I started running this weekend. Well, it’s more “jogging” than “running”, but all the same. I started off with some End Stumptown 12oz. I should mention that most people who know me are completely shocked that I’ve started running (jogging) as a sport/activity, as I used to proclaim that “running was a means to an end, not an end in and of itself”. I should also note that every time I’ve done a sport that requires running (soccer, rugby, football) I’ve ended up with shin splints. Upon Twittering about this, I reached what Malcolm Gladwell would call a “tipping point” in which another person recommended “bearfooting”, or trying the Vibram Five Finger shoes. Between Twitter friends, my kettlebell instructor, and Tim Ferriss, I’d had enough recommendations to (completely impulse) buy some shoes.
So, I picked up some Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) from On Your Feet in Sante Fe, NM today. Props to the excellent–and cute–sales woman for the help with sizing, model seclection, etc. I have to admit, these things are funky when you first put them on, but once you get used to the toes separated, no arch support, no heel padding mojo, they’re nothing short of “damn comfortable”.
Since I am really bad at blogging, I’ve decided that I’ll blog about my adaptation to the bearfoot/VFF.
Again, my first reaction to them was “funky”, followed almost immediately by “comfy”. These things are really, really comfy. The next thought, when walking into a public place, is “&#$*, I forgot my shoes”. Then come the questions: “what are those”, “are they comfortable”, ” what about goatheads?”. I’ve started to master my speech, but it could use some polish.
As for my feet: my toes and left arch (which is prone to pain) are sore, but in a muscle-fatigue way. Excited to get them on tomorrow!
