Back in March, I created a tournament bracket that has goals I’ve set for myself as well as rewards I get when I complete those goals. Some are weight goals, others are life goals, like running a 5K race.
My first 5K race was the Carlsbad 5000. I crossed the finish line in 33:21, and it was one of the most amazing feelings. Ever. It’s something that I’m proud of, it’s something that I worked hard to accomplish, it’s something that makes me more than just a number.
When I started my healthy living quest in February, I had no intention of running a 5K. I could barely run a mile, much less three. After awhile, one mile turned into two, which eventually turned into a lot of miles. I began thinking bigger, bolder. Originally, I didn’t think I’d be able to run a 5K until July. It’s only April, and I can already cross the 5K off of my list. But I won’t stop there. There’s a 10K in May and a Half Marathon in June that I still have to train for.
I was originally going to reward myself with Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 because I like video games, particularly ones where you shoot people and blow them up. It relieves stress like no other. But, instead of dropping $60 on a prize that would only encourage me to continue sitting on my butt, I decided to reward myself with a pair of Vibram KSO.
Yes, they are a bit expensive, but totally worth it. I mean, my other alternative was a video game. This one at least gets me motivated to run.
Yes, they look like gorilla feet, but they help facilitate barefoot running by adding some protection.
After I bought them, I wore them for the rest of the day. I even ran 1.4 miles in them at the gym. I ran on the treadmill because I wanted to gauge distance AND speed. I honestly felt like I was flying. It’s so light! And it feels natural. I can’t hold an 8:45 pace for longer than two minutes, but with time and practice, I’ll get there. There is a small blister brewing on both of my big toes, but what’s a blister? It’ll go away in a few days.
Even though barefoot running is different, my form naturally changed. I didn’t think about landing on the ball of my foot. It just happened. The Vibrams are pretty comfortable, and it’s a lot easier running in them than I thought it’d be. Believe me. After yesterday’s real barefoot, Vibrams are a treat. There’s more padding than I expected. I seriously thought there would only be a thin layer of protective material, but it’s actually quite rubbery and thick on the soles.
Did I get weird looks at the gym? Didn’t notice. Don’t care. I’m comfortable in them. For the moment, my calves seem alright but I can feel that they were more tired than usual. They would quiver and shake during parts of my strength training. Nice. Natural calf raises.
The verdict? I love them. Thanks, Steve.
Gorilla feet equals happy barefoot Jess! Call of Duty, you’ll just have to wait for now.
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Female. 25 years old. Chinese. Cook. Foodie. UCLA grad. Traveler. Musician. Scuba diver. GWU Law. Runner.
That’s a much better reward decision. I looked at the price of these and they’re cheaper than any pair of runners I’ve bought so no that expensive.
Thanks for visiting my blog:) I have seen these on people and wondered about them. The other day I saw them on a fellow, just wearing them out and about, not running. I remember having a pair of toe socks when I was a kid and they drove me crazy between my toes…. so I don’t think I would like wearing these either!
I’ve been noticing a lot of bloggers talking about barefoot running. The question of protecting your feet came to mind. I guess it is the Mom in me, but that concerns me. Also, I’m wondering if you’ve experienced any issues with the impact on your joints from running without shoes. I would think that it would be pretty jarring on the joints. This is not a criticism, I’m just curious.
Those things look awesome!! I think people are catching onto them and know what they are…so the weird looks will only last so long.
hahaha And like you said, who cares??
I love your attitude and how if you want something you just go after it. Congratulations and I think this was a kickass reward for a kickass race time!
I definitely like that reward better than the video game! They may look hilarious, but I hear they’re really beneficial in the long run! Hopefully those blisters go away soon too!
I am really unsure about those. I think it’s awesome that you are doing it but don’t feel that they are for me…but I won’t knock them b/c I have not tried them…Keep it up and cool reward.
.-= Seth@1010in2010´s last blog Killer Abs. Hanging On By a Thread. Race Schedule. =-.
Yay! What you said about not caring about weird looks…you’re my hero!!! Go girl.
You’re welcome!
@Karen – Surprisingly, it can actually be much better for your joints. When you run in sneakers, you tend to run heel-toe, when you land on your heel, your leg is generally straight, and the shocks get sent up through your foot, through your knee, hips, and lower back.
When running barefoot, you automatically tend to shorten your stride, and land on the balls of your feet. Because of the shorter stride and softer landing, your knee is already bent and the shock gets absorbed rather than transferred throughout your system.
If you get a chance, look into the science behind it all – it’s quite fascinating, and might even make a believer out of you! It made me one
Cheers,
Steve
I’m definitely jealous, those look awesome! I’ve been reading more and more about these lately, and they really seem like the way to go. They’re a bit on the pricey side, so I’ll have to take a trip to the REI here and hope they have some in my size that I can try on before I just jump in and order some.
.-= Brandon´s last blog Couch to 5K: Week 1 review =-.
Jess, thanks for the support over at my page, and I must say, I’ve read your last two posts about these things and you have me totally interested in getting them. I love the bit where you talked about how back in the old days people of course didn’t have running shoes to hunt. Something so obvious, yet so overlooked. And like you said, if we cut out McDonald’s why can’t we cut out Nike? lol. I’m very curious to see how you like them as time passes. Let me know how it goes, and I just might be ordering a pair for myself
Great post! Such a cool concept to be the way nature intended us to be!
My friend just walked into the office wearing them…I thought they’d have less padding on them as well so am thrilled to see the bottoms more sturdy than I had anticipated.
Lucky me she bought three pairs to see which one fit better…
She’s going to bring in the other pair to see if they fit me!
.-= Tara´s last blog 92 minute challenge for April 16th 2010 =-.
Crazy Girl! Those ‘Gorilla” feet look insane.
I wonder how I would do in them with my shin splints issues I’m having.
I can’t believe you’re training for a 10k and Half !! You Go Girl!
I have my 10k coming up on May 2nd and I’m totally freaking out, I don’t think I could handle running a half a month after that.
Very cool! And CONGRATS on the 5k!! Can’t wait to hear more about how the “barefoot” running goes.
Those look HIGH larious! But if you like them and they work for you – that’s all that matters! You got me curious enough to read the article in this month’s Runner’s World about them. I think I’m gonna stick with my Nike’s for now, but I’m really interested to hear how this goes for you!
.-= Chad´s last blog Exercise: Meeting Goals – Making Progress! =-.