Father Dorn's Conversion to Five Fingers

In the beginning Father Patrick Dorn wore traditional shoes — that is until he found Vibram Five Fingers.

Read Fr. Dorn's story after the jump.

Fr. Patrick in Bikilas in the 9-11 Memorial 5K in Denver

I'm Fr. Patrick Dorn, priest at "runner friendly" Church of the Apostles (Anglican) in Evergreen, Colorado. I switched to Vibram Five Fingers in June 2010, and now, when it comes to minimalist footwear, I am an enthusiastic "convert."

I lost 60 lbs at the age of 50 several years ago, but occasionally had foot, knee and lower back problems. VFFs were my salvation, at least in terms of rescuing me from injury, strengthening my feet and legs, and increasing my speed. VFFs lift my spirit and fill me with the joy of running, even uphill.

I prefer Trek Sports for trail running around the foothills and mountain community I serve west of Denver, but when leading church services or working as a chaplain for Total Longterm Care, I prefer Treks, which I consider "dressier." I wear Bikilas for the twelve or so charitable 5K pavement events I run each year.

Since switching to VFFs, I am running more smoothly and gracefully, not to mention more swiftly. Thanks to my Five Fingers, this summer I've knocked two full minutes off my 5K time. One church member quipped, "Too bad those toe shoes don't make Fr. Patrick's SERMONS go any faster!"

With winter approaching, I am looking forward to running in the snow wearing the VFF Flows I just ordered. It's as close to walking on water as I'll ever get.

Fr. Dorn, thanks for sharing your story with us. It's great to hear that Five Fingers are your choice of footwear "to run with endurance the race that is set before us."