Friday, March 4, 2011

I'm back, baby!

Let me start this post by saying that I probably didn't make it clear in my last post that I am not a shoe wearer hater. Or even a shoe hater. In fact, I love shoes. And if shoes are working for you, I think that's great. We're all just trying to be healthy and do what we love. I'm just sharing what has worked for me. Reference this post to get my real feelings on how runner's should behave towards one another.


Now... I didn't realize how badly I was feeling with that head cold of mine until Monday when it was almost gone. Monday's run was euphoric because I felt so good. It could have been that I waited until the afternoon when the sun was out and I was able to do 2.5 miles of it barefoot. (I got to go on that smooth asphalt west of town! And I had no blisters or hot spots. I probably could have gone longer.) It could have been because my daughter ran a mile of it with me or that I tacked a killer hill for 3 repeats. Or it could have been everything combined. But I was able to really push it clear until the end when I looked at the time and found it was almost time for me to drive a dance carpool. I was surprised to find out that I had gone 9.5 miles and didn't even realize it.

Wednesday's run was similar except for one small issue. After my scary trail run incident, I got the o.k. to get some real Vibrams with some traction. I've been running in my gorilla feet that are kind of a knock off brand called Gist. I've liked them a lot but when I tried on some real Vibrams last month, there was a noticeable difference in the quality and feel. I've wanted some ever since. So with the hubby's o.k. to purchase more shoes in my quest to run barefoot (ha! ha!) I got a pair of Bilkilas. I am right in between the sizes and ended up getting the larger because I felt like the smaller ones wouldn't work well in the heat or longer distances because my feet tend to swell. My toes were right at the end and they felt very snug. So I figured larger would be better. However, after about 3 miles I could feel some rubbing going on. I adjusted the straps to looser then tighter but it just kept getting worse. I ended up just taking them off and going barefoot as long as possible. It was wet and not very warm so it wasn't as pleasant of an experience. I only lasted 1.5 miles. And my feet felt more raw than Monday's 2.5 miles. I attribute it to the wet streets. It was a toss up as to which was going to hurt more. I put them back on and headed home doing another 9.5 miles. I don't know what to do with them. I obviously have to wait until these blisters heal before I can try it again. I don't know if I had them too loose so they rubbed or if they are just too tight overall. I don't even know if the store will take them back. I'm not to thrilled about that. Everything else was great though. No top of the foot pain or any pain other than those darn blisters! Urrgggggg.


Thursday I got to run on the mountain for a little bit. It was a rainy morning that was beautiful. I really need to get on that mountain right behind my house more often. It's not really beautiful, unless you think sagebrush is beautiful but the hills are a killer.


It's been in the 40's almost all week so my run for today is planned for outside as well. The kid's have the day off from school so I can go whenever. Really, I'm so excited for spring and summer!

14 comments:

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

I cringed a little at your blisters!!! yikes!

You take the best pictures Jen--I get such a great feel for where you are running!

katie thompson said...

i would love to try running in vibrams or anything like them. probably after the marathon i will try it out.
your blisters look so sore, that part of your foot is so sensitive.
i cant wait for it to be warm outside!! utah is so gloomy right now, it needs to just stay warm and sunny.

Emz said...

freaking amazing.

And woman you are beautiful. seriously -- you won't see me posting any photos post run.

Loved this: ..."9.5 miles and didn't even realize it."
awesome.

Jamie said...

Hang on to your Vibrams a little longer. Your feet will get used to them, but trying to run 9 miles in any shoes for the first time will give you blisters because of the seams in different places etc...
I have noticed though, that I get worse blisters in my Vibrams when I run on the treadmill because of the pushing (the gym will kick me out if I go barefoot. Boo!). Of course, barefoot is always best. I would also stay away from the wet ground so you don't get dishpan feet.

Any races you are planning on running soon?

Stefanie D. said...

Ouch! That looks a little painful! Hope it gets better quick!

Unknown said...

ouch.. feel the pain! Last marathon I ran i picked up a couple of blisters. Man it hurt like CRAZY; couldn't walk properly for a day or so after the m-a-thon. . M

Audrey said...

It's not quite warm enough for me to try my Vibrams yet (-5 this morning) but hopefully I'll get to soon - I just hope I don't incounter blisters like yours, that's NO fun. Try covering them with a little piece KT tape next time you go out - it works wonders

Mel said...

You looked so happy on your run the other day... I loved seeing you out and I could see the difference in your form. Keep up the good work!

Julia said...

glad you are feeling better!! good job on the hills this week...hope your blisters heal quickly :)

ash & diz said...

yikes, those blisters look painful! I really hope it starts getting warmer. I'm starting to get burnt out on the treadmill! Glad you had a great run outside (minus the blisters, of course!).

The Hungry Runner Girl said...

GORGEOUS SCENERY!!! I love the picture of you too:) SO PRETTY!! Your poor blisters:( I am so excited for SPRING too....it will be here before you know it. Remember how I get to see you on SATURDAY!!!

Sam W. said...

ouchy blisters!! i find my little socks really help with the vibrams (more gear to collect - $$$!). i hope you figure out a solution!

Amanda@runninghood said...

So pretty. Where in Utah do you live? This looks like a good place to run and be alone with your thoughts! I love those kinds of runs when you run 9 miles and don't even feel like it! Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. I'm so glad you enjoyed my post and thanks for prego compliment! so nice. :)

bella said...

i have a pair of vibrams and i get blisters in the exact same spot.... try putting an arch pad on your foot. also wearing the injini toe socks makes a huge difference as well.