No cavities

Great news!  No cavities!  But as always, I should really try to floss more, and utilizing the SonicCare electric toothbrush would really make a difference if I'm not committed to the daily flossing routine.

But back to the shoes.  I was first introduced to them by a fellow I was dating at the time who wore them religiously.  At the gym, out to dinner, on the golf course, you name it.  I thought they were goofy and ugly.  I implied this fact repeatedly but he continued to wear them claiming that he had some foot problems in the past and that they were really helping with the injury.  He also continued to harp on and on about this book:  Born to Run : A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougal and insisting that I read it.

Now, I have this thing, when somebody recommends a book to me, and specifically if they let me borrow it...I'm going to read it.  I just think if somebody in my life feels passionately enough to bring me a book to read, it's worth my time.  This is no exception.

So this book; if you are a runner...READ IT.  It will change the way you look at running, shoes, and invigorate you to run, not harder, but smarter.  Which leads me to the shoes.  The book goes into depth about leg injuries from running and how many of them can be from the type of running shoes we're wearing.  See, our feet are designed to run on the balls, in more of a prace like a chetah or an ostrich.  Running shoes are designed to pad the heel and most of us even have the audacity to add orthopedics for increased arch support.  I am guilty of this myself when I ran my marathon.  What happens though is you begin to rely too heavily on your heels when you run, especially as you tire, shooting pressure up your legs and causing injury to the IT band, knee, hip, shin splints, etc.

Humans have been running barefoot for thousands of years. There are 26 bones in the foot, and God designed and engineered them especially for running.  Nike running shoes have only been around for about 50 years.  Try running around your front lawn barefoot; you'll start to notice your posture improves, you step lighter, and your calves will be burning.

So...after being presented with the research I decided to give in and purchase the Vibrams, and even swollowing my pride and sent my ex an apology text for doubting.  I'd been running in them on the treadmill for about 2 weeks before attempting a race Thanksgiving Day.  It was cold and the race was all on concrete so I opted NOT to wear the Vibrams but as I was running I continued to follow the posturing, and I could tell a serious difference in my leg strength up and down the hills.  And that was that, I was hooked. 

Plus, it's kind of fun.