(This is Blogging 2.0. Feel free to click on these links. Enjoy.)
Minimalist shoes on my feet, Bugaboo stroller in hand, I jogged to Birch Grove as a first step in my training for the Spirit of Spring Fun Run. See, with minimalist shoes, there are many benefits. There are also a few steps in between putting them on for the first run of the season and running a 5K the day before Easter. If you start with a couple miles, your shins are gonna tell you about it all week long. Better to start with a half mile jog, stretch and run another half mile home. Ease into it. Adapt your running style and don't over do it.
In the spectrum of athletic prowess, I now fall into the category of what they call a "Weekend Warrior." According to Sports Information Resource Center, the definition is someone who is committed to a sport or activity but, based on life, work, and family demands, has limited time to participate or train for that activity.
I do play soccer every week at Star Hill, and while we run hard for an hour once a week, that doesn't mean that I am ready to run a 5K with Vibrams on, pushing a jogging stroller. I actually wore prescription shoe orthotics since I was young because my knees would hurt when playing sports, my podiatrist told me I had flat feet and the answer was a firm insert in all of my shoes, that cost $$$$. He also said that I had to buy the most expensive New Balance shoes because they offer more support. I wore orthotics to play soccer, golf, and even when skiing. If I did not wear them my knees would ache after I ran, or my back would hurt. They were anything but comfortable.
I was hesitant to try out the 5 finger Vibrams because I thought to myself, “how could I run without orthotics?” I read “Born to run” and it all made sense. Shoes cause your feet to atrophy. What I actually needed was to exercise my feet. I was not used to using my arches and therefore never built them up. Once I started wearing my KSO Treks, I wore them everywhere. My feet got stronger and my knees no longer bother me. I can wear any pair of shoes and would not even consider wearing orthotics again.
And tonight, my feet feel great, my knees fantastic, and I am going to bed.
That is my story for today and I am sticking to it. I will try to post more about my training progress as I prepare for the Fun Run. I hope you enjoyed the links. Please feel free to write me about your plans to participate in the Fun Run.
