Running in Huaraches

I am not trend setter, or a follower- but sometimes it is best to see what all the commotion is about. I just ordered my first minimalistic running shoes. No padding, no raised toes, arches or heels, just a thin layer of protection (of 4mm to be exact) between me and the world ahead. I am not a believer yet, but I want to know for myself what all this barefoot running is about!

I ordered a kit from Invisible Shoes. They send a square of 4mm vibram rubber material (to cut your own shoes from) and the chord. Then you can head to their website for  instructions and videos as to how to get all set up, and for the runner to figure out what form of tying works best for them.

I have run in my huaraches twice so far. Each time I wear them for the first 10 minutes of my run and then switch to another pair of shoes (that are also very minimalistic-cross country flats) for another 3 miles or so. The idea is to eventually work up to using them for the entire run. It is amazing how much running without support improves a lazy running form (which describes me perfectly). I can already tell a difference in how I am running.

In the past I have boasted of  a good overstride, landing on my heel thus enabling a longer stride, I thought it was a good thing. I thought that it made me run faster, that overstriding would be more effective and use less energy long-term. That really is not true, the only thing I would win at by overstriding is a race to see how FEW steps a person could take from point A to point B. Overstriding is a widespread problem, that causes injury in the joints and feet.  Shoe companies are adding more and more padding to the heel of their shoes so as to put a big band aid on the problem, but it would be better if we who do it would just learn to fix it.

But why these weird contraptions anyway? Are you really surprised? I mean I am a dreaded runner after all! Ha. I have been interested in barefoot running for a little while, maybe mostly curious about it but not interested in changing something that was working for me. Lately though it has intrigued me more and more.  And then the only thing that kept me from it is that each time I did a search I found myself annoyed at the price tag on these supposed minimal running shoes, or vibram five fingers! Should barefoot running and/or minimal support running really cost as much or MORE than the others? That just doesn't sit right with me. The cost of barefoot running should be nothing or close to nothing.

For those reasons I chose to try the huaraches. They are modeled after what different indigenous tribes have run in for a long, long time. If they work, these would be much better than buying the other shoes....so for now I am just trying them on for size, and we'll see how my toes hold up.

The best part of all? When I run I feel like an ancient runner in a Greek marathon- I can almost see these running sandals sprout wings.

At least they are cute, right?!

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