There is nothing better than knowing you’re becoming a better runner. Activities become easier, running farther becomes the norm and running fast finally becomes possible. Although I wouldn’t exactly call myself fast, tonight I ran just as fast over seven miles (63 minutes) in Vibram Bikilas than I ever did in regular shoes. And even better feeling is that I’m 30 lbs heavier now than when I trained in Asics, meaning the skinny me is going to be FAST. Damn, I need to get there.
I’ve been a full-time Vibram runner for 11 months now. Here’s how I went from being a shod runner with not-so-great times to running pretty much injury free and LOVING it.
1. Run often, but don’t run far.
When I first bought my Vibram Sprints in September 2009, I immediately wanted to start running the 2-5 mile runs I currently could in shoes. I thankfully did not, as the adjustment period would have killed me. Your feet take time to completely change your running style, so allow them such. I ran 1-2 miles, 4-5 times a week, usually that last mile or so barefoot. I got plenty of blisters and the tops of my feet hurt, but everything healed by the next day.
2. Drink more water than you’re currently drinking now.
Drinking water is the best thing you can do to prepare your body for long runs. Whether you live in the desert like I do or the humid Pacific Northwest like where I grew up, your body needs water when you’re making it work for so long. Food won’t help as much as water will in the hours leading up to the race, so have an extra glass or six while you’re working that day. Then have another one. Paul Martinez taught me this and it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever learned about distance running.
3. Speed doesn’t kill, but it’s pointless.
Both barefoot and minimalist running rely heavily on proper form. The adage of easy, light and then fast didn’t make sense to me at first, as I planned on running fast all the time. Your feet and your body aren’t ready for that kind of workout, no matter how good of shape you think you’re in. Focus on form first, then being light. One day you’ll wake up and be fast.
4. Go barefoot often.
Not everyone has the luxury of wearing Vibrams full time like I do, so when you’re not in work boots or dress shoes, go shoeless. Don’t put on your shoes to get the mail or walk the dog. Walk around the house barefoot. You’ll find that you really don’t need shoes as much as you think you do and every time you’re walking around barefoot, you’re working on your form.
5. Lift weights, do crossfit or something other kind of strength-building exercise
While my legs are pretty strong now, I have no illusions that they are strong enough. While running is certainly the best way to get better at running, don’t focus just on that while excluding all else. The stronger my core is, the better runner I become. The stronger my upper body is, the prouder runner I become. The stronger my legs are, the quicker I recover. It all works together.
There’s plenty more, but we’ll save those for a later date. Time for me to figure out how to lose that 30 lbs.
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