KSO Treks Rock

I'm diggin' my new Vibram KSO Treks. This is perhaps the best footwear I've ever had for running. They also have performed well in cold weather and harsh trail terrain in the mountains. Vibram has the opportunity to increase its market share through the minimalist running community.

Unfortunately, I don't believe barefoot running will ever become widely accepted especially since there's no business model for shoe companies to make $ if everyone is barefoot. They will continue to twist the data on barefoot running and make sure most folks never try it, or stick with it. But, for companies in the minimalist category like Vibram, they have a real opportunity. All they need is a few elite runners to endorse and run in the footwear

Harry

Thinking of Writing a Short Book

I'm thinking of writing a short instruction manual/book on how to become a runner in a short period of time. I've logged every mile since I started running in early 2007 and, less than 3 years later, I'm running 40 mile weeks, completed a few marathons and half marathons, run up to a 10k barefoot, ditched shoes, etc. A ton of stuff has happened but my daily running manual could show someone how to start from scratch and become a runner with a little desire and commitment.

I'd enjoy some feedback on whether that would be a good idea.

HHH

Faster in Vibrams

Just finished a tempo run. Nothing too hard but maintained a 6:45 - 7:00 min. pace for a 10k in my Vibrams. What's interesting is I maintain the same tempo training pace when I wore running shoes. So the question is, why ever wear running shoes? It's the biggest ripe off in the world . . . really, it is. I know, I know, only a few folks have an open enough mind to even consider the idea and that's really too bad. Vibrams can last up to 3,000 miles . . . heck, they are made of rubber, similar to tire rubber which lasts 24,000 miles. So, why buy a new pair of shoes every 300-500 miles when Vibrams can last years. More interesting, if you run barefoot, your feet last your entire life. That's even a better deal.

HHH

Longest VFF run

What a great morning. Just finished my longest VFF run. 16 miles in 2 hrs. I've been working toward this distance in VFFs so I could compare it against my prior long runs in regular running shoes. Well, given this result, I can retire my running shoes. This distance/pace is every bit, if not better, than what I did in running shoes. Plus, I have complete command of my body without running shoes. I feel the surface and I can feel every tweak I make in my running form . . . it's a beautiful thing. My running form and efficiency is improving tremedously due to barefoot running and Vibram running.

If you haven't tried it, you don't know what you are missing.

HHH

The Key to Running

There are many keys to running but the #1 key is a proper warmup. Not a quick warmup either but a warmup that lasts 15-20 minutes (10 minutes at a minimum). During the warmup, simply run very slowly, in the 10-13 min. per mile range. Ideally, a 2 mile warmup is perfect then start into your routine. This requires the big "D" . . . discipline and requires you to add time and distance to your running regime. However, it is worth it without question.

I just finished a 7.5 mile run; 1.5 mile warmup; 5 miles at sub 7 min. pace; and 1 mile warm down. The warm down is also as important as the warmup. When you properly warm down, your body already starts the healing process including fixing micro-tears in the muscles.

It took me 2 years to respect the warmup and warm down. Don't learn the hard way like me.

HHH

Good Running Week; Back to VFFs

Had a great week running. Put in about 50+ miles. Had to go with my racing flats for my mountain runs but, otherwise, back to VFFs. VFFs have become my primary running gear of choice and I use racing flats for tougher terrain. And, of course, I still run barefoot to keep me and my form honest.

Harry