Thursday, December 27, 2012

Holiday Happenings and Vibrams

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful, fantastic, engaging and otherwise entertaining holiday! I for one enjoyed myself, but I have been dealing with a cold for the whole week. Sometimes colds come and go quickly, but this one I classify as a slow burner. Christmas evening was especially bad because I had used up so much energy the past few days and in the morning, so by the time family and dinner came around, I was about to pass out into my Waldorf salad. Yesterday I began to feel much better, especially once I got a salted caramel mocha I my system from Starbucks (thank you gift cards). Today is even better, and I am starting to think I will be good to go for the New Year celebrations to come.


Yesterday's caramel mocha came with a series of shopping excursions, so I think I needed it. We had decided that it was a good plan to get out in the morning before the "blizzard" hit northeast Ohio. We ended up being out in it for the vast majority of the snowfall. The storm never developed into the end-all of storms, and I wasn't shocked. We did get some good snow, but it wasn't something that was going to keep me from getting things done. I have to say, I was disappointed because I love snows, and I love storms, so I was hoping for something epic.


When we got out, part of me was expecting the sore scenario, as I dutifully recorded on Christmas Eve Eve. Instead, most people chose to remain home to wait out the storm. This left us free to get things done without throngs of desperate and sad shoppers getting in the way. I hate shopping, and I hate crowds, so I was very pleased.


While we were out, I made my way to a local running store and purchased my first pair of Vibram Fivefingers. I have been talking about this idea for a long time, and I had received some gift cards to the store. I wanted to talk about the concept to the store owner first (same guy I purchased my Brooks Purecadance from). He seemed very positive about the barefoot movement, so I was excited to try some things on. I told him I wanted to see a variety of barefoot style shoes so that I could see which felt right (this is why running stores are the best). I tried on a pair of Fivefingers first, and my initial reaction was very positive. I loved how snug they fit on my foot, and it was like my feet came alive right away. The sensation was pretty hard to explain, but I really liked it. I got on the treadmill for a bit (even with my knee), and I loved how easily my legs and feet kept in a good, natural stride.

Next I tried on a pair of New Balance Minimus shoes, and these were by far my least favorite. There was just something about the feel of them that was uncomfortable. I didn't even try them on the treadmill because I knew they wouldn't work with my feet. Then I tried some Newtons and Merrells, which were better, but I still liked the feel of the true barefoot shoe better. In the end, I chose a pair of Vibrams with a bit more protection on the feet, and a more substantial back. I felt like they would hold up a bit better overall. Plus, the owner said Fivefingers tend to hold up better than traditional running shoes because they don't have so many parts and pieces.

When I got home I decided to just wear my new shoes around the house and see how they felt. My early reaction continues to be nothing but positive. The glove-like feel of the shoes were great over time, and I love how warm they felt, despite being so light. Now, I don't think I would wear these out in the snow, but they are machine-washable, so some mud, rain or mild-moisture aren't going to hurt them. Additionally, basic cold shouldn't be a major factor in the same way compression pants keep our legs warm. I will be sure to take these for a spin once my rest/healing period is over! I think I will wait for dry weather at least, at least to start out with. Expect a while series of reviews as I journey down the barefoot movement's road. I am excited to see how they hold up, how my form improves, and if I will be able to run a marathon in them.


Beyond my new shoes, I also received this beauty of a gift. I have wanted a Camelbak ever since I started doing long runs because I hated carrying a water bottle, and the idea of a belt sounded uncomfortable. After trying it on, and realizing how much cargo space I would have, I am already sold. Not only can I have easily accessible water, but I can carry my keys, cell phone, a credit card, gels/gu/food and an extra bottle or two of Gatorade. Once again, this will be something I report back on in the future, but I am very happy so far.

I rounded out my running Christmas with some compression sleeves for my calves, and I still need to get some toe socks. I am also looking to get some new running gloves and a running hat from Target. My collection of gear is finally getting to the point where I have everything I need. I still need to invest in a Garmin of some sort, but that may have to wait a little while. I also need to seriously start saving for a bike. I am just excited to come off my injury strong and hit the ground running.

How was your holiday?

Did you get any gear that you are very excited about?

Did you go out and do any hectic shopping?

Did you experience any of nature's wrath?



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

12 comments:

  1. I have that same camelbak different color. Love it for Mountain biking! I've used similar for long runs, it is great to have a pack. Excited to see what you think about the Vibrams! We sell them in my store, but mostly to crossfitters. Good luck!

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    1. The guy showed me a few barefoot style shoes for cross, but he said he sells the kind I have to distance runners. I will be sure to report back once I get back on the roads. I have been wearing them around, and I just love how they feel.

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  2. Oo very interesting! Great review so far, and it's sounding very positive. You've honestly really got me curious about trying on a pair to check out how they feel!

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    1. Give it a shot! The owner said he even recommends them to newbies because they help with form so much. I figure it is worth a shot, and I like being in on the relative ground floor of something. It is going to be an exciting experience!

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  3. I am not sure about the barefoot running movement. I gotta have support for my feet! Good luck with the vibrams!
    That camelback looks bigger than I am! lol

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    1. The camelbak is in fact the "bigger than Missy" version.

      For a long time I would have agreed with you about cushioning until I thought about how little time modem running shoes have been around. We survived a long time without shock absorbing and orthotics... I figure that it is worth a shot to go in the opposite direction, especially after messing up my knee.

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  4. Cool! I'm really interested in trying out the Vibrams however I've never seen them in Canada yet. However, I didn't really search. Hopefully, they'll come in stock in the Running Room soon ^^

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    1. Come on Canada, get with the program! Yeah, a lot of stores are shooting themselves in the proverbial foot by neglecting or shunning the barefoot movement. I read an article about that exact issue, and it amazes me that some would overlook it. I mean, on some levels I get it, the whole barefoot concept seems crazy, and the toe shoes look insane. Regardless, I gotta give nature a shot here.

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  5. hope u're feeling better and that u were able to stomach some shopping excursions!! hehe :). that snow looks super pretty..buuuut, i'm thankful i can just admire from afar. ;)

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    1. It is much easier to stomach shopping when a running store is on the agenda!

      I am feeling much better, and I thank you for your concern! I am eying a full return to running after another week away. I think I will just stick to weights when I return home. Loved your recent post btw.

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  6. Awesome new gear! I have always thought vibrams and all the minimalist running stuff looked kind of crazy so I look forward to hearing what you think after you use them! I used to see people running barefoot on paved trails when I lived in Eugene. Now that is crazy!

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  7. Not sure I will ever go full on barefoot, but I also didn't think I would ever be part of the barefoot movement to begin with... I do like having a little protection from twigs and pebbles.

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