First day in my new feet

Yesterday, March 26, 2011, I ran my first mile in my new Vibram FiveFingers Bikilas. When I first received them in the mail, I was a bit apprehensive. My good friend Ken bought them for me as a gift, and I was worried I would not like them and feel terrible! When I tried to put them on for the first time, these second skins were quite tight on both my feet and toes. They also felt a little funny because I'm obviously not used to having anything between my toes. 

By the time I got on the road, I was feeling pretty comfortable in these guys. I'm trying to learn to run on the balls of my feet instead of heel to toe, which these shoes are supposed to help with, but it was still a challenge not to.  I was warned only to do a mile for my first few runs, so I took a short 8 minute jog along the water and then a run/walk through Carl Schulz Park back to my house. I did some stairs as well, which probably didn't help my calves out too much! I got home feeling GREAT. No pain, no discomfort. I ever wore them around the house for a while.

Fast forward to this morning.....MY CALVES WERE ON FIRE. The top of my calves hurt so bad and felt so tight that I didn't even want to walk. They are still a bit tight, but after massaging them and running around all day they have loosened up.  Now I am anxious to get back out on the pavement, but I am going to refrain until tomorrow. 

Also today, I got another surprise. My mom called me to say she also bought some Vibrams. Oddly enough she ended up with the exact same ones I have after trying on several pairs. She even got the same color. So, we are going to look so cool when we barefoot together! She will be here in two weeks and we are going to be covering some ground. I can't wait!! My dad is also getting a pair and hopefully we will meet for some races in the future.

Happy Running!