No Turning Back

Having transitioned rather well to minimalist shoes for running, I, out of curiosity and variety, donned my usual running shoe, the Response, and went for a run. It was disastrous! To cut the long story short, I ended up with muscle pains and strains.

I think I'll use my Response for walking around and retire it permanently from running purposes.

Having had this minor episode, I can understand this much - that my running style had adapted more to running in a minimalist shoe (it's running heaven once the transition is made well). So putting on a thickly padded shoe and running in them feels foreign and disjointed in running flow and rhythm.

My NB Minimus

At last, my dream pair of minimalist running shoes is here! I've been transitioning from cushioned running shoes for almost four months now.

And yes, for those who are into running shoes, this is a women's model. But it fits me to a tee, and it's the only one available in size 6. Yes, I've got small feet. As a matter of fact, all my past running shoes were size 7.

Since my teenage years, I've worn down and worn out lots of running flats. My first pair ever was Adidas Boston, back in the 1980s. Those were the years of fame for the Boston marathon. Bill Rodgers the name that stuck out! My next pair was the Adidas Adistar, a delight to race in. Clocked fast times in them. My university years were a bit toned down, Adidas New York and Adidas TRX.

My years upon graduation were mile-less years. The running just stopped. It was only when I hit my 40th birthday, I spent time reflecting and thinking of what I want to do with the rest of my years left. I thought about my vocation - pastoring, about my family, and about reigniting my passion for running.

Then when I went out to buy a pair of Adidas Vanquish which served me faithfully for 3 years or so. Then I alternated with an Adidas Adizero Tempo. This was a great shoe!

The day I went to buy a Nike Free 7.0, I felt like a turncoat! Man! But, it was a comfy shoe to run in, and this serves me till now, even when the rubber treads have peeled off.

It's a long story of training and racing ... the short of it, is I bought into minimalism as a way of life. Blame Steve Jobs for some of that influence! But I got the point, and I saw the light!

That's how I gunned for Minimus. How's does it perform on the road, though it a trail shoe? All I can say, is beside the tap, tap sounds on the road, it gives a smooth ride. My knee problems are gone with this transition. But I've got to watch for the calf muscles!

Till the next time, happy running!