New Vibram Five Fingers Out!

I've been runing in the Five finger Sprints for a while, and heard about the new KSOs from reading Barefoot Ted's Blog and I was excited about the new models coming out.

I recently went to their website to see if the new products were out yet, and they are!!!! I'll be sure to get a new pair soon! Here's the links to the different models, and a little about each....

"When you’re scrambling up a rocky bluff or bounding along a riverbank, the last thing you want is gravel and grit seeping into your FiveFingers. The KSO is an all-new design with thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide and breathable stretch mesh that wraps your entire forefoot to “Keep Stuff Out.” A single hook-and-loop closure helps secure the fit. Non-marking Vibram TC1 performance rubber soles are razor-siped for a sure grip." *

"Whether ChiRunning in colder temperatures or crossing a stream with your kayak, the new FiveFingers Flow provides comfortable barefoot protection. A 1.2mm Neoprene lining and 2mm EVA footbed provide the thermal insulation and protection. And our new GM50 performance rubber (available only in black) is razor-siped for added slip resistance over a variety of surfaces."*

Then there's the good old classic Vibrams

"This patent-pending FiveFingers design takes a minimalist approach to barefooting. Non-marking Vibram TC1 performance rubber soles protect your feet and provide a sure grip over a variety of terrain. A thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric fits low on the foot—for comfort and quick drying."*

And the pair I currently wear.

"Some have called FiveFingers Sprint the most versatile footwear they own. Adjustable hook-and-loop closures cross over the instep and surround the heel for a personalized, secure fit. A thin abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric follows the contour of the foot for comfort. And a flexible, non-marking TC1 performance rubber sole is razor siped to enhance grip over a variety of terrain."*

*all quotes about products derived from http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/.

Cold morning for Speedwork

I woke up this morning knowing I needed to get to the track, however the streets had a fresh coat of black ice, and it was just plain cold. I finally mustered the willpower to put on my YakTrax and head out the door.

I am glad I did. I ran the mile and a half to the track withought any trouble, and when I got there I decided to test the track surface. I took my Yak Trax off for one loop, and I was sliding all over the place; it was a literal ice rink out there. When I put them back on, I had no problem sprinting around the loop so I started on my 800 meter repeats; 8 repetitions with a minutes rest between each. I wasn't fast at all, but it felt good running sprints on ice while wearing split-leg shorts. ha ha.

I finished up my sprints and jogged back home. By that time the sun had begun to rise, and a very light dusting of snow covered everything.

I knew I wanted to post something about it on here, so I got out my camera once I got home to take some pictures of the beautiful morning.

When I got over to the park over my house, birds were out in vast numbers making a lot of noise, so I thought I'ld get a little video to show you.

Barefoot Running

Ever since I got into running, I had heard of the benefits of barefoot training. Personally I thought it was just some way to subject yourself to toarture. Who in their right mind would willingly run around barefoot!!! I was, however, intrigued. After doing some reasearch online, and discovering http://barefootted.com/ , I decided that I could try it.

Not long after that, I ran over to an asphalt track, cast aside my shoes, and started running. about 4 miles later, I no longer had soles left on my feet. So I ran another couple miles.... Stoopid! It was night time when I was running, but I am sure that had I been able to see a little better, the inside lane of the track would have appeared red. I dont believe I'll ever forget the pain of trying to put on socks after doing that, and then I had to hobble a mile and a half back home!

That was my last barefoot experience until I discovered my Vibram Five Fingers http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ during the 2007 Sri Chinmoy 6 day race. One of the 10 day runners, Glen Turner, wore them for what seemed to be half the race! I, quite frankly, thought he looked rediculous, but after asking about them, I decided to give them a try.

Not too long after the conclusion of the race, I drove out to Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge to purchase a pair of Sprints, and I absolutly love them! I wear them almost everywhere I go, except for work. They feel just as though I am barefoot.

When I first got them, I noticed my feet feeling a little sore, but it wasn't that I was injured, I was using muscles that I wasnt used to using. I also started out by running no more than 2 or 3 miles in them, and my feet toughened up nicely. Now I can walk around in them all day on concrete and not feel sore, or I can even run on asphalt and not leave a good amount of skin on the track.

I still only train in them twice a week or so, and I havent run more than 13 miles in them, but I have definatly noticed an improvement in my running form, and alignment issues. Also, you should see the looks I get when I walk through the mall in those things!

Well, until next time, keep on running.

Tim Lawson