October 31, 2009

The Living Barefoot Podcast Show - Episode 7 Released

The latest episode of the Living Barefoot Show went online (I know I'm a little late, been busy). Episode 7 features an interview with Sabra, Damien, and Ben from Vivo Barefoot. They were so much fun to interview! Good luck to Damien and Ben tomorrow in the New York City Marathon.

Here's the link: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2009/10/the-living-barefoot-show-episode-7-we-interview-vivo-barefoot/

October 18, 2009

Review - Vibram FiveFingers Performa

I didn't have time to write a short review for the VFF Performa but I've finished the long review for these shoes for the Living Barefoot website.

Check it out at:
http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2009/10/review-vibram-fivefingers-performa/

In case you've ever wondered what I sound like, there's also an audio version of the review. This is something we're going to continue with for future reviews. It's available for download on the site above or through iTunes via The Living Barefoot Show.

In (very) short, the Performa is an outstanding addition to the VFF lineup. It is definitely my choice for an indoor minimalist shoe. They are surprisingly warm, extremely comfortable, weigh a scant 50 grams, and have the best barefoot feel of any shoes I've tried so far.

October 13, 2009

Feelmax Kuuvas Arrived in Time for Winter

The Feelmax Kuuvas arrived this past weekend. So far, I think they're awesome boots! They are incredibly comfortable and warm. I went for a walk today in -6C with a windchill of -14C with 2 cm of snow and slush and my feet were warm and dry the whole time. I don't have a lot of time to write about them today but I thought I'd add some pictures for people to see what I'm talking about. I'm so glad that there are options for minimalist footwear for winter.






October 5, 2009

Run in VFF Flows

The other day, I ran my 10 times 30-second intervals in my VFF Flows (instead of my KSOs) with a pair of Injiji toe socks. It was 2 degrees Celsius. It was a really good choice of footwear.

I noticed some differences between my KSOs and Flows: The Flows are MUCH warmer (which is a good thing because I forgot how cold 2oC feels like). They feel like they have a thicker sole (although that could have been the socks, too). They are less flexible, probably because of the neoprene as opposed to the thinner synthetic material of the KSOs. And they were more wind-resistant.

I also noticed that my running gait is exactly the same between the two VFF models.

Another thing I noticed during this run, unrelated to the shoes I chose to wear, is that my right leg is much weaker than my left leg. My right leg tended to hit the ground louder/harder than the left, which is very noticeable with a springy, midfoot running gait. Guess that right leg has some catching up to do now that (hopefully all) the nerves are awake now.

The snow hasn't stuck around yet so I can continue to run outside in my VFFs. When the snow stays, though, it's off to the indoor track to run without shoes.

Living Barefoot Show Podcast - Episode 6 Released

The latest episode of the Living Barefoot Show went online last night. Episode 6 features interviews with Barefoot Moe and Georgia Shaw from Vibram FiveFingers.

Here's the link: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2009/10/the-living-barefoot-show-episode-6-we-interview-barefoot-moe-and-vibram-fivefingers/

October 2, 2009

Changed 'Barefoot Running' Category to 'Minimalist Running'

I have decided to change my recent posts about running from 'Barefoot Running' to 'Minimalist Running'. When I first started this blog, I chose not to make a distinction between running completely barefoot and running in minimalist footwear (eg, in VFFs). I changed my mind on that thought. So, unless I'm running completely barefoot, which is still the plan to start doing on the indoor track once it gets too slippery for me to run outdoors, anytime I'm wearing VFFs or any other type of minimalist footwear, my posts will be in the 'Minimalist Running' category.

Maybe I'm becoming more barefoot enlightened, maybe not. But now I think that there is a difference between running in barefoot alternative shoes and running completely barefoot. Now that I can run again, I can't wait to try it out completely barefoot. This is Alberta, it shouldn't take too much longer for ice and snow to come. ;)

October 1, 2009

Still Running

I went for another run today. I figure that consistency will be key to getting my body back post-back injury.

Today was nine intervals of 30 seconds. I'm trying for one more interval every time I go out. It probably won't happen every day but it's good to have goals.

I realized this week that I still have bad pain days. Now that I'm running again (and swimming too) it's hard to not be able to do the exercise that I have plans (and hopes) of doing. I'm grateful for being able to run on the days I can and will have to settle for walking on days I can't (because walk I will regardless).

I also realized how incredibly weak my legs have become after not running for about eight months. My calves and feet have such a long way to go before they're even close to resembling the state they were in last fall. Hopefully slow, consistent, gradual building will get them there eventually. And did I mention pain-free?

My spouse and two dogs ran with me today. It was wonderful having company. Not that my runs are very long at the moment, but it was so much fun dodging jumpy dog obstacles. The moral support was also wonderful!

On to 5 whole minutes of running next time...