First Barefoot Speed Workout…

It went well. I have sore calves, again not crippling. I got back to the campground we are staying at and walked right into the river that runs at about 55f. fixed me right up! I also got a small blister where I got a big one last week on my left foot. Thank you Mr. Foot, you are an excellent teacher.

We ran 5x400m intervals with a 1k warmup and cooldown. I was concerned about speeding up while barefoot, so I wore the VFFs for the first 3 repeats then took them off for the last 2. It was an interesting feeling, going faster, but I enjoyed it. I looked at my shoes today on the way out and got a feeling of disdain toward them. I remember the knee pain and soreness that I got in my shoes and I think that I can never go back. It kind of makes me sad a little, as I have an incredibly long way to go barefoot.

I am comforted by the fact I am very happy in the VFFs. If anything went sideways with the Barefoot thingy(like winter), I feel like I could employ some Injiniji socks with the KSO’s and I would be right as rain forever. That makes me very happy because I know I will be a better runner no matter what.

•Barefoot mileage since June 29th : 25.8km
•VFF mileage since July 7th : 7.3km
•Shoe mileage since SOBF (start of barefoot): 5km (25:30 5k race PR on July 1st)

I know I am probably ahead of the curve a bit for starting out, I have read all the advice and technique stuff about going REALLY slow, but remember I have been studying this method for over 6 months. I had been secretly practicing the art of short strides and forefoot landing and running smooth (in my shoes) the only thing I was missing was the feedback to tell me if I was close or had no idea. I think I was close, I just needed to get to a point where I could run free, shoeless. The new training program seemed like the perfect place.

Speaking of the training program, I had the group out for their first speed workout and these are a couple of the comments I have read tonight.

Jim said: Some of you were lucky that you were not available for the Wednesday night run, because now I know what interval training means.  For the next interval training session, I’ll wear a suit and make sure that the route ends at McInnis & Holloway(funeral home).  This way, I can save on shipping and handling charges.  Neil has told us that those of us who survived the intervals will be better… someday.  The next Wednesday (July 21^st) at Sikome will be a tempo run, which I’m told can be challenging (unless you already have had teenagers).

Tammy replied: Hahaha! Like I said, I need to try and NOT get a babysitter for next Wednesday. I don't see tempo being any easier. See you Sunday! Thanks Neil. As much as it's torture, it's what I need.

Nice. My work is done here.

Also, Tomorrow will be Mile 13 and I will get back to the task at hand: Recounting my running memoirs… Weeks 1 to 3 of the new Half Marathon Clinic last October. Are you ready to get back to the story?

And, running product makers, Please sponsor me!