Brand New Shoes

I like to run.  I don't run fast, but I like to run.  The problem with this is that I seem prone to both shin splints and knee pain, which diminishes my ability to run happily and to build any real endurance.  I had my gait analyzed at the Pentagon's Wellness Clinic and by the pros at a running shoe store, got myself a pair of motion control shoes as recommended by both groups and went off on my way.  Happily, the knee pain disappeared.  The shin splints kept coming at me though, but those I could work through.  This winter my pair of running shoes finally broke down and I needed new ones.

I found myself a running store, checked their stock and bought myself the updated model of the shoe I'd been wearing, the Asics Gel Foundation.  Somehow, these shoes didn't do the trick.  Not only that, but my feet blistered in under two miles - when I'd been able to run seven out of the box with the previous model.  Don't let anyone tell you that running shoes need to be broken in - if they aren't comfortable out of the box, they never will be comfortable.  So after giving it two shots, I bought another pair, which was a mistake.  New Balance doesn't fit my feet.  They hurt when I walk, and while it's less painful when I run, they're still not good for what I want to do, health and fitness-wise.

At the same time, one of my classmates here in Newport, a young female Lieutenant going to command a minesweeper and thus by default a protegee, was reading Born to Run.  One of the key themes is that people ran barefoot for eons before the invention of the shoe, then in sandals or moccasins or simple athletic shoes.  It wasn't until the 70's that the padded, rigid running shoe came into being.  The argument they then make is that the running shoe as we know it today has made our feet weak and that running barefoot can actually reduce stress injuries such as the ones I have experienced.  I did some reading, like this biomechanical study from Harvard University as well as some online discussion sites. 

I am just not sure about going completely barefoot right now.  First, Newport is still cold.  I don't like cold when I'm running.  And then, going back to DC.  Seems a little icky.  Enter the Vibram Five Finger shoe, also introduced in the book.  I brought Suzanne flying with me on Saturday up in Boston, and afterward, we called a nearby REI, discovered that they had them in stock and so on Saturday I went from

to

The purchasing process was interesting.  We found them prominently displayed but had to look for someone to help us.  S ended up with the floor model in the Classic Style, which fit her pretty well.  They also ended up having a pair of the same style in mine, though I'd have been happy with the Sprints, too.  We took turns watching each other's stuff while the other ran laps around the store.  Since we knew what we wanted, the salesperson didn't pay much attention to us.  When another woman came up and asked questions about it, we realized that he didn't believe in them anyway, echoing what other opponents say, namely that Americans wear shoes and so it's probably what we should be doing.  I'm paraphrasing, but that was the general gist.  He was very negative.  What was truly interesting was that when we went to check out, the woman who ran Suzanne up told her that the shoes are nearly impossible to keep in stock.  I can see why, I kind of want the Chili color now.

As far as use...I've only worn them twice since Saturday.  Mainly because I'm generally in uniform and thus required to wear the uniform shoe, or if I'm in my room, I'm barefoot.  I've used the VFFs for the two group PT sessions we've had this week.  Monday was circuit training that included short running bouts between exercises and ended with two laps running and two walking.  I discovered that the foot will, indeed, give you immediate feedback if you strike with your heel rather than with your mid-foot and you will respond equally immediately.  I overcompensated and started running more on my toes, which is also not the right answer and so ended up with very tight calves for the last couple of days.  Today was more circuit training, with stationary cardio work alternated with exercise band stuff.  (Note to self, when most of the guys have the red band, don't pick up the blue one. It will hurt.)  I did a very short run after that, from the gym to my building.  So far, I am very happy.  My feet don't hurt.  My knees don't hurt.  My shins...well, we'll see what happens in the coming weeks, but I am optimistic.

So there you go, one more thing to make people wonder what kind of weirdo I am!

Comments

[Jennifer]

I love it. Can't wait to hear more and more about these shoes. Enjoy them. Who cares what other people think.

[Sylvia]

How lovely to be able to run without pain! I only wear shoes when I absolutely have to and agree completely about listening to what your feet say when running bare. I think, though, I would do a VFF with only the big toe and maybe the index toe separated. I've broken the littler toes when running in the woods and would be more comfortable with them supporting each other.

Your flying form looks beautiful. And yes, you're weird, but it's a good kind of weird. Really!

[Beverly Laughlin]

I've read the book, and shared it with a friend who runs, and my husband. (Hubby and I haven't run in years.) It's a fascinating book. The runner really enjoyed it. I just wish those shoew were available somewhere near where I live.