First pair; first run not so good

[benjam2112]

Hello for Indianapolis!  I've been running for quite a while; trying to figure it all out.  I ran 2 half marathons earlier this year.  Then I picked up ChiRunning and started utilizing that.  I love it.  I saw the 5 Fingers a while back but decided not to go with them at the time.  After reading Born to Run, barefoot running made perfect sense and I finally went out and bought KSOs last night.  I slipped them on and ran around the block a few times (maybe 1 mile all together) with no problems; felt great!  So I was excited to go for a lengthier run this morning (I'm training for my first full marathon in November). 

I set out for about 4.5 miles.  I felt fantastic the first 2 miles, then my feet started to get sore.  I guess it was from all the pounding and I wasn't used to it (obviously).  I could barely walk back home.  Both feet, on the medial side, proximal to my big toes are sore and kinda raw (I'm in nursing school, it's easier to describe when you use the medical terms...although big toe? ha!).  And my right heel is sore also.  I bought some of the socks too but haven't tried them yet.  Does anyone think using the socks will help much? 

I haven't looked around the board too much yet, but I will after posting.  Just wanted to say hi and give my progress so far.     Thanks!

[AlanT]

First, welcome to birthday shoes! I'm sure you'll lots of support here.

Second, you'll hear it from me now, but others will say the same... Go slowly! You need time to adjust to running with VFFs, and you're going to have to accept that your weekly distance is going to drop somewhat until you've adjusted. Go slowly, be gentle with yourself, and, above all, be patient. If you are, it'll all pay off and you'll enjoy yourself immensely.

Alan (also a KSO runner)

[justin]

Welcome to the forums -- I'd echo Alan's comments: take it slow.  Not only are you going through a process of rehabilitating atrophied foot/ankle/calf muscles, you're also retraining the joints of your body.  This goes for runners or walkers (or whatever activity you are doing, really).

[Hawkeye]

I'll third that. I guess Vibram should add "Start slow if you want to go fast."

[Ardent]

What Alan Said

Jason vff sprint runner

[Pete Rasmussen]

You     need     to     take    it     slower.

All of us have gone through this.  You're headed for trouble doing too much too fast.
Enjoy going slower and shorter at first.  Enjoy being minimalist and feeling each crack as you run over it.
Run barefoot just a bit to get a better handle on the minimalist form.
Keep a close eye on this forum for some really good advice.

Congratulations on the purchase and welcome to the group!

- Pete

[allawayr]

Welcome! And everyone else above is right. 4.5 miles for a first run is long!

[benjam2112]

Well thanks for all the support.  I guess I'll have to continue training for the marathon by running my long runs in my Sauconys.  I'll just use the 5 Fingers on my short runs. 

[iamcam]

yeah it will pay off. and if you switch to five fingers exclusively for walking and everything... your feet will condition in no time. Sometimes ya have a little pain for pleasure.