So after wearing my Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) off and on this week, I finally took them out for a workout this Sunday morning. I decided to do a short jog, about 1 mile, to the De Anza College track to do some core workouts, since I didn't think I was ready for a long run yet. (I haven't run since my marathon in January. :p) The jog there was ok. Felt a little odd, and stepping on a joint between pavement hurt a little bit, but it was fine. Slight detour on gravel was fine, as was grass and mulch under trees. I realized that there are places you can't step in/on though, such as grates with wider holes. I think your ankles also get more of a workout, since the VFF allows and forces you to use your ankles more, for both stabilizing and pushing.
I always disliked stair works, but it was a lot more tolerable with the VFF. Being able to bend and use your toes more made the stairs much more tolerable, both going up and down. Lunges were also interesting being able to use my toes more, but my left toes were not too happy due to a tough and tense kendo practice on Friday. It was also easier to stay on my toes and stabilize during burpees.
But the real surprise came on the jog back. It had felt like the one thing that feels off w/ the VFF is actually running fast, or sprinting. I don't have a good sprinting form. I'm not used to running only on the balls of my feet and my toes. Rather, I lengthen my stride and power faster. But then landing on the thinner heel of the VFF kind of hurts. On the jog back I tried to jog in the toe/ball first form, which is landing on the balls of your feet and not your heels. It's supposed to be how you do barefoot running and how the Kenyans run. It was not easy, but easier in the VFF than regular shoes. It was more of a strain on my calf and ankles, but I kept going. On the last stretch of my block, I started to up the speed and start sprinting. And I could actually sprint on the balls of my feet! And I kept going faster and faster, and soon it felt like all that was touching the ground were my toes!! It was exhilarating!! So it was a great fun first training w/ the VFF and we'll see how we go from here. ^_^
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7 comments:
Cool, it sounds like they would feel somewhat like wearing running spikes for races. What are burpees? Are they kinda like fartleks?
Burpees is that exercise where you bend down with your knees, touch the ground, then raise your hands and jump up. Another variation is to kick back your legs after touching the ground, then bring them back up before jumping up. At least that's the name I know them by.
I never got to wear spikes since I never did short distance running. :p It sounds like people are doing more mid-foot or ball/toe first running forms for long distance w/ the VFF and barefoot running.
Man those are some freaky lookin' shoes. Does it seem like you'll have any problems with blisters? Certainly watch for nails. :P
I have had no problems w/ blisters, but then again my feet are pretty tough and roughed up from kendo. :P I don't think you'll really have problems w/ blisters though, because it fits snugly like a sock. Didn't see much about blisters from other online reviews. My coworker hasn't complained about blisters either.
Yeah, nails would be a worry, but I don't think much more than normal shoes. The sole is really good, similar to hiking shoe soles. Plus you become more aware of where you're putting your feet down. ^_^
Ahhhhh you have the weird shoes Hieu was talking about!!!
Just wear tabi!
Yeah, a coworker mentioned that they looked like tabis... But then you don't get all your toes still!! ^_~
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