It was a long journey to get there, but in the end was a great success. I first wrote about my barefoot quest a couple years ago after reading the book Born to Run, and posted a few updates along the way.

The first 6 months or so of minimalist running showed significant progress, at which point I sort of tapered off. When I started pushing myself, I think I went too hard and injured my calf, which kept my distance low for a while. After over a year of just sticking to low miles, I decided that if I really wanted to up my distance I needed a goal, so I signed up for the Carlsbad Half Marathon.

For the 3 or 4 months leading up to the race, I actually only ran 2-3 days per week. During the week I did one or two 3-5 mile runs, and each Sunday I did my long run, with 11 miles being the most miles I actually ran prior to the race. (4 weeks prior, for the remainder of the time I was out of the country and only ran once, but that’s another story!)

On race day I went slow and steady the entire time, and finished with a time of 2:03 which was better than the time of my only other race 5 years prior. The amazing thing is I ran the 2nd half of the race 10 minutes faster than the 1st half, which means I had too much reserve at the end and probably didn’t push enough the entire time. During the final few miles the bottoms of my feet were quite sore after all the pounding on the pavement, but in the end all was well. No blisters, no pain, just some good old fashioned tiredness.

People are always curious about running in Vibram Five Fingers, and I won’t say it’s been life changing for me, but it’s definitely improved my running. Running is more fun now, I have less pain and soreness, better recovery, better form, more awareness and connection to the ground and the surface I run on, and of course it’s been a fun challenge! My advice is that if you already run fine, don’t change anything, but if you need a change, give Vibrams or barefooting a shot. Just start out slow and easy, and of course have fun!

Related posts:

1. This weeks barefoot running update
2. NPR Segment – Humans Were Born To Run Barefoot
3. Barefoot running progress report

Last time I posted about it, I was just switching to my Vibram Five Finger shoes. The transition set me back, and for a while I was continuing to nurse a strained calf. But now I am happy to report that I have gotten over the first major hurdle. My calf injury is long gone, and for the first time in my life my runs actually feel like runs, and I feel like I am actually getting a workout as opposed to a beating.

The transition to the Vibrams definitely took some time due the changes in the muscles I was using. Initially it was my feet and arches, but those seemed to strengthen up quickly. Then it was my calves that were holding me back. Not hurting me, but starting to tighten after about 3 miles or so. So for about a month I leveled off there, doing about 3 miles 4 days a week. And finally one day it just clicked, I came home and instead of having sore feet or sore calves, I just felt great!

And now I’ve bumped my distance up to about 5 miles at a time. I know it’s still not great, but considering when I started I couldn’t even make it 1/2 a mile in my Vibrams without aching, I feel like it’s been great. And now that all my muscles are in sync I have actually increased my speed too, finally getting to a point where I get a great cardio workout as well, and don’t collapse when I get home.

It feels great to go out for a 45 minute run, put 5 miles in, and actually feel great when I get home. Not to mention I’m experiencing no soreness, having no knee problems, and no shin splints or anything like that either. The only thing I noticed after my last run was that the bottoms of my feet felt worn out. But I would expect this, since it’s certainly still new for them to be so unprotected from the concrete. I would imagine that if I could find a nice dirt trail I could probably increase my distance by 25 to 50%.

(As a side note, I just noticed this morning that I actually have arches now! My entire life I have been close to completely flat footed, but now I have a visible arch. Amazing!)

From here on out it seems that I’ll just keep bumping up the distance and the time as my body sees fit. It’s just going to be a constant challenge, and I’ll just listen to my feet.

Related posts:

1. This weeks barefoot running update
2. Barefoot running update plus Vibram Five Fingers
3. Barefoot running update

Because I’m still fairly new to “barefooting”, I haven’t been going more than 3 miles at a time, but the runs are feeling good, and for the first time in basically my whole life, I am able to enjoy running and am also able to do it pain free. I used to have all sorts of issues, tight calves, shin splints, muscle cramps, and the only way I was able to put any miles on was by stetching like crazy and slowly working at it.

So now come the Vibram Five Fingers. Initially I wasn’t going to buy them because I just didn’t want to spend the money, and figured the water socks were a good cheap alternative. But now after finally breaking down and buying the Vibram KSOs, I know this is not really the case. Let me tell you, the difference between Five Fingers and water socks is definitely noticeable, as was the difference between running shoes and the water socks.

The reason that I finally caved and bought them is because of my upcoming trip to Thailand. I really only want to bring one pair of shoes, and had read the the Five Fingers make great travelling shoes because they are so minimal. Addionally they are easy to pack and can withstand city walking, light trekking, beaches, and water. So rather than buy shoes for travel, I opted for the Vibrams and now can use them for running too. It took me a while to make my decision, but I finally decided on the KSOs (Keep Stuff Out) in the grey color.

Before purchasing, I dutifully followed the sizing directions on the Vibram site, which tell you to measure your foot, and go by that rather than a standard shoe size. After finding my size, I saw that Vibram was out of the grey color I wanted, but I was able to find them at Summit Hut. The price was perfect, and even free shipping!

So here is my review thus far:

First of all, don’t assume your size. As noted, use their chart. My feet measured at just over 11″, so I bought the size 44 which are for foot size 11 1/4″. I first put them on and thought “Oh no”, they seemed way too snug, and I was tempted to send them back for a bigger size. But I did some googling and found that a snug fit is standard, and actually what you want. Several people noted that the ones that felt too snug at first soon adapted and perfectly. So far I am finding the same. So rule #1 is follow the chart and wear them around the house for a few days before you give up and return them for a different size. Barring any strange circumstances, their chart will likely be more accurate than your judgement.

Having first worn them around the house a few times to get used to them, I’ve now also worn them out for one long walk with the dogs and two runs. They held up great and the snug feeling has gone away and I forget I have them on. My only problem so far (besides foot fatigue) is that I have a big dog that likes to be so close to my side that she steps on my feet, and obviously, the Vibrams provide no protection against that. I can’t fault the Vibrams for this issue though, because their goal is to be minimal. But this does lead to some concern about the durability of the tops of the KSOs. Will roughness and scratching from the top cause the material to rip or tear? Also, I have already stubbed my toes twice, once when my dog got too close, and once on something random. I guess you take for granted how much shoes (or water socks for that matter) actually protect your feet. But with these two exceptions, I am overwhelmingly impressed with these Five Finger shoes so far.

After two runs in them, I have to say, “Wow!” I thought the water socks were minimal and let me “feel” the ground, but these Vibrams simulate barefoot so much better. (In fairness, water/aqua socks are cheap and closer to barefoot than sneakers, but it does not simulate barefoot like the Vibrams). The trail has never felt so rocky, and I had to be careful not to step on big stones since it actually was hurting the bottoms of me feet, something that I only rarely experienced with the water socks. But in time I think this will be fine as my feet toughen up. And as others have noted, it is certainly amazing that I was able to feet sand and grass between my “toes”, and even the mud squish under my feet!

All in all, my “barefooting” is going well, but after my conversion from the water socks to the Vibrams, I realized that I still have a ways to go to stengthen my feet. My leg muscles feel fine, but I am noticing significant fatigue in my feet and arches, something I briefly noticed when I switched from sneakers to the water socks as well. I guess this is phase 2, one step closer to real barefooting!

Related posts:

1. Barefoot running update
2. This weeks barefoot running update
3. Barefoot running progress report

Two weeks ago I finally made it to Sports Authority to buy a pair of aqua socks. I know, not the most stylish footwear, but they do seem to work as far protecting my feet while still allowing barefoot style running. Right around the time I first tried going barefoot, I was having recurring calf pain while running in my sneakers, but since I’ve gotten the aqua socks, things are feeling better. I’m not even up to three miles yet, but considering that after my first attempt I made it probably barely a mile barefoot (after 1.5 miles with sneakers) and was unable to run for 5 days due to soreness, I’d say I’m doing pretty well. Earlier in the week I ran 1.5 miles in the aqua socks, then another mile barefoot, and then yesterday I did 2.5 totally barefoot, in the grass though, not pavement.

Regardless, I’m happy to report that my feet are feeling great, the soreness is pretty much non-existent, and I’m making good progress. I do have a bit of achiness in my feet and achilles, but again, a good ache, not pain.

Here’s to hoping for three barefoot miles tomorrow!

Related posts:

1. Barefoot running update plus Vibram Five Fingers
2. Barefoot running update
3. Barefoot running progress report

Entrance to mud cave in the desert

With desert season coming here in San Diego, I figure it’s a good time to share some information about the mud caves out in the Anza Borrego desert. They are great to explore, all you need is a headlamp or flashlight, and a sense of exploration! Bring some water, make sure there’s no rain in the forecast, and don’t get lost!

Here is an excerpt of my previous write up about the mud caves:

I had always heard of the mud caves out in the Anza Borrego desert, and the fact that they are supposed to be some of the best in the world was enough to finally get me out there. I used the “Afoot & Afield San Diego County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide” book as my rough guide for getting there and keeping my bearings. It turns out that I just used it as sort of a general guide, and then once there explored on my own. This isn’t so much of a hiking trip as it is an exploring trip, but depending on the condition of the “roads” and the type of vehicle you have, there can definitely be a fair amount of walking. As a worst case scenario, if you have a sedan or low style car, and want to get a good taste of at least a few caves, be prepared for 2-4 miles of walking. With a car and decent road conditions, you can safely and easily drive to pretty close to the first of the caves.

Ocotillo plant in the desert, there is life!

To get there, take 8 East from San Diego to Imperial County, then get off and go north on S2, which is also called Imperial Highway. (You can also come from the north through the mountains and desert if you wish.) When you get to mile marker 43 on S2, turn off to the east where it says Palm Springs or Vallecito Wash. Follow that about 4.5 miles and you will see a sign that says Arroyo Tapiado. Turn left there (or north-ish), and …

Read the rest and see more photos here

Also, if you’re in San Diego, check out my hiking page where I’ve reviewed some local San Diego hikes.

Related posts:

1. Bicycle trip from San Diego to Phoenix
2. Day Hike of Mt Whitney – Highest Mountain in United States
3. Bicycle trip from San Diego to Phoenix (NEW)

Footprints in the sand – Photo credit Apidya

The running, and more specifically the barefoot running, hasn’t been going as quickly as I would like. I am still nursing a sore calf, so any progress is limited as I can only comfortably run 2-3 days per week, and only for 20-30 minutes at a time.

Also, I have been lagging in getting to the store to get a pair of water socks to start running in. I read water socks are actually great minimalist running shoes, which around here I really need since barefoot is hardly an option, unless I make it down to the beach. (There isn’t a whole lot of soft grass in San Diego.) The theory behind the water socks is that they provide a fair amount of protection against objects on the ground, but don’t provide any real support and don’t encourage heel striking, which is what would be avoided going barefoot.

Yesterday morning though, I got in a nice 5-10 minute barefoot run and it felt great! After my 20 minute run which was split between concrete sidewalks and a short canyon trail near my house, I went down to the ball field at the Rec Center, and did a few laps around the field. The best part was that I did a couple sprints, and I have never felt better or lighter sprinting! (Though my conditioning leaves a little to be desired)

Near the end of the barefoot session, I did notice the pads of my feet were beginning to get sore, which is good I suppose. This means I am on my way to toughening them up. And now, about 36 hours later, I do have some soreness in my arches and calves, but have come to understand this is a normal symptom when you first go out without the support of shoes. Hopefully I can continue this training, get my feet to strenghten up, and maybe by the time they are ready to go 20-30 minutes I will have a pair of water socks that I can use.

Related posts:

1. Barefoot running update plus Vibram Five Fingers
2. This weeks barefoot running update
3. Barefoot running progress report

And so far, I’m happy to report that it seems to be working. My issue is still with my conditioning, but my runs — short though they may be — have been more enjoyable and with no apparent issues. One of the biggest things I have learned is about how our feet are intended to function, and how wearing high performance running shoes changes that. According to many sources, running shoes generally hurt running performance rather than help. This is for several reasons. Apparently while wearing shoes, the ability for the foot to feel the ground and thus ensure that we are running with proper form is hampered, in turn causing bad form that can lead to potential injuries that would be prevented if running barefoot or with very flat or thin soled shoes. Heel striking is a common injury that wouldn’t occur without these “performance” shoes. Also, with feet kept continually in shoes and supported, many of the muscles of the foot are allowed to weaken, which further increases the chance of injury. I have read of people whose running injuries have totally disappeard within months of starting to run barefoot! Additionally, I have heard accounts of people with so called flat feet (like me) who adopted barefoot running and subsequently lost the flatness and developed an arch.

It’s just amazing what our body can do.

The biggest thing that I repeat in my head now as I run comes from Caballo Blanco, who was introduced to me in the book Born To Run: Run easy, light, and smooth. Amazing how much that works.

Also what I am focusing on:

• Keeping my knees bent to help absorb the shock of landing, rather than letting the shoe do it
• Avoiding heel striking by being lighter on my feet and taking shorter strides
• Trying to lift up my feet from the ground as opposed pushing down to propel, to make the movement easier, as taught by Danny Dreyer of Chi Running
• Posture – keeping my shoulders over hips, and my hips over feet
• And while my hips stay aligned with my feet, I picture my feet as wheels doing a smooth circular motion rather than scissoring

I am still a beginner at this, but I definitely have a new outlook on running…

Related posts:

1. NPR Segment – Humans Were Born To Run Barefoot
2. Barefoot running update
3. Barefoot running update plus Vibram Five Fingers

Interested in purchasing? Click here

The e-book describes in full detail how to successfully day hike Mt Whitney, the highest mountain in the continental United States. I have attempted the hike twice, and completed it once, so I know what makes the difference between a successful trip and an unsuccessful one. I also spent quite a bit of time researching for this trip, so I have wealth of knowledge to share.

Mount Whitney – The tallest mountain the the Lower 48 states, climbed in one day

For those of you who don’t know, I am just an average guy and I’m not an extreme athlete, but I learned from the first year’s mistakes and successfully trained to complete the hike the second time around.

With this guide I am not trying to make you a superstar hiker, however I will tell you in complete detail the steps I followed to make the trip a success. My goal is to supply anyone with the desire to complete this hike with all the necessary information to prepare, train, and successfully summit the mountain in 1 day.

What you can expect from this guide:

• What months to go to have the best weather and the best chance of success
• How to navigage the permit process
• Training and preparation tips
• When to begin your training
• How to know if you’re ready
• How much training is necessary
• What to expect in the days leading up to the trip
• Where to stay prior to the hike (Camping vs hotel)
• Acclimating to the elevation
• How and what to pack for the hike
• What to expect on The Big Day
• Photos of the trail and the mountain

Interested in purchasing? Click here

Related posts:

1. Day Hike of Mt Whitney – Highest Mountain in United States
2. Some accomplishments … and things still to be done
3. Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek and Tarahumara runner
Photo credit: not sure, I think here

My new interest. Well, an interest maybe, but that’s about where it ends. I do run, but typically only 3 miles at a time. Hardly even a 5K, never mind an ultra marathon. Though I do love the idea of being able to run long distance, it is just so raw and primal and is truly the way we were meant to get around. But is it really possible for anyone to run 100 miles at a time?

I’ve been reading the book Born to Run and it’s just amazing. I’d heard of Dean Karnazes and ultra marathoning in the past, but sort of just figured he was some super human guy and there were only a few crazies out there who did this sort of running. But after flying through the first half of this book in just a few days, I’m wondering if it really is true that anyone is capable of running great distances. Not only does the book thus far tell the interesting story of the Tarahumara natives of Mexico who regularly run distances of 100+ miles, but there are a few profiles of other some interesting people who actually do this sort of running regularly too.

The most I’ve ever run at a time is when I did a half marathon three years ago, and that took 3 months of training to be able to complete. And for me that was tough, as I’ve never been a runner and never found running that enjoyable. But maybe there is something to it, a technique that most people just can’t figure out. I know that since I’ve started running semi regularly, I’ve been able to adjust my technique to a point where I can do it a bit easier, though conditioning is still my issue.

Maybe I’ll try it barefoot or with sandals like the Tarahumara. I’ll get on it right after my calf heals from when I pulled it running last week…

Related posts:

1. Barefoot running update plus Vibram Five Fingers
2. Barefoot running update
3. Barefoot running progress report

Photo Credit: Sean Haffey, Union Trib

I don’t live in Ocean Beach anymore, but when I did I lived near Dog Beach and the San Diego River. Actually, many people don’t even know that there is a river in San Diego, but there is. So anyway, when I lived there, I always used to jog along the river on the bike path, (yes the linked map is the actual path of the river, only the first few miles were paved at the time I lived there) and once when I was trying to avoid getting in my car I tried to follow the path on my bike into Mission Valley to make a run to Borders to look for a guide book for my trip to Spain.

Of course during that attempted ride is when I realized that the path didn’t actually follow the river that far, or at least if it did it wasn’t obvious to me. In typical San Diego “you can only get there in a car” style, it just stopped near the freeway where the there was really nothing but a perfect place for a homeless camp. And actually, I’m pretty sure there were some camps right near by, since I’ve heard plenty of stories. None the less, I made it to Borders in once piece (though I was quite out of place in the sea of cars) and got my book, but not without having to carry my bike up a hill, across the end of a freeway ramp, and even over the dry river bed on some railroad tracks that had there been a train coming I would have been killed. Oh yea, then I had to brave an actual road, which is no minor task around here since most people who are driving are usually doing something besides driving.

So when I saw this article, I can’t tell you how excited I was to read that the bike path is being extended to actually go all the way into Mission Valley, eventually all the way to Julian. If it actually gets completed, I’ll certainly make use of part of it which could connect me to the beach without ever really having to ride on a main road. And the other more noble goal of the path is to make people realize that yes, there actually is a river there!

Related posts:

1. Bicycle trip from San Diego to Phoenix (NEW)
2. Bicycle trip from San Diego to Phoenix
3. City of San Diego tells us to conservere water, then they waste it