From me, to you, with mixed emotions.

Dear Vibram Five Fingers,

I had never heard of you before that fateful day when AJ the FEMA VAL excitedly opened his trunk to show me his new freaky toe shoes. I thought he was a little crazy, and those things were just kind of weird.

But then people started talking about you more, and I was so proud for knowing what you were. Go me! I heard you were great for running on trails, that you allowed the natural foot muscles to strengthen and develop, and that they help slow runners go longer and faster.

"Hey, I'm slow!" I thought. And my curiosity was piqued. But at $90 a pair, it wasn't an experiment I was willing to invest in. I wasn't THAT curious.

And then I moved to Austin (where Five Fingers abound), and went thrift shopping for a jacket to wear while cycling. There, as I wandered unbidden through the shoe section, I found you: women's sprints, $14.99 IN MY SIZE.

Done.

I knew I had to get used to you, so I started wearing you to the dog park. It was like magic - I was barefoot, and yet I wasn't, but I could feel the grass and the rocks by the river and the cool water. And then one day Bennet and you and I went for a run. 2 miles, no problem.

Oh, that you would have continued to treat me so well, Vibrams.

This week, I took you to work, hidden away in a tote bag with shorts and a jacket. As the clock struck five, I changed from professional to athlete in the blink of an eye, and I slipped (wiggled/tugged) my toes into you. We drove to the trails, and off I went.

Three miles, and it was glorious! Sure, I noticed a little tinge in my calf muscles, but who cared? Together, we had conquered three miles of trail.

Well, I care now, don't I, Vibrams? Today, Saturday, FOUR DAYS after that run, I still feel the burn. I missed an entire day of running thanks to you. Not going to make me faster if you rip my legs to shreds, are you? Psh.

But I still believe in you, Vibrams. So today you, Bennet, and I hit the trails again. For a walk. A nice, long, heel-hitting, calf-lengthening walk.

It was pretty good. I think it actually undid some of the damage. Tomorrow I will be wearing real shoes. Don't be offended. I just need a break from you. Next week we might just try that running together thing again. On the short run day.

Much love and happy calves,

Carolyn




Some choice pics from Miss Bennet's and my walk on the trails today...we walked from 1st Street to Mo-Pac and back. Only got lost on the trail once, when it splits off to become the Zilker Loop Trail, which goes somewhere that I don't know. Bennet discovered the joy of chasing squirrels. It was quite an adventure.

(Appy polly loggies for the lack of quality. I'm picking up my new-but-not-new camera next Saturday. Until then...camera phone!)

It says: "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." -Benjamin Franklin