At last, without any hindrance of time or weather, I finished my 14 mile run on Saturday. It must have been over a year since I've clocked that much distance, and I'm relieved to be getting back to where I was, albeit slowly. The weather was cool, probably in the mid to low 70s. It had been raining for much of the afternoon, and continued on for the first 3 miles. I like running in the rain -- the smell of it on the wind and it's slow, soothing trail down my face keeps my senses active and my focus acute. For 8 miles, I loved the run and the run loved me. Somewhere around mile 9, the struggle began, but I pushed through to reach 14.
The following day, I ran 5 miles. For all my runs last week, including the consecutive 14 and 5 miler, I used my Sockwa G2s, one of the most minimal barefoot shoes on the market. I recently gave some advice on how to ease into barefoot shoes and running to a friend, and CNN.com posted an article on how to break in Vibram Five Fingers (link to CNN article). Perhaps I should have listened to my own advice, because both my feet are now sore and the left foot is in severe pain forcing me to limp around -- only for today I hope. With all the miles I've been able to put on my Merrell Trail Gloves, I didn't think I would have any issues. I felt the creeping pain from the punishing pavement 10 miles into the 14 miler, but how could I stop so close to the end? I'm going to have to really strengthen my feet or consider running long distances in a more substantial shoe reserving my barefoot styles for shorter, quicker runs.
Good running this week, everyone. I hope my feet can hold up and I can join you. Thank goodness today is a rest day.
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