My entry into the world of minimalist running was everything but pleasant.
I decided that, after a lot of research, I would take up minimalist running for one 5 kilometer race. This seemed to be a brilliant idea. I would not only add another minimalist action to my already minimalist lifestyle, but I would also get a chance to test my body in a way I never thought to.
I began this task by running my normal, daily 10 kilometer route and finishing at a nearby high school track with 1 mile barefoot. The track was not to rough and not as hot as the pavement was in the Phoenix, Arizona summer. The training wasn’t that hard as I managed to keep a steady pace. This training went on for about a month and I felt fairly well going into the race.
The morning of the race, I hurried to the location and quickly realized that not only was the ground to be run not pavement, but it was concrete. I am not sure if many of you know the difference, but concrete is much rougher, coarse, and, for some odd reason, keeps more gravel and dirt. One young lady at the start asked me where my shoes were and I acted like I was some professional barefoot runner in response. I quickly bit my tongue after the horn sounded. I ended up crossing the finish line in just over 23 minutes. I also crossed the finish line with bloody and blistered feet.
I demolished my feet that race. However, I did learn a lot. I learned that pain can’t stop me, that my stupidity level reached a new high, and that without taking on new challenges in life, I will never know my capabilities. That is why I would like you to entertain the notion of minimalist running.
I am not a minimalist runner. However, I will look to train as such here and there in the future. The health and physiological benefits are amazing. Currently, my Wave Rider’s are my baby’s. But I have Vibram Five Fingers and my next pair will definitely be used for more running. The Vibram’s are a great minimalist shoe that you can read more about in a great piece by Tim Ferriss entitled The Bare Foot Alternative.
All I ask is that you do some research and possibly give it a shot.
Here is some further minimalist running information:
Minimalist Runner Google Group
David Damron
The Minimalist Path
Click here to get a copy of PROJECT M-31: Simply Your Life in 31 Days
