barefoot running

This weekend, I decided to tell winter to shove it one time and went running.  Not outside, mind you, because the Salt Lake area has the worst air quality in the nation, but on an indoor rec center track. I have a friend who teaches aerobics classes and scores us free passes.

I wore my Vibram shoes, and it was the most fun I've ever had while running. I don't know if it was that I was running not on a treadmill for the first time in a while or that I was wearing Avatar shoes, but I actually enjoyed myself while I was running.

on my first walk with the Vibrams, Christmas day in Colorado

I love the natural feeling I have running in the Vibrams. I feel like it's the most basic and primal form of exercising, and you can't help but to feel good. The track had some windows on one side, and my reflection showed that my form was so much better than in regular running shoes.  Because there is no padding, you have to land with your whole foot or palm first, not heel striking, as what most people tend to do. Heel striking (or landing heel first while running) sends shock to run up the runner's leg, causing knee pain. Forefront running, however, allows the shock to be absorbed naturally. Check out this video:



Fascinating.

And I felt fast! Perhaps because the rest of the track was filled with walkers and slow joggers. But still, I wish I had timed myself because I have a guess that it would be a PR.

The next couple days, random muscles were slightly sore. I can tell my feet/legs are getting strengthened by wearing the Vibrams. My arches (or lack thereof) were tired- in a good way. They were working as they are naturally designed to do, to support and act as a shock absorber for the rest of the foot.

In other running news, I will be doing my second half marathon in April. Sometimes I can't believe that I ran 13 whole miles (plus one block!) last fall, so I've got to prove that I can do it again.  Will I be in my Vibrams? We shall see.