Last week I did my first and maybe last run on a treadmill completely barefoot. It was a really odd feeling having that belt under my feet.  It kind of hurt and rubbed the bottoms of my feet til they were pretty tender. I guess that's what you can expect from not having shoes on, but something tells me I would have enjoyed it much more OUTSIDE instead of on my mom's treadmill. Other than that, it was a pretty good run. I was able to set the speed and challenge myself at keeping the same pace. 

I gave my feet a little rest after that and when I got back to NY from Mom and Dad's, I kicked it into high gear. I ran my route, added another half mile and killed it. I ran so fast, I made myself sick. I find it easier to run faster in the vibrams, because when I keep a slow pace in them I start heel striking and landing too heavy on my feet and then my shins get a little sore. When I mid foot strike and hit 180 times a minute, I'm cruising. I added in some sprints as well, which always makes a difference in my work out. I woke up pretty sore today in the legs. I really wore myself out! I think I will do the same today:)

Barefoot Bliss-ter

Well, I am finally up to 3 miles in these puppies and felt like I could kick it up to 3.5 today, but I still have this stupid stupid stupid blister that is the entire pad of my big toe. I dunno if I should just push through it and let it toughen up, or if I should keep a band-aid on it. I just let it go today and it doesn't feel too nice.

I must say, I am pretty happy with the shoes so far. I do have a couple complaints about them, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I have never had shin splints or blisters before, and I now have both. Other than that, I have found I really enjoy running in them. My knees haven't been bothering me, my calves are getting really strong, my run time has improved, and they are really fun to run in. I have an airplane ride on Wednesday and I will be interested to see if my knees hurt during the flight or not. If they don't, I will swear off sneakers forever!!

Other than that, I am so happy about the beautiful sunny 60 degree weather. I woke up and went to the park all morning for a nice long walk in the Vibrams and finished the daylight off with a good run.

My mom and I did our first run together in Vibrams this week. I like to run alone mostly, but it was nice to have someone run with me for a change because it pushed me a little. I must be stretching the arches of my feet because I kept feeling a sharp pain every few minutes in my right arch. I was worried I'd have sore feet, but I don't at all. I think I might be ready to move up to two miles finally, except I feel a cold coming on. I thought it was allergies, but boy am I stuffed up this afternoon and my eyes are watering like crazy. I'm hoping this goes away in a day or two. I'm worried all this pollen is going to make it 10 times worse! I am pounding water, claritin and echinecia. Let's see what happens.


A couple of days ago I was at Barnes and Noble because I have some gift certificates to use up. I decided to get Danny Dreyer's book "Chi Running" and I picked up a copy of "Complete Idiots Guide to Barefoot Running" as well to flip through. I have been reading it here and there. It's pretty cool, talks about avoiding injury, how to get a healthy start, and how to develop a training regiment. I think I will read Chi Running over spring break next week and do a few solid runs and solid workouts now that I can add a little distance. Additionally, the weather is amazing and all the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, so I am pretty motivated to spend some quality time outside. I'll leave you with a good quote I found:

“Shoes do no more for the foot than a hat does for the brain.”  - Dr. Mercer Rang

Kicking it up a notch

Today I ran 1.5 miles in 12:02. My time is usually somewhere around 13:40ish, 13 on a good day. I want to stay at 12 minutes for a 1.5. If I can keep that up, I will be able to run a 24 minute 3 mile. My fastest 3 mile time ever was under 23:30, I think it was 23:13. That is extremely fast for me though. I am most comfortable in the 24-25 range. At that pace, I am cruising and I am able to keep going past 3 miles without being completely worn out. If I can get back down to my DINFOS weight, I might even be able to keep that pace for about 5 miles. Be happy for me, because I am a pretty slow runner with short legs!!!


I notice that if I am practicing the "chi-running", leaning forward, hitting midfoot, short strides, letting my core absorb the shock, I keep a pretty quick pace and it's very steady since I'm really concentrated. Keeping a pace is probably my biggest challenge as a runner. I am one to start out fast, drag a little near my half way point, take a break, hit it fast again, drag again and then sprint the last leg home. Doing that changes my posture a lot which is probably why my back gets sore.


Taking tomorrow off, 12 hour school day. Hopefully my next run will be with my mom on Wednesday!! Can't wait!

It finally feels like spring!

Today was SUCH a beautiful day. 58 degrees, and the park was packed. This is the first day it actually feels like spring, and I even saw signs of leaves! I took a couple days off from running after the cramps, and just wore my Vibrams around town and did some calisthenics in them. Today, I decided to give it another go on the trail. I stretched a ton. Thank goodness no cramps. Tomorrow I am thinking of pulling the sneakers out and doing a long run, it's just so nice out and I want to RUN! Many miles! 


Anyone want to do the AIDS walk on May 15th?
http://www.aidswalk.net/