had to be really careful to always land on my forefoot. If I landed mid-foot, invariably there would be a rock right under my arch that would hurt like hell. I had good traction, which was nice, but it was overshadowed by my worry that I was going to step wrong and hurt my foot. At one point, I stepped on a rock and it rolled. If I’d been wearing traditional shoes, I would have likely kept slipping to the side and turned my ankle. Instead, my foot stayed with the rock and I ended up bruising my instep. Not sure which would have hurt the most.
All in all, it was a positive experience. I’m not sure I’m ready to turn in my hiking boots for my Vibrams, but it was a fun experiment. The only time I wished I’d had real shoes was when we met this guy…
You know how everyone *thinks* they’ve seen a copperhead and it turns out to just be a rat snake. Well, I was convinced it was a harmless snake until we showed the picture to the park ranger, who confirmed it was a copperhead. Good thing I have a complete phobia about healthy respect for snakes and we stayed well back and let it cross the path first.
In running news, I finally got in a 12 miler this morning in preparation of my upcoming half marathon. Despite a lousy start, I ended up finishing strong and averaged about 10:12 minute miles. Mile 11 was 9:05 (I decided to “leave it all on the pavement”) and probably would have been significantly faster if there had not been a quarter mile uphill in it. Now we just need to pray for cool weather on September 19th.
Nice run. I love Great Falls and that whole area -miss hiking and splashing there.
great job on your 12. you're ready for that half!
I love seeing wildlife on hikes – but snakes, I can do without! Sounds like you're ready for your half!
snakes are evil. go kill that half! i know you can!
Stay away from the snakes!!!I so agree with "wanting" cooler temperatures. I ran yesterday and this morning and the temps were in the upper 40's to low 50's . . . it was heaven. I could have run forever. Well probably not forever – but it did feel great. Cooler temp's are so much better for running.
Oh yikes! That was some brave reaction on your family's part with that copperhead. I read your other blog today…I think that hike is in our future. So beautiful!
I am trying to be better around snakes. 🙂 Looks like a fun hike. And good job on that 12 miles. 🙂
Yikes! That snake would have had me running 8 minute miles!Good job on the 12 miles 🙂
Excellent job on that long run! I would have flipped out over that snake!If I don't do my marathon I am going to console myself by trying to do that race you will be in in Vermont!
I would have screamed and ran if I saw a snake that big. shudder. Way to go on your 12 miler:)
Once I saw the snake, you would have seen me running for my life towards my car! ugh!! I am scared to death of those things!
A healthy respect for snakes a very good things when hiking! We are after all in their territory!
So not a fan of snake. I don't think I would even have been brave enough to get a picture! You are definitely ready for your half! Great job on the 12!
*SCREAMS* I would freak if I saw anything like that in the wild. *shudder*Glad you (mostly) enjoyed the Vibrams on the trails!
Just getting caught up!I'm so impressed with you and your Vibrams! That is hardcore my friend!And good job on the 12 miler! You got that race in the bag!Have a great week!
HOLY SNAKE!! Yikes!!