I am obsessed with my feet and footwear. Suffice it to say, my long bout with foot ailments piqued my interest in non-traditional foot gear. I plan to blog more extensively about this in the future but I wanted to post a quick note about my run at Kill Creek Park tonight. It ROCKED! It marks the first time I have covered the whole 7 miles in my Vibram 5 Fingers. Aside from a little hot spot on the side of one of my big toes, my feet feel better than they have in months.
I don't think I have been magically cured by my 5 Fingers any more than I think that regular running shoes are the root of all evil. But I do think that my feet are benefiting from the strengthening and toughening process that happens when you take to the roads and trail in what amounts to gloves for your feet.
Next thing you know, I'll be building huaraches out of old tires (or Old Navy flip flops already in process).
More later. Ta ta!
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Brett - This seems to be the new big thing now; this idea that less for your feet is better. I haven't jumped onboard, nor do I foresee myself jumping onboard anytime soon, but what I have done is to not be so concerned with the different types of protective shoe-wear. So now I don't care about support-this and support-that in terms of pronation and other issues, especially since all I do is trail running. I just get the shoe that fits best to my foot. And, actually, I'm not ashamed to get a shoe that has less than the "maximum cushioning." Because I think I agree that the more cushioning you have, the more dangerous it can be for the health of your feet.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, my friend. And I'm glad your feet are feeling better! We need to get out on a run together again.
Also, I'm not sure I ever got a chance to thank you for your awesome support at the final aid station during Free State. You were awesome. You lifted me up when I was on my way down. Thank you for that. You and the others made the last three miles bearable.
Stay strong,
Mircea
Mircea, Thanks for the kind words. I don't know if I will ever jump on the "barefoot is best" bandwagon. But, I do think that having stronger feet will help me with or without shoes. I spent too many years not using my feet for what they were made for and now they need a little remedial training.
ReplyDeleteYou were plenty strong at that last aid station! You just needed somebody to tell you.
Me and my feet are making a comeback so I'll be seeing you soon. Keep your head up and your eyes on the trail.
BH