This week, for the first time, I ran 2 miles consecutively, on asphalt, including several hills, while barefoot. I even cut 1 minute’s time off of the first mile and 30 seconds off of the second mile compared to my best previous barefoot-on-hills times. This in spite of the time it took my canine companion to make it past the four scary pack llamas being led down the other side of the street. The worst part of the run is the scant 1/8 mile down my street due to it having been recently chip-sealed, but even there I was a bit faster. I might have to go try the gravel roads in the Owhyees again for the sake of pure research.
I had previously been doing most of my running on the level ground of area greenbelts, but after a trial run on the course for the Lake Cascade Triathlon I knew I needed more training time on hills. Fortunately, I have just the right kind on a 2 mile section right out of my front door and down the street. I am definitely learning to float down the hills and ease up them. Now that I know which dogs are going to rush me and which ones are going to be shocked by an invisible fence, I can concentrate more on my running form and less on self-preservation.
Right after the 2 barefoot miles, I was pleased to find I could run another 2 miles in Vibrams. This I did as fast as I could on asphalt (always slower than the wood track at the gym) for the first time since before my right popliteal injury in January of this year. Those 2 miles were 9:10 and 9:20, not smoking fast, but they give me hope. It seems the patient transition and training are paying off. I know I won’t always make such leaps of progress, but I will be happy with what I’ve done for now.
My feet are not shredded in the slightest. In fact, they are getting more leathery, but without losing my “toeprints” which you can see clearly if you enlarge the second picture. Gravel is sticking to them much less, although I do occasionally pause for a split second to brush something off. I have been walking barefoot most of the day and there is not any obvious dirt. Of course, I do wipe them well on the grass after walking in the muddy garden and chicken yard… 😉 Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll wash my feet before bed!
