First journal entry for this goal, and what the heck are VFFs?
This will be a quick journal entry because I'm writing this at 1:12am; my VFFs are still on my feet because I JUST came back from my run. And due to my being tired and the lateness of the hour, I could only eke out two miles...
What are VFFs you may ask? Here, a picture to save my tired fingers from doing the explaining:
That's me in Santa Monica, where I first logged 3 miles towards this goal a few days ago. Sadly, it's been a few days since I've run again, but I did it tonight!
These "toe shoes," I call them, fit right on my feet and allow me to run as though I were barefoot, without my having to worry about broken glass or rocks (though I do feel the rocks beneath my feet if they're sharp). I bought them over a month ago, and it has taken me awhile to "shape" them and also develop the muscles it takes to get used to running in them. My first run in them was not even half a mile, and I had to stop because my calves were screaming in pain. I probably discovered muscles I'd never used before.
The idea is that this is how humans were meant to run, and that today's shoes are just unnatural cushioning which alters the natural cushioning mechanisms already built into the human leg and foot structures. I don't know if I buy into that completely, but I do know that I am running 3 miles strong now and I feel no pain, no injury, and I feel like a kid again in these things!
They were pretty embarrassing to wear at first, but I think a lot of that embarrassment was just in my head. As long as I didn't think about it and run with confidence, I noticed that there really isn't any embarrassment at all.
Anyway, here's the website: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ and let me know if you ever try them out, or if you own a pair!
I've done 6 miles in them before, but I am back down to 3 because I haven't been running as often as I should. I hope to do 7 before the month of September is over, which is more than I've ever run in them!
What are VFFs you may ask? Here, a picture to save my tired fingers from doing the explaining:
That's me in Santa Monica, where I first logged 3 miles towards this goal a few days ago. Sadly, it's been a few days since I've run again, but I did it tonight!
These "toe shoes," I call them, fit right on my feet and allow me to run as though I were barefoot, without my having to worry about broken glass or rocks (though I do feel the rocks beneath my feet if they're sharp). I bought them over a month ago, and it has taken me awhile to "shape" them and also develop the muscles it takes to get used to running in them. My first run in them was not even half a mile, and I had to stop because my calves were screaming in pain. I probably discovered muscles I'd never used before.
The idea is that this is how humans were meant to run, and that today's shoes are just unnatural cushioning which alters the natural cushioning mechanisms already built into the human leg and foot structures. I don't know if I buy into that completely, but I do know that I am running 3 miles strong now and I feel no pain, no injury, and I feel like a kid again in these things!
They were pretty embarrassing to wear at first, but I think a lot of that embarrassment was just in my head. As long as I didn't think about it and run with confidence, I noticed that there really isn't any embarrassment at all.
Anyway, here's the website: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ and let me know if you ever try them out, or if you own a pair!
I've done 6 miles in them before, but I am back down to 3 because I haven't been running as often as I should. I hope to do 7 before the month of September is over, which is more than I've ever run in them!
Replies
Okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, then. I was getting scorned and scoffed at when I was wearing my blue crocs, I hate to think of how people would react to these!!! But, hey, they look comfy and the theory is a good one! I wouldn\'t mind having a pair of them myself since I am usually barefoot. I think they are great! And you go girl! Been a while since I heard from you. Hope all is well in your world. Hugs and God bless, Peggy
Thanks Peggy!! And yes...... crocs are a different matter!! these are just as ugly (trust me, I am a shoe fanatic :) but there is a practical goal behind them :) but feel free to make fun all you want! I deserve it for the times i scoffed at crocs! :)
I have been out of the running circuit. Not sure if I would wear something like this unless there were people at a race wearing them. They are different. Thanks for introducing them to me. I might have to check it out.
Hahaha well i googled vff when i first read ur topic and i found nothing...so thanks for explaining...
I really loved it when u said that ur not embarrassed because u found out that it\'s all in your head...because recently and due to my hight i have started wearing high heels everywhere and it hurts as hell...so i might consider wearing my comfortable sneakers again and ignore what people might think of my hight! Thanks so much :)
interesting! when my son was running he got some ?Nike\'s that were supposed to be like running in bare feet, etc. so...I guess the running sages think that the \'bare foot feel\' is where it is at?!
Good luck with your new project.....
I have heard of these shoes!! They do look different but I really like the idea behind them. I used to wear Earth Shoes all the time. The were comfortable but kind of ugly looking or unusual as well.
I like your new goal. I have No Doubt you will make it Jessica!
I like your spirit in both meeting the challenges of running and trying new things (shoes).
Keep running and having fun...:o)