Journey of 1,000 Barefoot Miles - Week Ending May 22, 2011

A Iron Red River Runs Through It
(Iron enriched waterways are a common sight in the White Shell)

Well, here we are one of the most important times of the year, May Long Weekend, also known as Victoria Long Weekend. This is for most Canadians the first opportunity of the year to go out camping, get the cabins functional for the summer, start the process of becoming ‘One With Nature’ once again. This also the first opportunity for a lot of the above noted outdoors type people to drink a lot of beer around a campfire or overlooking a lake and just have a good time. A celebration of the summer to come and the memories that will be associated with it and escaping and wanting to forget the winter that was. Oh yeah, I guess it also recognizing a Queen Victoria or something like that.

Anyway I digress, this was a week of great weather, lots of sun and decent temperatures hovering around 25 degrees. The humidity has not risen to summer levels as of yet, so all in all this was perfect running weather. I have been missing my daily lunch runs at work, and this week was to be no different, I like this time, because it allows me to let the stress of my job just slip away, and puts me into a relaxed and calm state (sort of like a natural Valium of sorts).

So here we go, the week that was:

Monday May 16, 2011
Barefoot: 3.75 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 3.75 miles

This was the weekly WH3 run from Fast’s house in St. James. This is always an adventure, because the route is always one of a couple different ways, with some unexpected twists and turns. Your running along down a familiar route, then the trail veers off, mostly with little markings so it always takes us a little bit to get back on trail or find the beer stop, etc. Fast also always likes to throw a couple of song stops in and a lot of calisthenics (it’s always interesting doing jumping jacks or pushups on Portage Avenue, lots of weird looks). All in all, it is always good fun, and typically done at a quick pace.

As always we cap off the night with some good silly fun back at the house, and of course a beer or two and some chips. Fast also broke out the bbq for some hotdogs , must teach him about condiments though, Dijon mustard and bbq sauce are not standard hotdog toppings.

Thursday May 19, 2011
Barefoot: 6.02 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 6.02 miles

This was my Thursday night easy/tempo run with City Park Runners, I enjoy this one for not only the run but also for the conversation that happens along the way. The route this week was over to the park, west towards the Moray bridge, south and then east along Roblin, through the forest to Grant, etc. My running partners and I kept a steady pace until the end when I ramped it up to get the tempo portion of the run in.

The funniest moment of the run was when we were running towards Grant down the asphalt path, we passed a big group of runners from the Running Room. From what my running partners said, all their heads were on a swivel stick, as they all turned and looked at my bare feet as I ran by with silly expressions on their faces and a few ‘Oh my God’, etc. This still amazes me, this really is not that new, people have been running this way for thousands of years, it’s not like I was running over glass or something (oops I have done that too).

Friday May 20, 2011
Barefoot: 10.45 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 10.45 miles

Woohoo, start of the long weekend and start of Friday afternoon’s off at work for the summer. Sometimes it pays to work in this industry, and this is one of the benefits. I hope to do a weekly run home on Friday’s, although I know this will not happen but I will definitely try to make this happen. I am not a big fan of starting a long run at noon, usually the hottest part of the day, but I am considering it another challenge, along my progression to my Ultra Marathon goals.

Anyway, On On, and here we go, left the office out in Transcona and headed down Dugald and up and over the overpass to Lagimodiere Blvd. The overpass was really rocky (needs a good sweep), and I did a lot of deking and dodging, probably looked like I was playing Hop Scotch while I was running up the sidewalk. I was trying something new today as well, carrying a small pack with my clothes and some other small stuff in it, definitely not the weight that Nicole typically lugs around, but baby steps, starting with baby steps. I definitely got some looks as I crossed Lagimodiere and headed up Dugald to Dawson, this is mainly used as a route for trucks and heavy equipment, as there are numerous construction companies, etc located along this path. Sidewalk sucks along Dugald, all broken up, etc, and there is no sidewalk down Dawson, so running on the road is required along side all the semi’s etc. Very technical for conditioning your feet with the stones and such.

After finishing that portion including the balance of Archibald, I turned onto Provencher and headed towards downtown. Nothing to eventful, my feet were feeling fine, pace was good, overall I was happy with the first few miles. Crossed our famous foot bridge with the million dollar toilet and cruised up to Portage and Main. It is always interesting running through here, because usually everybody is in their own little worlds and they don’t notice nothing that is going on around them or they just don’t care. Enter a barefoot runner, and holy crap, it’s like the world just stops, everybody stops what they are doing and just looks, I find it very interesting. It was a straight shot down Portage to Maryland, a quick turn and towards River Heights and Wellington Cresent.

I love running down Wellington, the traffic is lighter, and there is a great limestone path that is the perfect massage tool for the soles of my feet. Perfect for gravel road training, I have a great half marathon in July out in the foothills of Alberta, lots of technical terrain including a killer gravel road, got to be ready to fly over that. Anyway, while I was deking over the path, I looked up (I regret this every time I do it, but I still do it), and missed a good branch that conveniently stuck into my right foot. Damn it, it hurt more than stepping on a big sharp rock, note to self, stop looking up when cruising at a good pace on technical terrain it plain isn’t healthy. After digging that out, I started back up at a slightly slower pace, didn’t seem too bothered by the tree wound, yet. Made it to the park, with the thought to stop at the duck pond for a quick break before heading home. 10.45 miles completed and approximately 5 more to go. After my quick break, I headed across the bridge to Portage and Sgt. Sundae for a meet up with the wife and my youngest for an ice cream treat. A very tasty hot fudge sundae was in the forecast, and I felt I deserved it, so I did, and it was good, soooo good. Anyway long story short, my run came to an end a little short, but that was ok with me, because my foot was starting to feel the effects of the stabbing on Wellington.

Saturday May 21, 2011
Barefoot: 0.75 miles
Vibrams: 0.75 miles
Total: 1.5 miles

I know this seems a little ridiculous to log this, but this is the long and the short of it, my foot hurt, I was suppose to go out for a 40 km run with City Park Runners, but my foot just said “What are you crazy, can’t you feel the shooting pain that is going through me right now?” I started out completed 0.75 miles on my own in the park, stopped, put my Vibrams on and ran back to the car. A day of rest was in the cards for today.

Sunday May 22, 2011
Barefoot: 3.75 miles
Vibrams: 16.26 miles
Total: 20.01 miles

Aaahhh, the highlight of the week that was, The Trail Run Though The Whiteshell, I was waiting for this with much abandon, when it was finalized that we were going. Nicole, Andy and I were heading out to West Hawk Lake Sunday morning to meet Gail for a trail run from Star Lake to Falcon Lake and back along the Trans Canada Trail. We did this run once last year, and I loved every minute of it, the path, the hills, the smells, the sounds, did I mention the hills. This is one thing that living in Winnipeg you take for granite, (I know wrong spelling) we have no hills. Hills in Winnipeg consist of speed bumps, overpasses or at best, Garbage Hill (literally an old covered over garbage dump in the middle of the city utilized for hill training). So the opportunity of running real hills (note I spent most of my life in Alberta) always makes me happy.

Unfortunately, my foot did not heal up as well as I had hoped, so my barefooting was limited to just under 4 miles, oh well, there is always next time. Anyway, as I said I love this run, there is nothing like running trails to lift the spirits, get back to nature, etc. The idea of taking in all that pure oxygen (not laced with exhaust fumes) is exhilarating.

The run to Falcon lake was good, Andy and I led the way for the 8.45 miles to the Falcon Lake Bistro (great coffee, and from what I understand gelato), where we waited for Nicole and Gail to arrive. I had my customary black coffee and Andy had this interesting cookie and gelato sandwich, two macadamia cookies and some type of chocolate encased gelato in between. All I could think was there is the replacement of all the calories that you just burned, lucky we got more running to do. Nicole and Gail showed up and they had a quick Coke and snacks as we prepped to head out again.

Gail had this great idea to go check out a single track trail out by the stables, so we headed a little further west. Starting again was interesting, it took about a km to get my ankles loosened up again (I am finding the longer I rest between legs of a run my ankles lock up). By the time we reached the trail, I was all ready to go for this new part of the adventure. Wow, this was amazing they had a 2.2 km technical trail (typically used for hiking) that went through some swampy areas, over some logs, ramp areas and up the rock face prior to looping around and back down and out. Absolutely fantastic, I really wanted to try this barefoot, but my foot was a little tender in areas, plus I really did not want to freak out the family that we passed a couple of times. Nicole thought this would be great for Ultra training and possibily a return trip to London, ON and Vulture Bait again this year, figuring if we could do the loop 25 times, a 50 km run would be a snap, I love her train of thought. We will be back to do this again.

The trip back to Star Lake and the cabin was good as well, the hills were just that little more daunting because we were just that little bit more tired. Once again, Andy and I headed out a little quicker so we got back first. We tried a different strategy on the way back running up and down all the hills and walking some of the flatter sections (note there is way more hills then flat terrain), and this was a good way to get the calves and quads working at maximum effort. It was interesting to do, good for learning to regulate your breathing as well. A few more weekends like this and it will be a good tool for future ultra endeavors. At the end of the day just over 20 miles on some really good technical terrain, and a big grin on my face running from ear to ear.

Here are some pictures of the run on Sunday for your viewing pleasure.

Gail and Andy heading down the trail

Nicole pondering what is important in life (I think I see the perfect trail start for a Ultra)

This was an understatement, this was a good grade slope.

This was the Single Track Trail that we ran, what fun.

What Do You Mean We Are Not Suppose To Go This Way?
(This was along the single track trail, loved every minute of it)


Gail starting up the trail


At the end of the trail, I am proclaiming my desire to come back and run this trail again.



A close up shot of the sign, like the last statement, and who needs footwear if you’re leaving only your footprints


So the total for the week and year date are as follows:

Week Totals:
Barefoot: 24.72 miles
Vibrams: 17.01 miles
Total: 41.73 miles

Year to Date:
Barefoot: 145.11 miles
Vibrams: 71.26 miles
Total: 216.37 miles

Until next week, everybody enjoy and keep your soles close to the ground.

‘Two Soles Move As One Forever Entwined With Nature’

Journey of 1,000 Barefoot Miles - Week Ending May 7, 2011

So I must start out this week with a very important notice, as today is a special day to the vast majority of people around the world. Happy Mother’s Day to all those wonderful ladies out there that have lovingly cared for supported, taught and just been there through the thick and thin of all that has happened through the years. I raise my hands to the sky, jump and click my barefooted heels together in recognition of all you are, and how the world would not be the same without you. This category includes my beautiful wife, who has supported me through some interesting times over the years, and has been a great mother to our two boys. I would be lost without you.

With the important announcements out of the way, I can carry on with the week that was. This week was a little disappointing for me, since I was technically not suppose to run for a week to allow my bruised and enflamed muscles to heal. This was really hard, as I caught myself a couple of times putting my running gear together prior to heading to work in the morning. Running has become a very important part of my life, as it gives me the opportunity to lose myself from the day to day monotony and stresses that surround me. To me there is nothing better than stripping the shoes off, and just heading out for a run to get in touch with my soul (or soles), and just flush the crap (no pun intended) away. It gives me the chance to reflect on what is important in life, and that life is just too darn short, so get out and enjoy it, before it moves on without you.

So here we go, the week that was:

Monday May 2, 2011
Barefoot: 3.15 miles *
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 3.15 miles *

I put an asterix beside the barefoot miles because these were not running miles, but quick walking miles. This was my weekly WH3 run, but for me running was not an option. I do feel these are legitimate miles to count because first of all I was barefoot, and I was moving at an above normal walk pace. Let me also clarify that walking barefoot on trail is actually harder to do, because you use more of the area of your foot when you land, areas that do not typically get used when you run. The soles of my feet are the stronger for it, and I think I will be doing more of this throughout the year. Anyway it was a great trail, that my wife and a couple of great friends set (thanks WB and MD). As this was my Birthday Hash Run, N felt it was appropriate that the drink stop consisted of a shot of Crown Royal (my favorite beverage) instead of beer. As the majority of the runners were running the course, I was glad to have WB walk the trail with me, I enjoy these chances that we get to go out together, I consider her to be very like minded to me (excluding the bare feet but I am working on her) and she is a great friend who listens to my craziness and does not judge.

Boy, I am rambling today, mental note, must try to stay on track.

Anyway after the run, we held a ‘quieter’ circle, singing the swearing song in a hushed tone is always interesting. We also had two new additions to our group, Just Andy and Just Liz (a tattoo artist and a priest respectively), an awesome married addition to our group of misfits. Just wait till we break into ‘Jesus Can’t Go Hashing’, that should be a hoot. Anyway it was a great time as always, and we finished off the evening with a great bbq and some good conversation. Thanks all for making it a great night.

Thursday May 5, 2011
Barefoot: 1.15 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 1.15 miles

This was a short run after a hour long torture session with my personal trainer (thanks Carolyn), as always she was looking out for my best interest, and decided to stay away from my lower body and focus on core and upper body training (seriously, upper body training, it has been at least 20 years since I done any weight lifting and I now remember why). Anyway, I love training with Carolyn because she is a runner (and a darn good one), she understands what is needed to increase your speed and endurance, and pushes me to the limits when I need it. Anyway, I decided that I would try a short run after the training session to see how my hip was recovering. Kept it slow and even, concentrating on getting my form back in order. Things went well, and I felt good when I finished, a good sign that things were recovering. I also want to note, I think it is hilarious that when I get to the gym I put my Vibrams on to work out, and as I get out the door, I take off the Vibrams to run, it still gets some interesting looks from people.

Saturday May 7, 2011
(My 40th Birthday)
Barefoot: 5.75 miles
Vibrams: 0.00
Total: 5.75 miles

This was a great day, not only was I participating in a great run, the Physio Fit Run, I was also running it with my oldest son. Even though he complains that he cannot keep up with his friends pretty much from start to finish, I know he enjoys the fact that he finishes the 5 km run. I know it is not easy for him, he is the understatement of an awkward runner, but he does try his heart out, and when he sees that finish line, he takes off like a rocket, and it puts a smile on my face every time. I know in my heart that he will probably never have the passion for running that both I and Nicole have, but that is ok, as he will find his way and the passion that will drive him in his own time. My son is one of the bright lights in my life, and I am proud of him and all the accomplishments completed and the ones that I know will come. Anyway, rambling again, a quick breakdown, 3.11 for the Physio fit run and 2.64 for warm up and cool down while my son was playing with his friends. Overall I was very happy with how my hip performed, and I think with the stretches that I was shown to make sure my hip muscles are warmed up; I should be ready for some fun runs this week.

So the total for the week and year date are as follows:

Week Totals:
Barefoot: 10.15 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 10.15 miles

Year to Date:
Barefoot: 83.54 miles
Vibrams: 34.93 miles
Total: 118.47 miles

I am expecting some big miles this week, as we are planning a 50 km trial excursion this Saturday for our Ultra Run experiences this summer. Nic and I will be doing a trial run on Saturday to test a route, prepping for Sunday’s trial by G and A, in which Nic and I will be crewing and pacing. As we are new to this, it will be interesting and should be a hold lot of fun. So if you have the desire to try a 50 km run within the confines of the City of Winnipeg (will include some trail as well), please come out and join us. I hope to try organizing one of these runs one day, and this will be our first crack at giving it a go.

Hoping everybody had and will have a wonderful week.

Live long and Bare Your Soles,

Journey of 1,000 Barefoot Miles - Week Ending April 23, 2011

Well this has been an exciting week for me, not only have I had the good fortune to run almost everyday (just missed Tuesday) this week. I have had the chance to run with some great friends, surprise myself a little bit with some good time intervals and experience some new running routes to boot.

On top of all this, I have had some other great happenings as well, and to create some unnecessary suspense, bum-bum-pada, I will make you wait until later to find out what exactly that was. Believe me its exciting, at least I am excited, and a little nervous as well. Anyway, a quote from one of my favourite bands, "On With The Show", here is how my week has broken down.

Sunday, April 17th, 2011

Barefoot: 5.88 miles

Vibrams: 4.92 miles

Total: 10.80 miles

This was an interesting run, the weather was cool, off and on gusting wind, and I was really not sure how my feet were going to react. Started out with the Vibrams until my feet warmed up, not sure why, but I had a gut feeling this was the way to go. Started out fast, really fast for me, the first mile was a 8:49 pace, I had to force myself to slow down I felt so good, but I knew I was trying for at least 10 miles, so I didn't want to burn myself out. It was hard to slow down, I had to focus really hard, and I kept looking down at my Garmin, to try to regulate my pace. If I could keep that pace for 13.1 miles, that would be under a 1:56 half marathon, I just remembered telling myself. Then reality set in, I'm just not ready for that yet. Anyway I was able to get my pace down to a modest 9:28 min/mile over the next couple of intervals, I was very happy to maintain that pace.

I decided I would run in the Vibrams till I got to Assiniboine Park, then once I crossed the foot bridge and reached the duck pond I would shed the shoes. That would be not quite 5.0 miles with the Vibrams, then I would run the balance back barefoot utilizing a different route. Remember when I mentioned, I had a gut feeling that I should wear the Vibrams to start? Well I was glad I did, I rounded a corner of a building and ended up right in the middle of a big pile of freshly broken glass. There would of been no way to avoid it and I would of filleted my feet, without the Vibrams, I still had to pick some pieces out of my shoes once I crossed the area. Whoever said, listen to your gut, I owe you one.

I finished at the duck pond with a distance of 4.92 miles in under 45:00, not to bad. After a quick drink of water, the shoes came off and I started thru the park towards the Moray Bridge. Running gravelled asphalt roads and paths, chip and seal roads, concrete sidewalks and dirt paths barefoot is like a concoction of different senses for the feet, this is the best way I find to build up the layer of skin on the sole of your foot. But note, beginners should not start with the amount I do, I am a bit of a sadist, building up slowly is the way to go.

Finished the balance of the run up to Portage Ave and headed west towards home. Finished up with 10.80 miles in just under 1 hour 45 minutes for a average pace of 9:45. I cannot wait till all the winter gravel (small and pointy) gets cleaned up, my pace slowed accordingly while trying to avoid the majority of this with my bare feet. But overall, a good run none the less.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Barefoot: 5.35 miles

Vibrams: 2.10 miles

Total: 7.45 miles

Monday was a two run day, I completed a quick barefoot 5 mile plus route during lunch hour, concentrating on rougher terrain to help condition the feet. Ran by 3 construction sites and thru all the limestone and gravel that was spilled all over the roads from the dump trucks. Also did not avoid all the winter gravel on the sidewalks this time by plowing thru the majority of it the rest of the route. I have a 50km ultra marathon trail run in a couple of weeks and the intent is to complete it Au Natural, so this abuse is necessary so my feet are prepared. Needless to say my feet were seriously tender once I got back to the office.

The second run consisted of my HHH run, and since my feet were still a little tender, I did this in my Vibrams. I am finding that I need about a day, to have my feet rebound from a abusive run like I did at lunch. It was a good short run, perfect to loosen up my stiffening muscles, and of course there is beer at the end, what more could you ask for.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Barefoot: 0.00

Vibrams: 0.00

Total: 0.00

Tuesday was a rest day for me, I had a very important appointment in the afternoon, and I figured my leg would be a little to sore to go for a run. My niece, who works out of Living Canvas Tattoo in Winnipeg, was scheduled to put a new piece of art on my lower right leg (barefoot theme of course).

The script reads, "I RUN" and as I finish my Barefoot Events I will be adding the Mileage to the Feet Starting With 13.1 Miles at the WPS Half Marathon next week.

I will say I have had a few tattoos done over the years (this was number 9), but the top 2 bare feet and the script hurt like a son-of-a-gun being right on that muscle. My muscle was doing involuntary convulsions while Candace was inking, it was kind of interesting.

The second part of my day was a trip to City Park Runners, Nicole has been complaining that I have been stealing all her running jackets, so she felt it was time I got my own. I had seen this great jacket that City Park has that I really liked that also advertised the store that I have become so fond of. So by the end of the trip I was up a tattoo and a very cool jacket, that I will be proud to wear. Thanks honey, for all your support and I love the jacket.

Front View

Back View

Wednesday April 20, 2011
Barefoot: 6.76 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 6.76 miles

This was another run at lunch, decided to take a different route, further into the heart of Transcona (insert erie sound effects here). Headed down a major route, before encountering a big accident which made me turn around and head back and devise a new route. I didn't think, the emergency crews would appreciate me running by the overturned truck that was partially blocking the sidewalk. I could imagine the expressions on their faces as this barefooted runner sprints past them as they clean up the mess. I do hope everybody was ok, I did see some ambulances scream by earlier, but I know they are good hands. Our cities front line emergency workers (all our Firefighters, Police Officers and EMT's) are fantastic and should be applauded and thanked for the great job that they do on a day to day basis.

Once I turned around and headed back I veered into the residential area of Transcona to get some additional mileage in, I might of spooked a couple of senior citizens, but I also got a lot of waves and a couple of "Wow, that is impressive" and one "Don't step on anything I wouldn't", that one make me chuckle. On the way back, I knew it was bound to happen sometime I got stopped by a train (it being Transcona and all). Very interesting feeling to be standing there with bare feet with all the vehicles waiting for a train to clear the road. All in all a great run, with a average pace of a 9:25 min/mile.

Thursday April 21, 2011
Barefoot: 6.25 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 6.25 miles

Thursday night was my run with City Park Runners, always a good time, lots of great conservation and of course a good run as well. This was suppose to be a easy 10km run, of course that would usually mean about a 10:00 min/mile pace, and considering the conditions, I was ok with that. It was very wet, and this would be officially my first completely wet run of the season. Running barefoot on wet asphalt and concrete poses it own unique challenges, because if your form is not perfect, this will cause friction thru rubbing that you do not want. Also with the wetness, this will also soften up your skin layer that little bit allowing the blisters to be created easier. One other issue with wet asphalt and darkening skies is it is harder to pick up the rocks and gravel that you want to avoid. Not impossible, but one or two usually slip through. Anyway, in short I ended up with a couple of blisters by the end of the run, one on each foot (a matching pair). The one thing that amazes me is that blisters now are nothing, I just drain them, add some antibiotic cream, and they are gone the next day, like they weren't there at all.

Friday, April 22, 2011 (Good Friday)
Barefoot: 6.01 miles
Vibrams: 0.00 miles
Total: 6.01 miles

I want to start off this day report with a big congratulations to Nicole and Gail who left very early Friday morning for a small run from Westwood in Winnipeg to Oak Hammock Marsh. This small accomplishment consisted of just under 30.0 miles, Nicole was using her Vibrams and Gail was using a pair of running shoes that would of been considered new in 1985 and have travelled some serious miles. I am proud of you both for setting this goal and accomplishing it with flying colours, and no worse for the wear. The 50km trail ultra on May 14th will be no issue for either of you at all. A big Woohoo goes out to the both of you.

Friday's run was alot of fun for a couple of reasons. First of all, I got to go out with a very close friend, Gail E. (another Gail), and for the first time the both of us were able to beat another good friend's time by a whole minute. Now, there is the point that he just had major dental surgery and this was his first real run in a week, but I'm going to gloat anyway. Also we had a great time in my books, I believe running with Gail pushes the both of us to go just that little bit faster and harder. I am going to miss not having her to run with at the half marathon next week, to help spur me on. Anyway it was a great run as I said, we ran thru the Wolseley area, then over the train bridge to Wellington Crescent back towards the Miss, back into Wolseley prior to heading back. Even with my slightly tender feet from the night before, we had a great run and time of under 57 minutes for 6 miles. Thanks again Gail, we must make a habit of this, because I had a blast.

Week Totals
Barefoot: 30.25 miles
Vibrams:7.02 miles
Total: 37.27 miles

Year To Date
Barefoot: 57.16 miles
Vibrams: 21.83 miles
Total: 78.99 miles

I am a little lower in mileage that I would of preferred but I have some big races coming up in the next couple of weeks, so I do not want to go crazy with mileage and either hurt myself or burn myself out. But once summer hits, my mileage will be increasing as my feet get stronger again.

Oh yes, I almost forgot about the exciting news. Our running group was contacted by Shaw Cable last week about doing a piece on 'Barefoot Running' and my '1,000 mile challenge'. I was honoured and humbled that anyone would be interested in this, and with some thought and a lot of encouragement from friends, I have decided to go ahead and 'run with it' so to speak. So next Wednesday, they will be coming out to do the interview and film shoot to introduce Winnipeg to the Crazy Guy Who Runs With No Shoes! Wish me luck, I will probably need it.

Until next week,

On On.

Journey of 1,000 Barefoot Miles - Week ending April 16, 2011

Well, unfortunately not too much to report this week. I only got out for a couple runs (and short ones) due to obligations and my feeling under the weather, I could also mention that the weather really sucked here as well.

But to ensure I am consistant on my reporting, I will continue with them weekly:

Sunday April 10, 2011

Barefoot: 0.00

Vibrams: 2.61 miles

Total: 2.61 miles

This run was with the WH3, affectionately called the "Spring Shiggy Run". In short some sadistic runners (thanks WB, MD and NC) set a trail through some of the nastiest, wettest, muddy, and sometimes sh##iest locations for a bunch of crazy runners to follow. If you come out dry and clean (right Thor), then something is wrong, and it could be deemed shortcutting. I would of normally done this barefoot too, but I was warned that there was some suspect waterholes, terrain and some barbwire to fend through, so I might want to wear the Vibrams. I grumbled for a bit, but folded like a bad poker hand and put on the shoes. Nothing like the sensation of running thru ditch puddles up to your knees, as people drive by, you get some crazy looks. Anyway, it might of been a good thing that I put the shoes on, because I ended up splitting my toe open anyway. Oh well, why not have a little blood with the mud, I always say.

On, On.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Barefoot: 5.50 miles

Vibrams: 0.00

Total: 5.50 miles

This was deemed my speed training for the week, I ran up and down a major route in Transcona, during lunch hour. Wind was pretty crazy, 30 to 40km and swirling per hour (not sure I was ever really running with the wind), but I was still able to maintain a 9:33/mile average pace for the duration with a 9:05/mile pace between mile 3 and 4. I was really hoping to get 30+ miles in this week, but what can you do, sometimes you have to listen to your body and shut it down, so that is what I did. Just means I will have to do some heavy running this week to catch up, weather pending of course. Come on Mother Nature, don't let me down.

So here we are once again with the week and running total:

Week:

Barefoot:5.50

Vibrams: 2.61

Total: 8.11

Year to date: Barefoot: 26.91

Vibrams: 14.81

Total: 41.62 '

It's Good To Run Barefoot and Free'