Vibram FiveFingers - a first run

I decided to try this footwear as physical therapy. My left arch is high but weak, resulting in a flat foot. I also have scoliosis that seems to be causing some sciatic pain in my left leg.


Here's a few tips, if you plan to buy a pair of the vibram FiveFingers;

• Go to a well stocked store so you can try some different models/styles and sizes. My ideal size was a 44, which was close to my cycling road shoe size (45). If they don't have the style you want, then at least you'll know your size for an online order.

• I was told that your toes should just touch the front of the toe-pockets. You don't want them so loose that your toes pop out while running or too tight either.
  

• I got the KSO's, but looking back, the Sprint or Flow might be a better choice for first-timers. Why? The KSO has a single top strap that loops through the back, but it's stitched at the back of the heal, making it a little harder to place on the foot. Where as the Sprint and Flow have separate top and heal straps, so they should be a little easier to get on.

I kept my first run short, I did about 1-1/2 miles on a treadmill, so that I could control the pace. My stride is still pretty much heal-toe, but I could feel times when I was making a more balance footfall. I didn't notice any unusual pain after the run, but I could tell that I was using calve and ankle muscles that I hadn't used in a while. I'm planning to take it slow at first, so I'll do my running every other day.

Putting the technology to work

To stay "bike fit" over the winter it all comes down to spending more time on my trainer, but indoor riding can be so boring, until now. I've posted about some of this before, but here's how it's all came together this winter.

First I needed to make it at least seem like I'm riding outside so; I used my bike mounted DV camera to tape a typical ride. Then I transfered the video (of an approximately 1 hour ride) to DVD. So now I plant my bike (on the trainer) in front of the TV and play the DVD of the ride during the exercise session.

Next I needed a training plan, so I used the site provided by Polar with their HR monitors/computers. The site allows you to schedule exercise type and enter all the data that the Polar computer collects during a ride: HR, cadence, speed, etc, for tracking your goals.

I already had the Cycleops Fluid trainers, now I have the video, the training plan, a training schedule and music on my iPod.

So far this year I've averaged 3 rides a week (Interval, Short and Long rides) for a total of approximately 148 miles. My training zone is between 125-148 with a resting HR of 56, not to bad for an old man.

If the snow melts and I have some free time I'm hoping to ride outside again soon.

Safe riding all.