Forget what all the big shoe companies tell you, they’re making promises they can’t keep, and instead simplify the way you run while keeping a little more cash in your pocket. You don’t need the new $150 pair of Nike’s or [insert major shoe brand here] to help you run better, all you need are your feet and a path in front of you.
I’m a fan of minimalism and simple living, so it’s only natural that once I heard about bare foot running my ears perked up. I heard about a story on NPR of this guy Chris McDougall who went to Mexico to study a tribe of Mexican Indians known as the Raramuri that have won 100 mile races with nothing more than a thin strip of leather tied to their feet. The more I read about this “barefooting” phenomena I am beginning to realize how much sense it makes. OF COURSE we should be running how God made us, with just the strength and endurance of our own feet.
Vibram FiveFingers
From that same interview on NPR I was reminded of the Vibram FiveFingers shoes. However, it wasn’t the first time I had heard about them, my best friend got a pair for Christmas last year, at the time I laughed at him. But now it seems that he was on to something big.
Last Monday I went to register my wife and I for the 42nd annual Turkey Trot here in Dallas, and while at the shoe store I noticed they sold the Vibram shoes (if you can call them shoes). So after trying a pair on I knew these were what I wanted. Intrigued to simplify the way I run and to join the small group of “barefoot” runners, I made my purchase. The Vibram FiveFingers KSO series are beautifully simple.
My New Journey
Now since I’ve embraced minimal running, I am intrigued to get out there and meet other people who are interested and/or already doing it. I just signed up for an account on DailyMile to keep track of my running. If you’re on there I’d love to connect with you.
Learn More
Here’s a video of Christopher McDougall demonstrating and discussing the Tarahumara style of running.
Here’s a review of the Vibram FiveFingers on WIRED.com
3 Comments
Great stuff Kyle – I ran Cross Country in HS and haven’t really done anything since then…
I started a 10 week “Couch to 5K” program a couple weeks back (alternating walking and jogging for 20-30 mins until you build up to a full run) and have been enjoying it – but with some feet pain.
I plan to try out at least the forefoot technique – and maybe once you’ve used the Vibrams for a little while let us know how they are!
- Jon
Jon Jordan´s last blog ..Regina Spektor and the Prosperity Gospel
I am seriously thinking of picking up a pair of these. I got into running in 2008. Since then I have run a few 10k’s and a 15k. But for almost all of this year I have had reoccurring shin splints. I am wearing the “proper” shoes for my feet and have taken breaks from running several times. The longest was 6 weeks. I even did a month of physical therapy.
Anyway, my hope is that the barefoot running might help me out with this.
Keep us posted and make sure you tell us how you are enjoying you new Vibrams.
jason
btw, McDougall’s book was awesome!
Jason,
Thanks for the comment. Obviously, I highly recommend you pick up a pair of the Vibrams, and it looks like you’ve already done your homework. I’m looking forward to reading “Born To Run” sometime soon. I will definitely be keeping everyone up to date on how running “barefoot” is working out for me. Hope to see you around here again.