Easing into the FiveFingers

Since my blister incident of a couple of weeks ago, I've been cautiously training my feet for wearing my Vibram FiveFingers. Running exclusively on the treadmill (it's very cold and snowy here) makes this easy. I run the first two kilometers of each run in the FiveFingers, then switch to conventional shoes. I'm mindful of how my feet feel, especially my toes. I'll gradually increase from 2K.

If I were running outside, I'd do a short loop in the VFFs, then switch shoes.

I'm pleased and a little surprised that I haven't had much ankle and calf soreness. When I first started running in the FiveFingers last year, I could really feel it in most every part of my legs below the knee.

Half marathon in May

I've begun training for a half Marathon. For the first time in my adult running life, I'll be following a specific training plan. I've chosen SmartCoach from the Runner's World web site. In past years, I've either trained totally haphazardly, or at best I've used the Daniels Running Formula for determining training pace. I didn't actually follow the Daniels plan, though; I might run a tempo run when I felt like it, or do repeats when I thought it might be fun.

For a runner like me (i.e., really slow, and not well-trained), I think it's more important to pick some plan - any plan - and stick to it, rather than trying to pick the perfect plan.

You can find training programs all over the internet. The Brookings Marathon web site lists a number of them.

Lesson not learned

My running has been spotty lately, to put it charitably, and all on treadmills and in conventional shoes. I've just recently gotten back into a bit of a routine, and on Monday decided it was time to put the FiveFingers back on and hit the treadmill. I should have known better, but I did the entire run (granted, it was only 30 minutes) in the Vibrams. This was after using only conventional shoes for the last few months. To make matters worse, when I felt my two big toes start to develop hot spots at about 25 minutes, I ignored it and kept on running. Not too bright!

Sure enough, I had blisters on both big toes. They aren't severe, and with the help of a bit of Dr. Scholl's Moleskin, I was able to run today.

If you've decided to take the minimalist shoe plunge, do as I say and not as I do: ease into it!

Rain

I had a rare opportunity to run with my wife this morning. The kids were off with Grandma and Grandpa, so we went for a short run. The weather radar guaranteed that we were going to get wet, and by time we finished our four miles or so, we were thoroughly soaked.

One nice thing about the Vibram FiveFingers Classics I wore is that, while they don't stop water from getting in, they also don't stop it from getting back  out. So while my wife was navigating around the bigger puddles, I just ran right through them.

Half marathon report

I had an enjoyable half marathon yesterday. The weather was perfect. I was a little worried about wearing my Brooks Green Silence shoes, since I hadn't run all that much in them, but they were fine. By the end, a toe or two felt a little hot, but I didn't get any blisters. My left knee feels just a little tender today, but I don't attribute that to the shoes. At my low level of training, I don't think any shoes would have prevented that.

Those shoes are definitely attention-getters. A number of people remarked on them.

I saw two marathoners wearing Vibram FiveFingers; one wore Classics and the other wore Sprints. I didn't get a chance to talk to them, but judging by their tattoos, they were both triathletes.

Many thanks to Russell, who ran with me. His wife, Mary, alas, was unable to run because of a foot injury. Also thanks to the staff and volunteers for the race -- everything was just right.

Half marathon tomorrow, ready or not

I don't feel prepared for tomorrow's half marathon, but it's a little too late to do anything about it but get up early and put on my shoes. The good news is that the weather will probably be good. It's been cold, windy, and rainy for days and days. Today it's beautiful, and the forecast for tomorrow is for more of the same. It should be around 45F at the start, and no warmer than about 55F by the time I finish. I couldn't ask for much better than that. I happened to see the race director an hour or two ago, and when I mentioned the weather, he smiled from ear to ear. This race has a history of bad luck with weather.

One of the two friends I'm hoping to run with injured her foot, and as of yesterday wasn't sure she would run. Since I'm in no kind of shape to try for a PR, or even aim for any particular time, I was looking forward to just spending the time out on the roads with the the two of them. I'm sure I'll see her at the packet pickup later today, and see how she's feeling.

Cashing in on the Bikila

Out of curiosity, I did a search on eBay for Vibram's newest Fivefingers model, the Bikila, which just now rolling out to a few retail outlets. Sure enough, people are cashing in on the scarcity. I found asking prices as high as $250! Yikes!

I think I'll wait.