I hear you. I also picked up "Born to Run" based on the earlier recommendation and although I got into flats before I read the book I sort of feel the universe aligned itself for me to get on that path. I'm not sure if I'd go the 5-fingers route but I have been thrilled with my Wave Mushas and my new/old way of running.

Post edited due to dead thread. Damn this thread is old.

you ought to give them a try. Even if you just use them to go on a short couple mile hike/off rd jog. Very fun.

Believe me, I am the last person to be galavanting around in 5 Fingers to places like walmart for attention. I truly only use them when going off road.

I am using them as I transfer to barefoot all the way

mx

From what I understand going for short walks or wearing them around a little bit is the best way to utilize them. I talked to a few people at the shop where I bought my running shoes and they weren't sold on the 5 fingers thing, especially for using them exclusively. Same goes for a podiatrist friend of mine.

I'm not saying I don't believe they have a place, just trying to say be careful.

sure, transition slowly.

not being "sold on the idea"? hahaha, neither would I if I was trying to sell sneakers and I made a good amount off Rx'ing orthotics



I have found the most enjoyment in using them in at least a jogging state. Walking is not super comfy in them because you heel strike with walking motion. we're all used to heel cushioning with our walking motions

mx

So you used the 5-fingers and then started running? Did the shop owner have a bat?

not sure what you mean. I use both. I am only up to about 10 mi...after that, I still use traditional trail sneaks. I stick with NB because they one of the very few companies to sell wide sneaks. I started running long before I used 5-fingers, but I was never an avid runner. I still wouldn't classify myself as an avid runner. I do not get enough miles in for that distinction. I do a fair amount though. I just love getting out there in the wilderness, no monitors, no training regimen. I am also excited about this really cool head lamp I got...it makes running at night in the woods much easier

mx

Gotta ask - 10 miles or minutes?

That was a joke, son.

A good one too.

HA! - very, very good (even though I was slow)

hi sscyco

I am up to about 10 miles in distance. My pace varies a bit and as I hinted to before I am trying not to dwell on numbers and just go out and "tear up" the trails and have fun.

With that said, I can't help but to try and note my pace. Probably ranging from 8 min/mi to 10+ min/mi. Certainly nothing special, but having a blast!

Pace varies a lot in the mountainous trails obviously. But I did show up a few of my buddies who have done low 3 hour marathons while I was in my 5 fingers...so I gave up nothing with regard to their traditional trail sneakers...or likely my own pace with trail sneakers.

I am pretty excited to know I am going just as well with the 5 fingers as I would with shoes.

Plus you're less like to roll/ twist/ sprain your ankle with 5 fingers compared to trail running sneakers.

It's really been a blast. I am not trying to tell you guys to do it all the time...but I do think you would have a really good time using them once in a while off-road.

enjoy



mx

I noticed that on that 10K trail run I did last month. My roadwork pace has been in the high 7s / low 8s consistently and always figured that there might be a chance I could get my 10K race pace back down in the low 7s at least; but my pace that day was 8:12s. I was kinda bummed but I had to remind myself that it was a trail run with some decently stiff, extended climbs in it.


That Roy Wallack book I'm reading has a lot of 'soft running' form info in it and he seems to be a big advocate of barefoot and five fingers running. Might be something to play with sometime.

There is another company called gist five toes, google them. they copied vibram or something. anyway, not sure if you can still get them...but they are cheaper.

I recommend the KSO version if you get 5 fingers, about 85 dollars...NOT the Trek KSO that are more like 120 dollars.

The toe socks are very nice too for longer runs.

Obviously we all mtn bike because we think it is fun. I used to do running here and there and thought it boring and it was just exercise.

The whole "free running" down trails and multi directional movements and feeling the ground and jumping from rock to log etc has genuinely changed my perspective of what running could be.

I now find it very fun!

awesome headlamp i got for night, Surefire Saint Minimus. Very nice

dminor, you know me well enough. If I thought I was hurting my body doing this I wouldn't be...nor would I suggest it to others. If nothing else, don't heel strike in your sneakers.



mx

Free style is a life style! Even if you wear silly monkey shoes.

hahaha

I dont think they make your size!

Haha - - that's kinda how I feel about riding a hardtail MTB .

Believe me, I don't (or at least I don't think I do). I used to try to take advantage of my long legs and big stride; but have shortened my stride considerably over the years (and increased cadence proportionately) and I think that's one reason my joints don't feel like they've taken a pounding. I've played some with one soft-running technique - - shorter stride/keeping your feet under you more/exaggerated lift-off with the back foot - - and it's been interesting. It really does make some underutilized muscles burn getting used to it. I think I could like it if I'd work more at it.

I think you're basically talking about POSE and Chi running. That is what's so cool about VFF or barefoot...you do not have to read those books and try to change anything...it just happens!!

I got that POSE book and read a couple pages...seemed complicated and awkward as hell.

Very very very very hard to make your body do a movement against a motor pattern ingrained in your head for all of your life.

Trying barefoot on a treadmill or outside or using VFF fixes all that. no reading necessary. quick, simple, and free.

mx

Last time I checked, this was a bike forum. "Running is for people who can't afford bikes."1




1. Source: mtnbiker66, 2009

Dude - I only run so that on the day some bastard tries to steal my bike I can run and catch his weak ass - with a bit left over to beat the **** out of him.

Ha - I said dude, I thought I was too old for that

Awesome.

Jerk.

//

mx_599 hit the nail on the head. When you run barefoot or almost barefoot your body automatically adjusts to an improved technique in an act of self-preservation. The running shoes typically used have caused a disservice by adding cushioning. It masks the fact that we are still landing hard.

The "Born to Run" book actually goes so far as to say that our feet will try to push down harder when faced with a soft surface in order to find a stable surface so we are likely getting a bigger impact. Think of that posting earlier in this thread that said that some off-season athletes got more injuries after having spent the summer running in sand.

You should be hearing from 66's attorneys re: post #11 of this thread.

^^ Yup, here it is right here:

I don't think altering it to plural form will get you off the hook. Jerk. Throw the book at him, Your Honor.

I don't see why. I documented my source.

^^ Haha. You did that retroactively when called on it.