Barefoot Running

[GLC1968]

Not to get too far 'out there', but there is some real science to the importance of being physically in touch with the planet. The earth has a resonant frequency (very low ~8 Hz) that apparently peaks around 8am and 5pm. This electromagnetic signal is critical to our circadian rhythm. It's called the Schumann Resonance and the space station has a resonator installed to duplicate it because without it, humans don't function properly (sleep disruption, unrest, depression, etc).

I would imagine that living in a concrete jungle surrounded by all manner of RF waves (from WiFi, cell phones, TV's etc) would greatly interfere with our bodies ability to pick up on the Schumann Resonance and might contribute to all kinds of disfunctions.

Anyway, it sounds hokey, but I feel peaceful when I get the chance to walk our property barefoot in the evening. I attribute it to getting in touch with the resonant frequency of the earth.

[GLC1968]

Finally had a chance to make my huaraches and try them out on a run (from invisibleshoe.com). I bought them to wear as just sandals since I can't currently find any that are wide enough for my foot, but figured I'd try at least one run in them.

I put them on and headed out at about 4:30 yesterday afternoon. They were GREAT! Felt like barefoot but protected. I did get surprized by a rock or two because the soles really are very, very thin, but once I realized this, I just avoided stepping on rocks. Definitely super light, super flexible and nice and cool. I think I like them better than my $150 running shoes! There was broken glass on the side of the road and they protected me from it just fine, too.

Since I've been planning to run my tri on Wednesday barefoot, I wanted to get in one more truly barefoot run. So when I got to the sidewalk (about a mile from my house), I kicked off the huaraches and ran barefoot. (the hurraches are much easier to carry than my regular shoes, too) I got about 100y down the sidewalk before I realized that the bottom of my feet were really in pain! I put the shoes back on and it helped. I turned around, walked for a bit, and then ran home. Total run was about 2 miles with only about 100y barefoot. That 100y destroyed me though. A cement sidewalk that sits in the sun all day is HOT. I have blisters on the bottom of my feet now!!

Not only will I not be doing the tri tomorrow, but I'm worried about my weekend. I'm supposed to be leaving for a hiking trip on Friday.

I'm stupid.

[Veronica]

Not only will I not be doing the tri tomorrow, but I'm worried about my weekend. I'm supposed to be leaving for a hiking trip on Friday.

I'm stupid.

I do tris with blisters all the time. Well, actually I get blisters at every HIM. My take on it, if you can suffer through it, do it. Keep them covered with moleskin so they don't get worse. Everyone has a different pain threshold though - I am the Queen of Show Up and Suffer! So maybe you shouldn't listen to me.


Veronica

[GLC1968]

I do tris with blisters all the time. Well, actually I get blisters at every HIM. My take on it, if you can suffer through it, do it. Keep them covered with moleskin so they don't get worse. Everyone has a different pain threshold though - I am the Queen of Show Up and Suffer! So maybe you shouldn't listen to me.


Veronica

Yeah, if it were a real tri, I'd do it. Since it's only an unofficial training tri AND I'm still going on a hiking trip on Friday (for 3 days of hiking), it's really not worth it to me.

I'm normally a 'suck it up' kind of girl myself...but not this time.

[Veronica]

You could still go do the swim portion of the training tri. Enjoy the hiking!

Veronica

[NbyNW]

I just got the VFF Performa Janes. I'm thinking to use them just as an indoor shoe, but I'm also going to try them for Pilates. I like to do Pilates barefoot, but some studios require socks, which can slip, so I'm thinking these might also be a good sock substitute.

Question about fit, for those of you who have experience with other models of VFF: how snug should these be? I usually wear a 6~1/2 and I ordered these in 37. I can slip my pinky finger in behind the heel of these when I have them on, but the toes seem about the right length. I don't think I'm flopping around in these, but I'm tempted to go down a size. Any thoughts?

Other than wondering about whether I've selected the right size, I really like these shoes. The material is excellent quality -- soft and pliable -- and well-crafted. I'll write more when I've spent more time in them!

[GLC1968]

NbyNW - I think you might want to go down a size only because those are leather and they'll probably stretch out a bit. Even my sprints have stretched slightly.

Though, too small VFF's would be miserable, so it's really hard to say!

I really want a pair of KSO Trek's to wear hiking. I've decided that I really, really don't like hiking boots!