Ok, I did it! I ran an official 5K in my VFFs on Saturday. I bought my first pair of Bikilas over the Memorial Day weekend but I haven’t run a race in them until this one. The whole fear of doing TMTS has kept me from racing in them even though Bikilas have become my exclusive running shoes for every day runs.
I was very excited and just a little nervous. It was almost like it was my first race ever. I think it was partly because I got there so early since I didn’t register in advance and I wanted to make sure I found the right place and get parked in time for the race. The event is called the Shorewood Scoot – it is a benefit race for the Make Your Mark Foundation. Check it out here:
http://www.provena.org/stjoes/body.cfm?id=716&oTopID=0The course was all paved, starting and ending on a road but some of the course was on paved bike trails through a woodsy area too. It was pretty flat for the first mile but after that there was a nice smooth downhill stretch that really gave me a boost as I was able to lean into it and pass up some runners in regular shoes who were heel planting down the gentle slope. Then there was a bit of an uphill section that felt almost as easy as the down slope to me because I just kept on passing these other runners. There were some potholes and rough patches, but the course was great overall.
I saw no one else in VFFs or other minimal shoes and only one person that I didn't already know asked me about my Bikilas.
Well it turns out I finished in 23:25.4 for a pace of 7:30 per mile. This is a new 5K PR for me! Whooohooo!! Not too shabby for a 45 year old guy just transitioning into minimal footwear!
I did have some minor muscle pain in calves and shins but nothing crippling and I was able to get out and run again this morning without any difficulty.
On to the next one!
Rick
