2012 in Review

2012 was a banner year for me.  I ran a total of 2,132 miles shattering my previous record.  Here is the year in review:

January – Ragnar Relay Florida Keys.  Just about the most fun I’ve had as an adult (at least while standing up) made even better by a third place finish for team Shanghaied and a bronze baton.

February – Two consecutive record months over 180 miles kicked off my best and most consistent year of training.

March – Highest mileage month ever at 243 miles.

April – Croom Fools Run – My second ultra and first 50 mile event.

May – I went streaking, running 38 consecutive days ending on May 17.  I averaged 5.5 miles per day with a minimum of 3 miles each day.  

June – I finally broke through the 7:00 mile barrier setting a 6:35 PR at WVR’s first one mile time trial workout.

July – Barefoot running.  A few months of gradual buildup culminated in my longest barefoot run to date - six miles.

August – I finally broke through the 23:00 barrier in the 5k at the Go for the Gold 5k setting a new PR of 22:32.

September – Got out of my comfort zone while training hard for a beautiful but hilly course at the Georgia Jewel.  50 miles and 9000 feet of elevation gain.  I also set another one mile PR at the Genuine Mile – 6:29.

October -  Ran my first 10k with a respectable time of 49:22 (after having run a 22 mile training run the day before) at the Pink Feet 10k.

November – Not every significant milestone is positive.  Plagued with ankle problems leading up to the Wild Sebastian 100, I decided to toe the start line anyway.  Hoping to complete 75 miles I had to drop at mile 45 (after hobbling through 10 painful miles).  Although given credit for finishing just one 25 mile loop around the course, in my heart I consider this to be my first DNF.

December – Confirming that my decision to drop from Wild Sebastian was the correct one (although that gives me little solace) my ankle healed after a few weeks of rest and I finished the year strong with a new marathon PR at the Jacksonville Bank Marathon – 4:21:39.

Invisible Shoes

Invisible Shoes - 6mm Contact

I have been toying with the idea of making huarache running sandals for the past few weeks (That's not quite true, I have really been thinking about them since I read Born to Run two years ago).  After spending some time trying to make a pair completely from scratch, I determined that I would quickly spend more on gas trying to track down materials than the cost of a complete do-it-yourself kit.  I asked myself why should I try to re-invent the wheel (or in this case a millennia old sandal) so I broke down and ordered the 6mm Contact from Invisible Shoes.  I placed the order Thursday night and I received it by priority mail on Monday.  I love it when an on-line retailer is so diligent about order fulfillment.

They offer two sole thicknesses, the 4mm Connect and the 6mm Contact.  I opted for the thicker Contact because I thought it would offer a little more protection for a running sandal novice.

My first impression after opening the priority mail envelope was how dense the soles are.  They have a substantial feel in the hand and seem very durable while still being completely flexible.  They seemed so tough that I questioned my reservations about ordering the 4mm version of the sole instead.  Not to worry, if I decide I want the thinner soles with an even better ground feel, at this price I could easily afford to order a second pair.

Fit before trimming

The package comes with two soles with holes pre-punched at the ankles, two 6 foot laces, a bobby pin (thoughtfully included to help thread the laces through the soles) and a simple instruction sheet.  You are required to punch the toe hole yourself for a perfect fit.  There are more detailed instructions including several videos on the Invisible Shoes web site.

The soles are precut and the size 10.5 was a pretty good fit for me already but I decided to do a little trimming for a custom fit.  The process was easy, just trace your foot, smooth the lines a bit, and then carefully cut with a pair of heavy duty scissors.

Fit after trimming

Whoops. I accidentally laced the left sandal backwards.

I have been experimenting with lacing options with my Walmart flip flop huaraches over the past few days and settled on a slip on method instead of the more traditional toga style that wraps around your ankle.  Again, there are several videos on their website demonstrating various lacing methods.   I had the sandals trimmed, laced and ready for running in about half an hour and it only took that long because I was taking pictures.

Walmart Flip Flop Huaraches

I took them for a very short run up and down my street about quarter mile using the traditional lacing method and then again with the slip on lacing.  It confirmed that I like the slip on method much better.  This method doubles the strap around your heel which I found more comfortable, not to mention that once tied it only takes a few seconds to put them on.

I plan to use these for trail running, but even running on pavement I was surprised at how good they felt.  The feel of the sole under my foot is not dissimilar to my Merrell Trail Gloves and I loved having my feet completely exposed to the air.

My one reservation is the knot in the lace under my toes.  It was noticeable but not uncomfortable when I walked and ran on a hard surface.  I could barely feel it walking on carpet or on my lawn.  After tying the knot I squeezed it with pliers and melted it a bit with a flame but it was still noticeable.  It did flatten out some and improve after just that little bit of running and walking around the house so I think it will improve as I continue to wear them.

I thought it would be a few days before I got to really test these out, but a fluke break in the weather presented me with an opportunity to get in a quick trail run after work.  I ran a hilly 2 mile loop in the LyoniaPreserve.  The surface is mostly sandy, some very loose and some well packed, mixed in with some harder packed earth and plenty of roots to trip you up.  The shoes performed very well, similar to my Trail Gloves but with an even better ground feel.  You definitely feel it when you land on something hard, like a root or rock, but it was not painful and I could sometimes feel my foot able to conform to the shape of the irregular surface. One disadvantage I have noticed in my Trail Gloves is the amount of sand and debris that collects in the shoe.  When I ran my 50k earlier this year I had to stop several times to shake them out.  That will certainly not be a problem with these sandals.

The lacing worked extremely well and the sole did not shift at all while I was running, even on steep inclines.  I need to tweak them just a little bit because the fit was too snug around my second toe.   Some slack in the toe strap will allow me to pull the lace towards my big toe.  I also had no trouble with the knot under my toes.  I didn’t notice it at all while I was running.  The entire setup was very comfortable.  After running the two miles I haven’t noticed any unusual aches or pains – no blisters or chafing from the laces, no heel or arch pain, shins, calves, knees, hips – all fine.

It was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to go for another run in them.  Although I confess I did change out of them when I stopped at the grocery store on the way home.  Comfortable as they are, I am still a bit embarrassed to be seen wearing them in public. ;-)

After 2 miles on the trail.

Devolution

Asics Gel 1150

Saucony Kinvara

Merrell Trail Glove

Huaraches

This is more of a proof of concept than a serious attempt at making huaraches.  For an investment of $3.00 (Walmart flip flops and some cord from my garage) I was pleasantly surprised at the result.  I did take them for a quick run up and down my street and they were comfortable and stayed firmly affixed to my feet.

 The flip flops are more than double the thickness I need and way too spongy for serious running, although with use they may compress.  I have some ideas for some “found” materials that might make a better sole.  If they don’t work, Vibram Cherry Soling seems to be the preferred material and can be had for about $25 a sheet.

I like them enough that I plan on doing some experimentation, after the Marine Corps Marathon of course.

. . . . and yes, I am aware that I have now officially gone insane.