Jocelyn BQs in her First Marathon in Five Fingers Bikilas

A little over a year ago, Jocelyn made the switch to Vibram Five Fingers after knee pain kept her from running long distances. Back then, she shared with us her story about setting a personal record in the 5K in her Vibram Five Fingers KSOs. When I mentioned that post to her, Jocelyn said, “That was a great day. I didn’t think I’d be doing a marathon anytime soon when I ran that 5K. And to think someone once told me I shouldn’t run anymore. Pshaw!”

That’s right folks, Jocelyn ran her first marathon in Bikilas this last weekend! Just finishing a marathon is a major feat. Not only did she finish the Detroit Marathon, she ran a BQ! If you are not familiar with the acronym BQ, it stands for Boston Qualifier, which means she has qualified for the Boston Marathon. To do it in Vibrams and to do it the first time out is truly extraordinary.

Jocelyn finished in a time of 3:35:33! That is a pace of 8:13 per mile for 26.2 miles and may be the fastest marathon run by a woman in Vibram Five Fingers. Jocelyn was kind enough to answer a few questions for us about her amazing experience that you can read after the jump.

How long have been running in Five Fingers?

I picked up some KSOs in July of 2009 and been running in them ever since. I do switch over to a $15 shoe that has near zero drop when it gets cold and snowy, but I stick to the VFF whenever I can. They keep my knee injuries to a minimum and I’m faster in them as well.

How many miles a week do you usually run in total and in Five Fingers?

Between 60-70, although I did a 120 mile week once, just to see if I could. Always fun to see what the body can do.

How does running in VFFs compare to traditional running shoes?

My bio-mechanics lend themselves to heel striking with any kind of heel, so running in traditional running shoes causes a lot of problems with my knees. I was in my old running shoes just the other day walking to the gym; the disconnect from the ground was surprisingly unsettling.

Did you have any injuries, blister problems or problems adjusting to Five Fingers?

I did get some rubs from the edges of the KSOs and the seams of the Bikilas. Other than that, just the usual transitioning calf soreness from moving over from a traditional running shoe to a minimalist one.

How many marathons have you run and was this the first in Five Fingers?

This was my very first marathon, so it was all very exciting! I saw some other VFF runners on the course and spoke with a few of them. VFF people are always so friendly! With a half mile to go, a guy pushing a stroller saw my Bikilas and yelled “Yeah VIIIIIIIBRAM!” I was exhausted but had to smile and wave. Kids handing out water got a kick out of the VFF, too.

How does it feel to BQ?

Feels so great to have it! A couple of years ago I was happy if I could run five miles pain-free. Now I feel like I can set any running goal and achieve it.

How did the Bikilas perform in training and in the race?

The Bikilas worked out really well. I don’t know how many hundreds of miles are on them, but they’re getting up there.

How do you like the Bikilas compared to your KSOs?

I’m a fan of the KSOs, but the buttery softness and fit of the Bikilas make them my favorite.

What are your goals moving forward?

A faster marathon and 50 miler are on the horizon. But for now, this next month is all play. Thinking of running some Halloween 5Ks in a costume; a costume that’ll match my bright blue Bikilas, ‘course!

Congratulations Jocelyn and thanks for getting us up to date on your amazing progress as a runner!

Read Jocelyn’s detailed account of her Detroit Marathon experience at DailyMile.com.

Also, for those of you who want to BQ, here is a table of the times required: