Toe Shoes!

So I FINALLY got to run in my Vibrams for the first time. I was a tad nervous because the woman at the store said to start off SLOWLY and that I would definitely be sore in my shins afterwards.

I had my first TNT practice, which was a short little fun run. I thought this was the perfect place to try them out. Our run was only going to be 3.4 miles (two lower loops) and we were supposed to take it easy so that we could talk to people and meet everyone on the team. Turns out the shoes were a great conversation starter. I had a million people ask me about them. I thought everyone was trying them out (it sure seems like it when you go for a run in the park). In fact, I felt kind of lame jumping on the bandwagon so late. But it turns out that most people are too freaked out to try them.

Me? I LOVE THEM!!! I actually love the feel of my feet on the pavement. And that's another thing...there is definitely more sole to these than you would think. I am running in the Bikila which has a 3mm sole. So while you get a good feel for the ground it's not like you are running barefoot with lots of calluses (which is what I thought it would feel like).

And it totally does change the way that you run. My turnover was definitely different. I'm not sure EXACTLY how to describe this...I think I will have to run in them a few more times...but I know it is different.

And yes, as a result I did have sore legs – but not my shins, just my calves, and that went away after a day.

But the best (lamest) part about the whole thing? I felt like some kind of modern warrior princess running in them. Especially since I bought into the whole feather hair extension thing on top of the crazy pink toe shoes :)

Barefoot!

So I've been looking for something to get me so totally pumped about running that I just can't wait to go out for quite awhile now. I started by reading Once a Runner (you know, that book that is supposed to be the be all and end all of running?). I must say, I pretty much hated that book. It was terrible! Terribly written and I hated the characters and I only sort of cared if he could make his goal in the mile. Then I realized that this wasn't the book that was recommended to me by all my running friends...Born to Run was! So I went ahead and ordered it, and since I know that after reading it I am going to want to become one of those "barefoot" runners I just went ahead and got the shoes.

After some extensive reading on the subject, I got the model meant specifically for running – the Bikila. And while I was at it, I opted for the magenta ones.

They are kind of a pain to put on, but once they are on they are very comfy. I've only walked around them in the house and they don't feel as barefooty as I thought they would, but I'm sure I will feel differently after I've run in them.

You're supposed to start off super slow with them...like logging only 1-2 miles slow and wearing them only every other day. The girl at Super Runners told me that my calves will definitely hurt. I'm hoping that means I will get some crazy(er) calf muscles. I'm wondering if they will truly make me run differently. And THEN I wonder if I should be running in some less cushiony shoes then I'm used to in my races so that I don't lose my form too much after I've changed it. But I guess I am getting ahead of myself.

I was all pumped and ready to go on a run with them and then I got this disgusting cold that is making me super run down. I'm hoping I can go out tomorrow. Fingers crossed!