No run today, but lots of shoes

[nowster]

Due to the combination of Storm Francis and a tummy upset I'm not running today.

Instead I have a photo for you all.

I did mention before that I had a lot of toe shoes, mostly obtained via eBay bargains.

This is but a selection from my collection.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I'm always intrigued by Vibrams and bare-foot running. I'd consider transitioning but I've had custom-made orthotics without which, I'd never have been able to run 3500 miles in the last 5 years. All about my knees!

[nowster Graduate in reply to John_W]

I have (or rather had) flat feet due to hypermobility. Ehlers-Danloss Syndrome runs in the family.

I've worn orthotic insoles since I was a teenager, until about 8½ years ago. The new ones I got made in 2011 at the local hospital had a wedge on the inside surface of the heel which caused me to get very nasty blisters when I did a walk of about a mile a few days later. The podiatrist did remove it but it started me thinking about possible alternatives.

Someone on a forum suggested that wearing barefoot shoes long term strengthened the arch support naturally. I was initially sceptical but decided to try it out. About 18 months later I saw my sweaty footprint on a tiled floor and gazed in wonder at my now having a noticeable arch.

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to nowster]

That’s very interesting nowster. I’ve just bought some barefoot Merrells to help me stretch and strengthen my arches and Achilles. I’ve been wearing them about a week on and off, and so far so good. I don’t think I could run in them but they certainly make a walk interesting. They are fascinating shoes!

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

As the mother of a teenager with flat feet - your comment to John about your arches is another reason for me to get him running! Not sure he'll go with the Vibrams though.

My main question ( and I do have a fair few pairs of running shoes btw!) is why so many??😂

Hope you feel better soon, too! 🙂

[nowster Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

One reason is that I'm afraid they'll stop making them.

Some might think I have an Imelda Marcos like streak in me...

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Of course - I feel a bit like that about the Hoka Arahi 4's I have - and have joked that I should stockpile them....🙂

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Omg S39 why have you planted this awful thought in my head?!

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

😂 Have worn my Speedgoats a couple of times and despite the 'boing boing!' I am still most comfy in the Arahi's! 💕This poses a problem in the winter because I run a lot of muddy trails and the Arahi's have pretty lightweight uppers and don't have the lugs that the Speedgoats have... Will alternate perhaps, as long as my left knee doesn't start to complain too much. It grumbled a bit on my 10k at the weekend (in the Speedgoats).

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

You could always try the Gaviota? More sturdy and substantial than Arahi and even more cushioned but still road shoes. Also support shoes. I had them before arahi.

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Are you a centipede? 🤣🤣🤣 🐛

That’s awesome! 👏👏 and everyone a barefoot - are they all Vibram?

[nowster Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

I do have some more normal looking zero drop Merrells and some VivoBarefoot hiking boots.

And socks to match, of course.

[Tinytears60 Graduate in reply to nowster]

It is a mesmerising photo! 👌📷

[Instructor57 Graduate]

*Silly question alert*

Do you wear them all the time or just for Running ? 🤔

[nowster Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Yes, but not all of them at once.

I transitioned to wearing only barefoot shoes around the start of 2012, having worn a pair indoors like slippers for about six months.

[Roxdog Graduate]

Interesting! I am intrigued by barefoot shoes as I love the feel of the ground under my feet and stretching my toes. One of the joys of working from home during the pandemic has been being barefoot most of the time! My Brookes running shoes were chosen because they aren't too built up and are very flexible, unlike me previous Asics. I am very tempted to buy some of these barefoot/toe shoes, but would be concerned that I'd spend lots of money and find they take a lot of getting used to!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

They do! And the sizing is a bit unusual.

I've benefited over the years from a lot of people who bought them at full price and then didn't get on with them.

[Maxi80]

Those monster feet look cool!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Maxi80]

The black leather ones do look like gorilla feet. 🦍

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

Wowee! And they say girls buy loads of shoes! 😉 Hope you feel better soon.

[Shawny60]

Took your advice and did the 3min run 2min walk and repeated three times. Was able to complete it getting up to 12 minutes of running altogether. Think I will do this couple more times before attempting W4 again which I was really struggling with. Thank you for this good idea.🏃‍♀️

[nowster Graduate in reply to Shawny60]

Great! C25K is all a matter of gradually building up your activity and endurance.

The time before you're thinking of going for Week 4, maybe make the very last run of the set 4 minutes and see how you feel?

[Shawny60 in reply to nowster]

I will, good tip👍