I decided to take my Vibrams on a longer walk today. I chose Lake Miramar because it is a paved trail, but also has a dirt trail closer to the water that walkers may choose to use. The loop around the lake is 5 miles. I was going to bring a backpack with an alternative pair of shoes if things were to get rough with the Vibrams, but then I decided I would tough it out . . . I am glad I did. The walk went well, but I did learn a few things.
.jpg)
1. I was concerned about the blisters I got on the back of each foot from my first walk earlier in the week. I did some internet searching and found someone who used duct tape to protect his feet from blisters in the Vibrams. This idea is right up my alley: much cheaper than band aids. So I tried it today. I cut the tape about 3 inches long, and then put a rectangle of paper towel in the middle so the adhesive would not stick to the sensitive part of my foot where the blisters are. This worked like a charm! The tape stuck fine, and gave real protection from the chafing from the shoes. After the walk, it came off easily. The blisters did not get aggravated at all in the 5 mile walk. I am hoping I can build my feet up not to need this kind of intervention, but for now this is great. I am also resisting the idea of wearing Injinji socks for the time being. I really want to see if I can manage the blisters and become able to wear these without socks. We'll see.
2. So I conquered the blister problem, but by the end of 5 miles I found my heels were chaffed. They actually were burning at the end of my walk! I don't know what to make of that yet. As this week proceeds I will come back and add comments to this post to report on how long the chafing lasted. Hmmm. I hope I don't wake up tomorrow walking on two blisters on the bottom of each heel! The article I cited in my last post says "Let your skin be your guide" because when you protect your skin, you protect everything underneath. My chaffed heels give me a sense of that today.
.jpg)
3. Lake Miramar has a dirt trail closer to the water. I walked about a mile on the dirt trail today. It is pretty rocky in places, so this gave me a good idea of what trail hiking in my Vibrams will be like. I was amazed at how much more taxing this was for my legs. When I take these on my first real mountain trail, I will definitely be taking an alternative pair of shoes and will not attempt more than a mile on the trail to start. I have to build myself up to this!
In conclusion, I got the Vibrams as part of my long term program to become a runner once again. Since I cannot do any aerobic exercise at this point, I am working on building my strength. I love walking and hiking anyway, and the Vibrams seem like a great way to get more out of my walks and hikes. I am not disappointed, even with the blisters and chafing. After all, if I had attempted to walk this 5 miles in literal bare feet today, I probably would not have made it more than 100 yards.
Posts
6 comments:
Ok, this is the morning after my 5 mile walk. I do not have ANY muscle pain or cramps. The heel that was still sore last night is completely better, even when I push on it to try to make it hurt. I am really excited about this!
Now to clarify, I did not just jump into Vibrams last week with no preparation. I have been logging many miles a week with barefoot indoor walking in preparation for this step. I can verify that people considering these should prepare and take it slowly.
My goal is to hike and climb mountains in the Vibrams. Eventually of course, I want to run in them.
Hi Sr Mary Agnes,
I, too, have recently gotten the Vibram Five Fingers shoes and although I did not get any blisters (your pair might be a bit too large, or you might want to "seat" your heel into the heel cup before fastening the strap), I went too fast too soon by taking a jog in them right away. As a result, my calf muscles (both legs) were so sore the next day!
Anyway, it's great you're taking it a step at a time (pun intended) and am looking forward to your posts when you begin running again.
Pax et bonum,
Raciel
Keep at it. I just completed my second run in my new KSOs. I have a little blister on one big toe and some really sore calf muscles. I am a treadmill runner but have done my first two runs in my KSOs over relatively flat grassy terrain. It is such a great feeling running in these. No more knee or ankle pain!
I commend you on going slow. I tried running too quickly with mine and ended up frustrated. I now do a run/ walk and continue to add more running and less walking...by the way will you be back for the St Charles 5k?
Hi Dave. Yes! I am "skipping" a week of college the week before the race and then will fly back to San Diego Labor Day afternoon for a week of finals followed by my graduation with a Bachelor's in Entrepreneurial Business that Saturday! So it will be a busy week.
I hope you and some of your people from Rehab 3 will be able to come to the race with your tent. It's always wonderful to have you there. Have a great day!
vibram fivefingers are one of
the product that are good and leave no room for argument in my life. Vibram
fivefingers not only dependent on its looks but on its performance. vibram fivefingers will be a
good taste on the feet , so it might be a good idea to test them on your feet.
Post a Comment