After a tempo run in my Evo’s on the wednesday ,where I finished the 6 miles 6 seconds a mile faster than I was aiming for without realising, I started thursday intending to complete an easy run of about 6 miles again. after 5 miles I started to get a blister on my second toe which became quite painful casuing me to stop and remove the shoes to have a look.
I then had the idea of taking both shoes off and finishing the run barefoot. I maintained the same speed but hell it hurt! where the tarmac was smooth it was fine , but every now and again the surface would be rough and the sensation was exactly like someone rubbing a cheese grater across the soles of my feet. it wasnt at all enjoyable and I hobbled down the last street to my house convinced my soles were bleeding.
they werent of course, but the pain didnt go until mid morning at work. the road surfaces near me are just too rough to go completely barefoot, I have a good forefoot strike but the grip driving me forward just shreds my forefoot as I run. Smooth tarmac is fine , almost luxurious , but those rough areas as just too much. Ive noticed the drives that are covered in chippings spew their contents across the pavement as well although I managed to skip most of this.
I like my Evo’s but its not true barefoot and I need to feel freer.I tried a pair of five fingers on and they were horrible! the sole was way too thick and stiff and my toes bore no resemblance in length to the ones on the shoes. I may try them again but I wasnt impressed at all. They just seem a bit of a gimick to me. I scoured the internet for some vibram cherry material to make some Huaraches according to the instructions on invisibleshoe.com but no joy in england. In the end I ordered a kit from them in America , this worked out at around £23 so if they work it will be well worth it. they seem the closest I can get to true barefoot without losing my skin, if the Tarahumara wear them there must be a reason. I am worreid about the day I line up at a half marathon wearing them , I will look a bit of a freak I spose but that might motivate me to beat those that snigger.
meanwhile I wil stick with the Evo’s and try taking the inner out to increase feel and reduce blisters. My legs feel fine, sore but in the way that makes me feel like Ive worked them hard.
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