This whole barefoot/sandal running thing really intrigues me. The Tarahumara run these crazy distances with nothing more than sandals made of discarded tire rubber and twine. Then there is "Barefoot" Ted McDonald, a self proclaimed " independent athlete committed to re-discovering primal human capacities and encouraging others to do the same".
The buzz is that running barefoot, or with sandals, allows your foot to work as it was intended, using all of the bones and muscles as they were intended, thereby allowing you to be "connected" to the trail in a more natural way.
Now, I can not say yea or nay at this point, but my experience in mountain biking closely parallels this mindset. A few years ago, I went out and purchased a brand new Trek full suspension mountain bike that incorporated all of the latest technology - multi link pivot points, 3 way rear shock, fully adjustable front shock, hydraulic disc brakes and 27 speed drive train. Price tag of $2500.00. Even with all of that "Technology", when I was on 50+ mile rides, I was getting passed by riders on steel framed single speed bicycles. Admittedly, some of those single speeders were in better shape than I, but there were plenty that were not.
After experimenting with a single speed bicycle for a while, I became much more fluid on the trail than I ever did with a full suspension. The Bike is lighter, accelerates better due to a straight chain line and no suspension compression, I can "feel"the trail, and when I approach a climb, I get out of the saddle and use my legs instead of just sitting on my fat ass and switching to an easier gear. No derailleurs and shifters to adjust - just lean back and enjoy the ride. Meanwhile, the Trek is gathering dust.
Less was more. Could this apply to running as well?
Monday, August 2nd - Well - I couldn't stand it! I went to Lloyd Clark sports after work yesterday and tried on a pair of Vibram 5fingers - call it me doing my patriotic duty to stimulate the economy, consumerism, or what ever - got me a pair and went straight to Payne's Prairie State Park. (well not actually - I remembered that I didn't have any running shorts with me, so I had to go back into the store and get a pair). I did about 3 miles walk/run on a hiking trail . had a fuckin blast - no heart rate monitor, the sun was long and the deer were grazing. I didn't track time or pace, and I estimated my distance from previous runs. When I felt like walking - I walked. When I felt like running I ran - looking up and enjoying the scenery. I need to add this to all of my runs - even if just for a post run cool down goin barefoot..
Less IS more (and to quote a friend, "moderation is for pussies")
Did I just have fun?? Weird...
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