Lake George!

I will be MIA for a couple of weeks, but should have some good stories for the bloggypoo when I return. We are going to be in Lake George in Upstate New York for the next little while. We are camping on an island in the middle of the lake with nothin but our boat and our gear. Ain't nothin better!! Check back soon for some more updates when we get internet access again! In the meantime, enjoy the view from my tent door that I wake up to every morning!

Reservoir Run

This morning I decided I was going to do a little cross training and go on a bike ride. I threw the bike on the bike rack and drove out to a trail I used to ride as a kid. I pulled up, lifted the bike off and started off down the trail. About 50 feet in, I was confronted with a rock wall, and a lot of fallen trees. The trail was completely over grown with forest now and probably hadn't been touched in years. I honestly couldn't even make out where the trail used to be at all. I decided to head over to Nepaug Reservoir and ride along the trail there. Upon arriving, I remembered that it is not a very long trail and I would probably go there and back in a matter of minutes. I decided to scratch the biking idea and I kicked off my shoes and started off running down the trail.

It was a cloudy but beautiful morning, the temperature was perfect and there was not a soul out on the trail with me. I ran along the reservoir reflecting on how lucky I feel to live in such a beautiful place. Besides the trail being rough and rocky (not the best combination for bare feet, but it is getting easier), it was really an awesome run. I got to the end of the trail and traced my steps back again to the car. I was disappointed it was only  about 2.5 miles, but oh well. It's pretty cool that I can be disappointed now about a short run like that, when I used to feel so accomplished and tired after having run that far. I love running now, for the first time in my life.

Nepaug Reservoir from the dam

Barefoot Running Update

So the barefoot running has been going really well. I ended up rolling my ankle (unrelated to the whole barefoot running training business) and I wasn't able to really run well for a couple weeks, but I have felt better and am getting back in to it in the last couple of weeks. Yesterday I ran 4.5 miles completely barefoot and today I ran 2.5 miles wearing my Huaraches. The furthest I have run yet so far completely barefoot is about 7.5 miles. I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment and look forward to adding on more miles in the near future.

As of right now, my wife and I are training to run the Top of Utah half marathon at the end of August. Although the training is going really well, I don't anticipate doing it completely barefoot. The first 8 miles are in the canyon on the side of the road, it is pretty rocky and sandy and I just don't think I am quite ready to do 13.1 miles completely barefoot yet, I would probably end up with some pretty raw blistered feet. With that being said, I will NOT be wearing regular running shoes, so stop your worrying. I am planning as of right now to run in my Huaraches. So far they are the closest I have been able to find to barefoot, but still offering me the protection I need on those tough surfaces. I can't wait to see how it goes!

You think I am crazy? This is why I run barefoot.

If you are on the fence about barefoot running and aren't sure why you should take the dive into the unshod world, take a look at this great article that I found this morning. It gives a lot of reasons and research that support barefoot running and why us crazies decide to kick off the shoes never to look back at the world of conventional running shoes.

http://www.barefooters.org/key-works/case_for/3.health.html

Rubber Watch Shop Coupon Code!

This week only Rubber Watch Shop is giving my readers $10 off a watch
if you insert the coupon code: gobarefoot upon checking out

I personally own two of these watches and they are awesome, they are super light weight, the faces and bands are all interchangeable so you can pick your colors to match whatever you want it to! Go buy yours today and take advantage of this amazing offer, usually $29.99 now just $19.99 for being such awesome readers!

http://www.rubberwatchshop.com/

Vibram Fivefingers Review

A while back Vibram sent me some Fivefingers to try out and review. I got a pair of the Bikilas and a pair of the Spyridon LS's. Of course, like many others, I was really excited to try them out so I put them on first thing and started wearing them around the house. It took FOREVER to get them on the first time, but they fit nice and snug once they were on (and after wearing them a couple of time, they slip on a lot easier, it is just a matter of figuring it out).

I decided to go out on a run around town to see how the Bikilas felt. Almost immediately I realized how different they are than any other shoe I have ever worn, but after about a half mile, they bottom outside edge of both feet started to hurt pretty bad. I figured it would probably go away, but it didn't, so I finished the run barefoot with the shoes in my hands. I decided to try the Spyridon LS's the next day but the same thing happened. I contacted the guy at Vibram asking his advice to see if maybe this is something that happens a lot and will go away, or what was going on. He suggested trying the next size up.

http://www.runningandrambling.com

After about 2 days the new shoes arrived in the mail and again I threw them on immediately and went out for a run. I tried out the Bikilas again first. The larger size made a world of difference. The pain in my foot was no longer there and the run went great.

If you are thinking about getting a pair, make a few laps around the store and make sure they fit right. Make sure your toes are not tight up against the front of the shoe and that your foot feels snug but not too snug in the shoes.

One thing that I really love about Fivefingers so far is the freedom that it allows your toes. While running your toes can spread out and feel the ground, whereas in a normal running shoe, you cannot do that. These shoes allow your feet to be close to the ground, as close as they can be without being barefoot, and still allow your feet to work like they should.

Honestly I usually go out running in them and have them off by about the halfway point in my run, not because I don't like them, just because I enjoy running barefoot a lot, but they really are awesome. They are especially nice when I run later in the afternoon when the asphalt is extremely hot, or when I run on a gravely road or trail.

The Spyridon LS's are incredible for hiking. The bottom of the shoe has a very sharp treads and is extremely grippy. I find that it is better than a hiking shoe (for me) because you can feel where you are stepping still and feel how good of a grip you have on whatever you are stepping on, but they are not heavy and hot like a big boot. Now obviously you won't get the protection you get from a hiking boot, but this is a great alternative. They are awesome for trail running, you won't feel unstable at all. Ever.

http://www.runningandrambling.com

The Bikilas are a really good road running shoe. They have a really smooth sole that is extremely thin allowing you to feel the road, but not really be affected by gravel, glass and other obstacles. The tops of the shoes breathe fairly well allowing your feet to cool and not get too hot. I think personally I would like something even a little thinner to try out like the SeeYas or the KSO's, but these are great road running shoes. They are incredibly comfortable and a lot of fun to run in.

I will still always prefer barefoot running to minimalist, but if I am going to run in anything, it is going to be my Huaraches or my Fivefingers. If you are looking for something more minimalist but don't quite want to go 100% barefoot yet, then I really recommend getting a pair of Vibram Fivefingers, You will love them and you will love the attention they bring you as you run.

Also, it is fun when you look down and see what you have been able to pick up on the way like this...

Let me know if you have any questions!!

Barefoot running at its finest

On Saturday, my wife and I had the rare opportunity to sleep in...oh wait...no we didn't. Our little one wanted to get up bright and early to play! After laying around for a little while we decided we had better get up and go out for a run before it got too hot. Honestly, neither of us really wanted to go, but we went anyway. Since we run at different paces, I decided to take the car down with the baby and the stroller and pick up the trail and run 3 miles and she would run from our house to the trail and meet me at our favorite quaint little breakfast place.

I started out running in my new Vibram Fivefinger Bikilas. I finally got the right size and they are now incredibly comfortable (which I didn't quite expect). But after about a mile, I was feeling very constricted, so I decided to take them off and go barefoot, I was hot, I didn't feel very good and I felt tired so I was unsure that I would even make it three today. After about two miles I was feeling incredible. It was weird how much happier and energized I felt after I took off my shoes. I don't know if it was the shoes (or lack thereof) or if I was just getting warmed up, but whatever it was made me feel amazing so I kept running, I ran past the 1.5 mile turn-around point. Then I ran past the 2 miler. Then the 3. Then I got to about 3.5 miles and my baby girl woke up from her nap, so I figured I better not be out too long or she might get hungry, also I didn't want to scare my wife with being out for too long when she was supposed to meet me back in town, so I turned around and headed back. She ended up meeting me part way up the trail when she decided I must have gone further, so we ran the last 3/4 of a mile together. 

Upon finishing the seven miles I can honestly say I have never felt so good after a run of that distance; I still felt energized, my soles felt good, I had no blisters and it was overall such a great experience. That was the first run where I truly felt like I was officially a barefoot runner, I feel like I have graduated from the training phase to just being a normal barefoot runner. I hope that you can all be inspired to start running barefoot! I promise you awesome results as long as you take things slow and focus on doing it right rather than fast. You will slow down from your normal pace at first and it won't seem completely natural in the beginning, but it will come quickly and before you know it you will be tossing those old running shoes out the window! I can't see myself running in conventional running shoes ever again! Good luck and please let me know how your journey is going!

6mm Contact vs. 4mm Connect - Invisible Shoes

A little while back, Steven Sashen from invisible shoes sent me a pair of huaraches to try out for him. I already had a pair of the 6mm Contacts so he sent me some 4mm Connects to compare the two of them.

Just to put the thicknesses into a more american-friendly form for those of us that are not very good at trying to envision anything in the metric system 4mm = ~ 1/6 inch and 6mm = ~ 1/4 inch (a little less).

When you order your sandals from invisible shoe, they come in a kit, so you have to decide where you want to put the hole between your toes which allows you to make it custom to your feet. You may need to trim some of the rubber from the sides if you have more narrow feet, I didn't, because my feet are boats. Next, follow the instructions found on the site to tie them up to your feet, or you can just make up your own ways to tie them, it really doesn't matter as long as they are comfortable. Take your time to make sure that they fit the way you want them to and are comfortable, it is worth it when you are out on the trail.

Anyway, after taking some time to try out the 4mm Connects, I have a few things to say. Since the sole is significantly thinner than the 6mm huaraches, it is more floppy. I find that it slaps around on the ground a lot more as I am running, this may be due to it being a little too loose on my foot which I am going to try and change this week and give you guys an update. It is harder to keep it from folding under and staying close to your foot. I really love the 6mm Contacts because of the way that they form to your foot and stay there. When running in them, I almost feel like I am running completely barefoot because they stay put so well on my feet that I hardly notice them, where the 4mm's were more floppy and harder to manage. As far as the 6mm being more "padded" or offering more protection against the ground than the 4mm's, I really didn't notice a difference. I think that both are thin enough that they truly don't offer any cushion (which is good), and are very comparable in the amount of protection that they offer. I HIGHLY recommend the 6mm Contacts for any barefoot runner looking for a little protection on those gravely, glassy or hot roads. I really love mine and wear them often. As I have said before, I love to take them on a barefoot run with me in my hands and when I encounter areas that are tough on the feet, I throw them on so I don't tear my feet up. I mostly do this because of a couple bad experiences with glass/slivers/tiny sharp objects while running on the side of a busy road or an old wooden bridge.

Now it's time to go order some of your own! You won't regret it!

Don't give up!

I have talked to a lot of new people about barefoot/minimalist running lately. One of the first things that a lot of these people will tell me is,

"Yeah, I tried barefoot running once, it hurt so much I decided it wasn't for me" 

or 

"Yeah, I got some minimalist shoes, but they really just made my knees and shins hurt more so I went back to my regular supported running shoes."

Now,what I probably hear most of all is, "I have no pain while running, so I have no desire at all to change things up."

 Now, my next favorite part of the conversation with those that say the last one that I shared here is,

"Yeah I really recommend this one doctor, he had my knee up and going in no-time, I was only out for a month when I got hurt"

I understand that running barefoot isn't for everyone. It is something that requires a lot of dedication. Your feet are inevitably going to be raw and hurt, it's all part of the game. Your calves are going to be sore in the beginning. You are going to have a hard time trying to increase your cadence and keeping your feet under your body. You will probably struggle with blisters on your toes, slivers, maybe even a piece of glass in your foot, but don't give up.

If you are looking to start, take it slow. If you think you might want to get a minimalist shoe to run in, learn how to run barefoot first. Like I said before, some people think it is the minimalist shoe that is causing them more pain. Remember, it's not the shoe, it's you. Learn how to run correctly first and you will no longer have pain, I promise.

I run in both minimalist shoes and barefoot. I personally prefer barefoot to minimalist because I feel that it is easier to keep good form and run lighter on my feet. With that being said, there are times when it is wet out, and everything it sticking to my feet, and there is gravel everywhere, that it is really nice to throw on my Huaraches and plow right through. But like I have said before, do what is best for you and don't give up!

Sunset picture I took a little while ago

Austin's Blog

Hey, take a minute and check out my little brothers blog! He is starting his freshman year of high school this fall and decided he wanted to start a photography blog (inspired by all the many other blogs in the family). He is just starting out doing some photography, and takes many of the pictures just on his iPhone, but he has an awesome artistic eye, he's definitely got some potential! So check it out! Capturing Life

Wet feet and involuntary screams

This morning I went out for a nice little jog through the neighborhood. I left at about 6 o'clock and it was sunny, the birds were chirping and it really looked like it was going to be a nice day. After a couple miles, the clouds took over the sky and it started to get dark. Then it started to rain. Then it started to pour. Then it started to thunder a little bit in the distance. Then the lightning started striking closer and the thunder got louder. Then BOOM!!! The thunder struck super close to where I was. I jumped, covered my ears and screamed involuntarily. I honestly would have loved to be one of the people inside their house, eating their breakfast, watching the storm out the window and laughing my head off at the idiot who about pooped his pants from the lightning. I got home and was completely drenched, I guess there's nothing better than running barefoot in a thunderstorm...........

http://www.photographyblogger.net/lightning/

I like the way they think...

Yesterday I got some samples from Vibram fivefingers that they sent me to demo for them. I tried the Bikila's this morning on my run, check back in a couple weeks or so after I get a feel for them to see my review. In the meantime, I really like this ad I saw that Vibram fivefingers tweeted today...

Chia Seeds Review

It has been a few weeks now since I purchased some Chia Seeds. I wanted to give myself some time to test them out and see their effect on me before I gave my review.

I think that right from the very beginning, it was very obvious that they helped curb my hunger. Normally while I sit in my cubicle at work, I feel the constant need for nourishment. Luckily my dad works close-by and has an office full of snacks where I can go and eat to my hearts content, but this comes at a price, an ever-increasing weight. So I try and try to avoid that at all costs, but since I have started incorporating chia seeds in to my diet, there has been a noticeable change in my hunger levels. They have helped me to feel fuller longer, which in return has helped me to actually lose weight because I end up snacking less and chia seeds are packed with important nutrients and vitamins that aid in weight loss and a healthy balanced diet. 

Now, honestly I can't tell if it is just the placebo effect, or if it is real, but I have definitely felt more energized since I started eating them. I feel like I am more awake throughout the day and I am able to run further without fatigue. I really do agree that they help you stay hydrated and give you the fuel you need to keep going. 

One thing that I didn't anticipate, but is an interesting and fun "feature" of chia seeds, is how small they are, how easily they get stuck in your teeth and how they absorb so much liquid and turn in to a gel-like seed that make it even harder to get out of your teeth. Just expect to be picking seeds out of your teeth for a few minutes or so after you first eat them. 

One of my favorite things to do with them is put a tablespoon of seeds in my fruit smoothie in the morning or after a run, this way, you almost don't even notice that they are there. I tried the gel-drink that everyone talks about and thought it was disgusting. Trying to suck down a cup full of gel-like seeds is pretty revolting in my opinion. I have also made these awesome chia seed granola bars. Click the link to find the recipe, they were delicious. I did almonds instead of the nuts they said and I used craisins instead of raisins (that is just what I had at my house).

Amazon probably has the  best prices for Chia Seeds. Go buy some and try them out for yourself!