"What are you doing? Why are you pumping your arms like that? You're supposed to be running not powerwalking!"
"OMG I am so embarressed for you right now!"
"RUN! Seriously, what are you doing? Did you forget how to run?"
Those are Spike's loving words of encouragement as I attempted to run in my new pair of Vibram FiveFingers Tuesday night. Sweet isn't he?
But I get ahead of myself.
As ya'll know I've been dealing with a ton of issues with my Lankle and Shinish-Calfish area lately. After multiple consultations at the Playmakers Injury Clinic I'd begun thinking a lot about additional ways I could strenghten my lower legs and last week at the Playmakers sale I thought to try on a Vibram FiveFinger. They only had one pair in my size but couldn't locate it's match so I left my name and number in case it turned up and we headed to the front so Spike could buy yet another pair of shoes... *rolls eyes*
At home I did a bit more research on the VFF's and turned this up:
6 Reasons to Wear Vibram FiveFingers:
1. Strengthens Muscles in the Feet and Lower Legs - wearing FiveFingers will stimulate and strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving general foot health and reducing the risk of injury.
2. Improves Range of Motion in Ankles, Feet and Toes – no longer ‘cast’ in a shoe, the foot and toes move more naturally.
3. Stimulates Neural Function Important to Balance and Agility - when wearing Vibram FiveFingers, thousands of neurological receptors in the feet send valuable information to the brain, improving balance and agility.
4. Improves Proprioception and Body Awareness – those same neurological receptors heighten body awareness, sending messages about body mechanics, form, and movement.
5. Eliminates Heel Lift to Align the Spine and Improve Posture – By lowering the heel, our bodyweight becomes evenly distributed across the footbed, promoting proper posture and spine alignment.
6. Allows the Foot and Body to Move Naturally, Which Just FEELS GOOD.
All of this sounded exactly like what I needed to combate the issues I'd been having! Fast forward to Tuesday and I received a voicemail saying they had located its match and they were waiting for me (at sale price)! Woot! Spike swung by to pick them up and when I got home that night we headed out for a jaunt around the neighborhood in our respective hobbit looking water shoes... I mean VFF's. Immediately I was overwhelmed by all that I could feel underfoot and the different muscles within my feet, ankles and legs. As we proceed along, Spike shared his wisdom and experience of easing into the VFF's and then suggested I test them out by running a few feet. What followed can only be described as a complete and total FAIL.
I've seriously never felt so uncoordinated in all my life! Spike describe my "running" as my upper body trying to out pace my lower body. It was comical to say the least and he relentlessly badgered me to run again for his entertainment. Jerk.
I've done another turn of the neighborhood since and plan to take them out for further testing over the weekend. I've definitely noticed that even the short mile-ish long walks I've gone on have been enough to make my legs severely sore afterward. I've read enough about them to know this is normal and why you have to ease into them; walking first and then building up to running. Although I have no plans to turn into a VFF convert anytime soon, especially not right in the middle of a training cycle, but I hope they will become my secret weapon in building up my lower leg strength and eliminating injury. Wish me luck!
As you can see the Asics are not sure what to think of them.
"OMG I am so embarressed for you right now!"
"RUN! Seriously, what are you doing? Did you forget how to run?"
Those are Spike's loving words of encouragement as I attempted to run in my new pair of Vibram FiveFingers Tuesday night. Sweet isn't he?
But I get ahead of myself.
As ya'll know I've been dealing with a ton of issues with my Lankle and Shinish-Calfish area lately. After multiple consultations at the Playmakers Injury Clinic I'd begun thinking a lot about additional ways I could strenghten my lower legs and last week at the Playmakers sale I thought to try on a Vibram FiveFinger. They only had one pair in my size but couldn't locate it's match so I left my name and number in case it turned up and we headed to the front so Spike could buy yet another pair of shoes... *rolls eyes*
At home I did a bit more research on the VFF's and turned this up:
6 Reasons to Wear Vibram FiveFingers:
1. Strengthens Muscles in the Feet and Lower Legs - wearing FiveFingers will stimulate and strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving general foot health and reducing the risk of injury.
2. Improves Range of Motion in Ankles, Feet and Toes – no longer ‘cast’ in a shoe, the foot and toes move more naturally.
3. Stimulates Neural Function Important to Balance and Agility - when wearing Vibram FiveFingers, thousands of neurological receptors in the feet send valuable information to the brain, improving balance and agility.
4. Improves Proprioception and Body Awareness – those same neurological receptors heighten body awareness, sending messages about body mechanics, form, and movement.
5. Eliminates Heel Lift to Align the Spine and Improve Posture – By lowering the heel, our bodyweight becomes evenly distributed across the footbed, promoting proper posture and spine alignment.
6. Allows the Foot and Body to Move Naturally, Which Just FEELS GOOD.
All of this sounded exactly like what I needed to combate the issues I'd been having! Fast forward to Tuesday and I received a voicemail saying they had located its match and they were waiting for me (at sale price)! Woot! Spike swung by to pick them up and when I got home that night we headed out for a jaunt around the neighborhood in our respective hobbit looking water shoes... I mean VFF's. Immediately I was overwhelmed by all that I could feel underfoot and the different muscles within my feet, ankles and legs. As we proceed along, Spike shared his wisdom and experience of easing into the VFF's and then suggested I test them out by running a few feet. What followed can only be described as a complete and total FAIL.
I've seriously never felt so uncoordinated in all my life! Spike describe my "running" as my upper body trying to out pace my lower body. It was comical to say the least and he relentlessly badgered me to run again for his entertainment. Jerk.
I've done another turn of the neighborhood since and plan to take them out for further testing over the weekend. I've definitely noticed that even the short mile-ish long walks I've gone on have been enough to make my legs severely sore afterward. I've read enough about them to know this is normal and why you have to ease into them; walking first and then building up to running. Although I have no plans to turn into a VFF convert anytime soon, especially not right in the middle of a training cycle, but I hope they will become my secret weapon in building up my lower leg strength and eliminating injury. Wish me luck!
As you can see the Asics are not sure what to think of them.I'll be sure to keep ya'll updated of their effect on my training as I ease them into my running life. If ya'll have experience with or suggestions for VFF's please comment below. Happy Weekend ya'll!
45 comments:
Spike is my hero! It would have been even funnier if he took a video of your attempted run :D
I love my VFF's. I'm one of many who did too much too soon with them, and ended up with Extensor Tendonitis. Now, I only wear them for my shorter recovery runs. But, they've forced me to change my form to a midfoot strike, and I no longer overstride. The new and improved form even carries over to when I wear regular shoes. I'm injured far less, and seem to be able to run faster now.
Just take it easy at first, and you'll reap the benefits!
Looking forward to reading more about your experiences with them. I'm intrigued by everything in the natural running movement right now. I'm still in regular shoes and alternate in a pair of Newtons.
As goofy as they look, I have been wanting to try them to see what results they would have on me. I need something to help strengthen my lower legs and heal/prevent another stress fracture....I just cant convince myself to pay the price on shoes that cant be worn for every run
Cant wait to hear more
Hahaha! Hilarious! I am also in the process of easing into the VFF, and you're legs will continue to feel sore for a while. Sorry to tell you that.:) However, I feel that my shin splints is less annoying at the moment, so, I guess these babies are doing something good. Good luck with getting used to them! :)
I'm super excited to hear how you like them. I really want to try a pair of Vibrams but don't want to spend the money if they are not for me. Keep us updated.
Hey, I have the red sprints too. Going slow is certainly the answer. Wear them as much as you can out and about, not just for runs. Also, ease into the running. Seriously. Like, a quarter mile at a time. Run in your normal shoes, and then tack on a 400 in the VFFs. Do that for a couple weeks and then add another quarter. It tries my patience to do this, but if I don't my heel/achilles bursts into flame.
At least they're cute! ha!
You have gone to the "other side" huh? Jamoosh will be proud!
Take it easy for the first few weeks and you'll get used to them in no time. I eventually did a 15 mile run in mine.
By the way, same color and style as mine...Better check my closet!
What, no video?!?!
I hope these do the trick and that the humiliation is worth it. ;)
I think they look kinda cute.
Good luck with those. I really want a pair but my fat toes aren't having it! *sigh*
I'm not really that mean, well...not most of the time. but if you had the option to see Redhead (awkwardly) Running, you would've come up some witty one-liners as well!!!!
Stumble on my sweet, stumble on!
What, you mean you aren't going to wear them for our joint long run tomorrow? ;)
I'll try not to trip over Spike's Mt. Everest of shoes when I arrive tomorrow morning.
I've been thinking about getting some so I am anxious to read how you do with them! Good luck!
This might be a calling for your first "V-Log", i.e. a video. Please? ;) haha
have a good weekend!! what's on the training sched??
I hate to say it, and by no means as an insult to you my dear friend, but they are so dang ugly! I can't imagine something that crazy looking can be good for your feet! Hahaha! But...if they make the Redhead a better runner, I think I can get past it :)
Have a great weekend girlie! Rock those training runs!
BE CAREFUL! Iw as having some similar issues and my doc said that barefoot/vibram running is good as a training tool but not as a primary source of support for your foot...and to focus more on trail when wearing them. it can be harsh on your body if you stick to the asphalt...Be Careful!
monkey feet! very cool.
be careful though- im a huge advocate of barefoot-minimalist running but...
a lot of my NYC friends have been running w them and after putting 50+ miles on them running on hard surfaces they have gotten ankle pain. the conclusion everyone has had, is to use them on gravel or dirt, not pavement! have fun!
Barefooting is next. Good luck. Cheers!
I am also in the same process. I am getting tired of the ankle/shin pain on my right leg plus the IT pain on that leg. I actually decided to run barefoot on the treadmill yesterday and I am considering getting some Newtons. I am hoping all of this talk about running with your forefoot is true. Can't wait to read your thought. What store was having a sale on the VFF's was it just up north. I wouldn't mind trying them out. Good luck!
I want some of these! Def post on how it goes!
Men are so free with their words. In fact I don't believe men actually think, it comes straight out of their mouths and never so much as touches their brains! There must be a word for that.
I have done a little barefoot running and I know that I look crazy. It requires 're-learning' how to simply put that next foot down. I can't wait to hear how they work for you over the long haul!
I love my VFF's!! The first time I ran in them I felt like I was running in socks! It's such a weird feeling!! It took me about two weeks to get use to them, I kept alternating between shoes and my VFF's.
I then got a lot of blisters under the arch of my foot, so I wear socks (with the toes cut out) with them and they work perfect! I have much stronger lower legs and running couldn't be more injury-free! :)
Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!! I have my VFF posted on my blog if you want to check that out: coersrunning.blogspot.com
Enjoy your new way of running! :)
Hahahahaha. Spike is pretty awesome.
You'll have to keep me posted on what you think of those shoes long term. They are sure popular right now and I would be lying if I said that I hadn't considered them as well.
Most of the running stores in the area are totally out of stock of them too!! I wonder if that is because of demand or beacause of low production
I definitely want to try those out!
Yes just be careful! They are such a hot craze we have people calling and coming in for them ALL the time. We sell out so fast. You seem to be pretty understanding about how to work them into your workouts and being cautious so all I will say is good luck!
There were a few people who ran in those in my 5k last weekend.
I've always wondered...can you feel rocks and other road debris underfoot? I would think that one step on a rock would be hella painful!!
i have a pair of those, but they feel like they are ripping off my little toes. i don't think i'll ever run in them, but they are good for watersports!
I love how the Asics are staring them down in the photo.
And Adam, it's because of low production mainly, but don't get me started, it's quite the business model they have going... ha!
anyway, just like everyone says, take it nice and easy. And when you do do a little bit of running in them it's best to try to do it on a soft surface if you can (grass) and try not to think about running. Channel your inner child frolicking around on the farm without shoes on :)
I have a hard time converting to them because of training (after a mile my calves are screaming in pain!), but my fiance has been wearing them since January and LOVES it. He's totally wearing them for the marathon as well. It ended his knee pain...
Everyone I know that has tried Vibrams...becomes hooked! (and then tries to convert the rest of us)
I'm not ready to make that transition yet but I'm excited to hear about your progress with them!
I've been seriously considering these lately. I'm having some major calve/shin pain so need to strengthen up that area. Looking forward to hearing more about what you think!
Nice purchase! I've been thinking about getting some lately and even tried on a few pairs earlier this week. Our REI didn't have any fun colors so it was a no go for me. I have my eye on blue or pinkish ones. They seem fun to run in for short distances. Not sure how much I'd ever run distances of more than a few miles.
Hi girl! I am a new follower to your blog, and glad I found it. I am really interested in the VFF, and last month on a flight back from Colorado the guy sitting next to me was raving about them. I think I am going to have to get me tat pair I want!
Interested to hear how these work for you! Have a good weekend!
...and have you seen the PINK and ORANGE ones??? too cute~looking foward to your new VFF adventures :) I've only gone ar far as Newtons & it's a different world. But everyone I know who has VFFs luvs em!
I'm joining the call for a video of the next run!
Nevertheless, I hope they help with your lankle issues. I'm not big on the whole barefoot movement, but you gotta roll with whatever works. Good luck!
I've been thinking of joining all the cool kids on the barefoot bandwagon myself, but haven't figured out the best way to transition. I can't decide if I should go VFF or start off with some minimalist Nike Free's. Keep us posted and good luck!
Curious how the toes of those shoes fit. Are they snug? I would think it would vary because everyone's toes are different size/shape.
Also curious how fast the tread on the bottom will wear out. They idea of the shoes sounds really cool. I just can't afford the investment... yet.
Keep us posted on how it goes!!
soooooooooo funny looking. hopefully they work out for you. I really wish there would've been photographic evidence of the awkward running. :) next time por favor? ;)
This weekend at my race and last weekend at my race, I saw a few people with the VFF's on and they ran the race in them! Crazy! I can just imagine you running in them! It prolly is funny until you get used to them!
I've been thing about the lavender Sprints for strengthening and rehab. I'm not on board for running in them, but I think that walking would be excellent cross training and a great way to strengthen my foot and ankle after being cast bond for 2+ months this summer.
Keep me posted on your VFF progress and thoughts!
LOL! Came over from Tall Mom today. I had heard about these shoes, but never seen them. I have the asics 2150's, so was curious! Very funny post! I have a 10 year old boy RED Head!
Hey homie…I noticed you copped the Vibram FiveFingers. Have you been running in them? Walking in them? What do you think? I’m not ready for those yet (I could get a smack-Down for rocking those where I live)…but my sister in-law is thinking about trying them. What do you think of those bad-boyz?
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