"Minimalist", "Bareshoes", "Barefoot shoes" whatever! They all suck!

Ok not all barefoot runners may understand this; while many are figuring how to transition INTO a minimalist shoe of some kind so they can run barefoot....I'm trying to figure out how to get through the winter wearing the least amount possible on my feet. Barefoot is best! Does anyone think it is just as hard to go back the other way too? Barefoot into minimalist? I can't get my Merrell's or my VFF to feel right?! My husband can't believe how uncomfortable shoes have become for me. I have to put them on and just sit in them and then just walk in them for about 10-15 minutes just to get the feel for them. "yuck" While the world is talking about what minimalist shoe is best, how does this one fit, how does that one feel. Well, I think they all suck! I wear them because I have to. They are, like so many have pointed out, a tool. If I want to go trail running in frozen earth, in 19 degree weather I better have something to protect my feet. But after my runs I am so happy to sit and take the retched things off as soon as possible. So that's my rant. I have chosen to live in a climate that going totally barefoot, OUTSIDE, for a portion of the year is just stupid. ( Yes, I have lost the end of 2 toes and several toenails from frostbite) I have learned...so I do my best to carry on...but I still don't like shoes...and they ALL suck! If you see me running along and I'm wearing a minimalist shoe, (that's what I'm going to call them, because they are not BARE in any way!), and I'm actually smiling, it's because I'm RUNNING. And as long as I can do that I can smile.

Re-reading this post actually made me laugh...I guess I will never be a minimalist shoe tester! HAHA, give me a free pair of your minimalist shoes that I will never wear so I can tell you how much they suck! HAHAHAHA!

Barefoot Running Events 2011

I was trying to figure out why I was so tired these last couple of weeks. My normal runs of 5-8 miles 4-5 days a week have turned in 4 mile runs 2-3 times a week. I looked back in my running log and this is what I found: ( No wonder my body is saying, "Hey T you need a couple weeks off!" )

5k's:
5/1 - Barefoot 5K (Barefoot Running Day)
5/21 - Coral Gables 5K , FL : 21:25 2nd in AG
5/28 - Barefoot 5K; (Pineland Farms Trail Running Fest.) 24:03 3rd Female
6/15 - Back Cove 5K Portland, ME :
11/20 - 3 mile Brewer HS Turkey Trot, Brewer, ME : 20:49 1st in AG

10K's:
8/7 - Lobster Festival 10K, Rockland, ME: 46:57 2nd in AG

5 Miler:
9/17 - Lobster Dash Beach Run, Ogunquit, ME 35:44 2nd in AG

Half Marathons:
3/27 - Run for the Border 1/2, Portsmouth, NH: 8M VFF/4mBF
6/26 - Rail Trail, Augusta, ME: 1:40 16 (PR)
7/24 - Old Port 1/2, Portland, ME: 1:44 4th in AG
8/6 - Monadnock 1/2, Jafferey, NH: 1:58:04

9/25 - NYC Barefoot Running Event, New York City: 14 miles around Gov. Island.

Marathons:
4/18 - Boston Marathon, Boston, MA: 4:01:16
10/16 - MDI Marathon, Bar Harbor, ME: 3:56:57

On a side note this is just about half the events I participated in in 2011: There were 12 OTHER events I did in minimalist footwear or snowshoes. Including 1 other marathon and 2; 50K's.
Looking forward to 2012! :)

Barefoot Ted's Adventures: Inspired by "Born to Be Barefoot" by Christopher McDougall

Barefoot Ted's Adventures: Inspired by "Born to Be Barefoot" by Christopher McDougall

2012?

Well, here I sit trying to figure out what new adventure I can have in 2012. I believe a 50 miler (or 2) will be on the books and I have already signed up for the Kentucky Derby Marathon in April. Bring on 2012! Looking forward to many new adventures!

Run Barefoot Girl Interview

http://runbarefootgirl.com/2011/12/rbg-26-marathon-running-with-barefoot-mama/

Here's a link to listen to my interview with Caity on Run Barefoot Girl. Enjoy!

My new "minimalist"

OK...I have a new favorite: Here's a couple pictures. Bought these at the local good will for $2.99! New, in a package. They are warm, especially with a pair of toe socks, comfy and weigh nothing! Have a thin bottom but I can still wiggle my toes and feel the ground! YAY ME!

No Destin Beach 50 miler

I decided not to do the Destin Beach 50. Instead I think I will a 50 mile trail race at the Pineland Farms Trail Running Festival. It's here in Maine. I train on this type of trail all the time. And my suppport system can be there. Only 1 hour away from my home so commuting for 2 days of events great. They offer a barefoot 5K the day before the 50 miler. It's a great weekend event. I won a prize in my age group in the 50K last year! (and 3rd in the barefoot 5K - overall female).