OK, I'm going to make a hard confession, so don't say anything, just listen.
I went for a run today.
I know, I know I told you and everyone else that I was going to take it easy and not run for at least two weeks, I told everyone that I was going to take a vacation from running, then ease back in. I had even mapped out a plan- two miles a day for 3 days (S, T, Th) and X-train (M, W, Sa), then slowly get back to 4, 5 and 6 days a week and increase mileage as I could. That was my stated plan.
But when I got home from work today no one was home. My conscience wasn't home, it had gone out with my common sense. There were these new barefoot running sandals (Luna Sandals) and there was a little time... I decided that I would go for a walk, but as I started putting on running clothes and strapping on my sandals, I stretched and then something else took over- the inner beast of the run.
I stepped outside and onto the front walk and walked to the street. I stood and looked up the road and then I started running. Just 3 miles... really nothing more than a high impact walk... at a 9ish minute mile.
Well, at least I got a chance to try out the new sandals and let me tell you. They are pretty awesome! It takes some getting used to and you shouldn't run in these until you've built up foot strength. If you love the Vibram Five Fingers, there are a few differences. First, the sole of the sandal is a little thicker and protects your feet from the sharp rocks, etc a little more than the VFFs. However, since the VFFs hug your feet, especially with the strap, there is some arch support that is inherent... but with the sandals, there is absolutely no arch support. It's like walking or running barefoot on a rubber floor that has concrete underneath, if that makes sense.
I thought that the leather strap between my toes would bother me or chafe, but the strap was a non-issue. Also, I noticed that my toes are much more spread out and more able to move freely than in the Vibrams. I thought that I would have trouble with rocks and dirt getting under my feet, but any bits of pebbles, etc just flew right out without ever causing a problem. My feet have definitely gotten more of a workout as have my lower calf muscles than with the VFFs. And I did have more of a rubbing against the rubber with my forefoot.
I will add that the model of Luna sandals I bought is the original model. There have been modifications. For one, they have added an elastic strap to use instead of the leather strap that requires you to wrap it and tie a knot- this is an option with any sandal for a little extra. They have also added a layer of soft leather that is attached to the foot-bed for a more comfortable feel on the bottoms of the feet. There are many more types and styles of tread that you can order for the sole. Finally, they sell a sandal making kit that you can order for a cheaper price, in which they will mail you the materials, and you can make your own sandals which they teach you how to do with a video on their website.
I am a fan of these sandals and look forward to this period of experimentation. But really, I should be resting and recovering. Knowing me, though, I'll probably sneak a few miles in here and there just for fun. Yeah, this from the kid that barely walked the mile in gym class.
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