Yo
Just went for a mile run in my Vibrams for the fukk of it even though I'm not much of a runner
That shyt was
Lemme explain....
First off, it was mentally powerful. Going out for a run and being able to feel the road beneath me--the heat, the bumps, the cracks--it was honestly a liberating experience and running is normally a chore. I enjoyed the shyt out of this. In no way did it feel like mechanically boring cardio. Each step felt positive to my mental being
Secondly, my calves were fukking JACKED when I was done. I never have had a calf pump like that in my life. The running technique with barefoot shoes requires you to land on the ball of your foot and roll back to your heel, so basically each step was like a mini calf raise (the eccentric portion) unlike regular running shoes in which the knee absorbs the impact. So I basically was out there doing hundreds, or thousands, of calf raises
Words of caution though:
They say you need to take it sllloooowww when beginning barefoot style running. They say it can take months before your feet and legs adapt to the change. If you rush it you are begging for an injury. I believe it. I was feeling pretty well spent after only a mile. I don't think I would ever run more than 2-3 miles in them at a time even once I was adjusted. Also, technique is super important. You must land on the ball of your foot and you must glide with your steps, no bouncing up and down and no heel striking. Lastly, I have the thinnest Vibrams on the market and you could tell they weren't designed for trail running. I stepped in a briar patch and my feet got stabbed like a motherfukker with them pointy branches
. Had to stop my run and pick them all out.
