Saturday, August 15th, 2009

We’re totally hippie runners.

posted by lizzie    « 9 Comments »    tied to Uncategorized   

Some of my brother’s put us onto Vibram FiveFingers. They are meant to give your feet the feeling of being barefoot without the danger of getting cut. As soon as Micah saw them it was clear he would not rest until he got his feet into a pair. We bought some on sale last night and took them running for a few miles this morning. I’ve been warned that I’ll be feeling it bad tomorrow, but I’m sure the pain will be worth it. They are supposed to strengthen your feet and teach your body to run more efficiently and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to cut 15 minutes off my marathon time so I can qualify for Boston before I’m old and gray. Hahaha.

And to feed our running obsession even more, we got this book (also recommended by my brothers):I knew I had to have it when I read part of an interview with the author. He said, and I quote:

“We treat running in the modern world the same way we treat childbirth—it’s going to hurt, and requires special exercises and equipment, and the best you can hope for is to get it over with quickly with minimal damage. Then I meet the Tarahumara, and they’re having a blast. They remember what it’s like to love running, and it lets them blaze through the canyons like dolphins rocketing through waves. For them, running isn’t work. It isn’t a punishment for eating. It’s fine art, like it was for our ancestors.”

That sounds like something I’d like, right? We’re only a few chapters in, and it is kind of blowing my mind. These Tarahumara people are completely unbelievable to me, and yet this is non-fiction. Can’t wait to read more.

Comments

  1. Stephanie J. Robertson says:
    August 16, 2009 at 4:13 am

    oh im intrigued! and i want to know more about these socks! i shall google them promptly.

    and please, edit a paper or 20 for me. even better, come here and do it in person! what fun that would be! (DO IT!)

  2. Jarom says:
    August 16, 2009 at 6:06 am

    It looks like you went with the Classic, Ike and I went with the KSO and they've worked out really well so far, we're pretty excited about them too.

  3. Natalie R. says:
    August 16, 2009 at 11:53 am

    I just saw someone wearing those shoes yesterday and was flabbergasted – they're like nothing I've ever seen before. You'll have to give us a report on how you like them!

    I have to say that if I'm chasing a baseball or a soccerball, I love running. I guess I just need the right goal. ;0)

  4. Carlos says:
    August 16, 2009 at 1:56 pm

    Vibram makes the soles for Chacos now, so they must be good.

  5. Eliza says:
    August 17, 2009 at 1:53 pm

    My sister recently told me about those… and that quote from the author totally has me itching to read more!

  6. Rachel says:
    August 20, 2009 at 2:06 am

    That's hardcore.

  7. heather says:
    August 20, 2009 at 2:08 am

    I'm so anxious for a report on the new shoes! Are you sold? (sole-d…he hehe)?

  8. Missy says:
    August 27, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    So crazy! I have to admit, I'd never last in "shoes" like that. I hate flip flops for the feeling between my toes. I have two pair of toe socks that now serve as "power gloves" for my boys. Who knew they could shoot fire and ice and block attacks?

    That book sounds amazing. I can't wait to read it! Thanks!

  9. averyfellow says:
    September 3, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    I am OBSESSED with Born to Run. And that's the only phrase I keep coming back to, too – it's blowing my mind. Amazing theories. And made me SO angry that I just bought a brand new pair of Mizunos that feel like clouds but are really just keeping my feet from acting like a natural suspension bridge. I'm really emotional about the topic :) We should probably talk more about it..

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