Five Finger Project – GO!

I think the full potential of the radical new way of running in just a bare cover for your feet though is really worthwhile; so I have decided to do a test over three months to see what distance I am comfortable to run in the 5 fingers, and on what surfaces.

In a quick fix society there is a huge risk of injury for those looking for a solution to a myriad of running ailments and ways to run injury free. ‘Achtung!’ The danger is looking for a solution overnight; like taking a shot of cortisone to block out any lower back or knee problems. Now, I enjoy a quick fix as much as the next guy, but am more likely to go in for say tubeless mountain bike tyres on my bike, or hiring a plumber instead of DIY option; than sticking a needle in my lower back so I can complete a marathon without any pain.

When looking into the benefits of minimalist running, surely it is something that your body has to adjust to? That miraculous miniature bone archway construction in your foot; and all its tiny muscles and tendon buddies that have created one of the most amazing anatomical designs on the planet have been compromised. Over time, shoes have weakened and even distorted the natural gift and now, if you have the inclination to set things right, it’s going to take time and patience.

To avoid foot, Achilles, calf, shins knee and all other potential injuries; I will not just run for a couple of sessions and then assess. Three months it is then. I chose the Vibram Five Finger Bikila as it’s the most suited to running from the range.

Vibram say: “Unlike any other running shoe on the market. A breakthrough in running shoe design,Bikila® is our first model designed specifically to promote a more natural, healthier and more efficient forefoot strike. While many folks have been running in their Vibram FiveFingers® for years, the Bikila® is our first model created exclusively for a more natural running experience.”

Awesome, I could not wait to bust them out and when I did; it was one of the most incredible runs I have done all year. Ok so the year is not even into double figures, but the enjoyment levels were extremely high.

My intention was to not run more than 4km first time out. It was too much fun running on the grass and through the sprinklers though and I did 6.5km. It was too much … probably by 2km. Just on the last half km I could actually feel my calves a bit and this morning a little more so. The discomfort is just enough to warn me to take it slowly, nothing debilitating.

The run rocked. Spongy bouncing grass that my feet got right into and responded too through the thin underfoot covering of the Bikila. Hard to soft surfaces made very little difference to my stride which definitely adjusted to a far less accentuated heel strike and moved my chest a little forward to run with more of a mid foot strike.

4km would have been just right, I will wait a few days and do a 5km run next and just keep building from there. Check out the picture of the Bikila in the grass – and that is real grass even though it looks fakey fakey.

It’s all real people and I think my running is going to be a lot stronger for it. Ole’!