Making Progress...

I'm happy to say that some good initial progress has been made in the last month or so.  I'm running free and easy most runs and my HR is slowly settling enough to let me actually run for the most part.  Hills have still got me licked in the HR department though if I can continue to progress as I have I will be running hill soon too.  Looking at my run data I've dropped some 1.5 min/km, since my first MAF test.  OK still no blistering pace being made here but I have to admit the results show my initial fears of the program not working, were a little premature.  Needless to say I'm as happy as a foot out of a shoe.

I honestly think that this progress would not have been possible without the use of a HR monitor and altering my running form.  With the HR monitor now sussed I can focus on continuing to fine tune and develop my running form.  I've been reading a lot and getting a little confused with the amount of contradicting material out there on running.  Leading to limiting my exposure to bulk internet browsing and sticking to finishing one book at a time.  Well, two books at a time, I still have quite a bit of The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing to go and have already started ChiRunning.

I have finally got my hands on a pair of VFF TrekSport's and will write up a short review on them once I've put a few my K's on them.  Probably wont cover anything that hasn't already been covered in the million review already but hey, my turn!  ooo ooo ooo got Injinji socks too.

Progress Report #1

My running is progressing, though at a frustratingly slow rate.  I'm worried I am possibly overlooking something within the running program I have set for myself (training based around information from Phil Maffetone's The Big Book of Endurance Training and Racing).

The things I've changed thus far are;

• My diet, I know try to balance may fats, I've drastically reduced my carb and wheat intake and increased the amount green leaf vegetables, veggies, salads, nuts etc.  
• I'm keeping my HR as close as possible to my estimated MAF limit of 142bpm, for the body of my run/walks.  
• My runs/walks include a warm up and cool down of at least 15min, where I increase my HR slowly to around 140bpm. 
• I run barefoot whenever possible, unless it's wet (which seems to be everyday lately).  
• I concentrate on good form and breathing while running/walking (I do need to read more on both form and breathing techniques).   

During and after running I have noticed very minor to no pain in my feet, calves or legs.  This leads me to believe that I'm not running to far or too frequent and my form must be reasonably good.  Possibly I'm not running far enough or frequently enough to see early progress?  I plan to continue with what I'm doing till I either make progress or regress as per results from my MAF tests.  I will conduct another MAF this week, though at a shorter distance than my first due to the length of time it takes me to WALK 8 Km.   Feel free to comment on and discuss anything I have written here, I want and need to learn.

I hope to see some good results in the next couple of months as I would like to enter an Adventure Race towards the middle to later part of the year.  I have my eye on the...

ARA 18Hr Dark Side Championships

...I think though I have a long way to go before entering a race such as this and finishing it.  We need to have dreams and goals...this is mine!  

2011 Goals!

I ran out 2010 mostly barefoot thanks to Born to Run.  This year I would like to set some goals, nothing too dramatic but definitely something that will keep the heart rate ticking over and the legs moving.


My 2011 Gaols

1. Stick with the Maffetone program and continue to build a solid aerobic base
2. Run, train and maybe race injury free all year, whilst nearly or very barefoot 
3. Enter and finish at least 1 Adventure race
4. Enter and finish at least 1 organised Trail run or road run
5. Destroy my last 10K time, it was quiet a bad time even for me
6. Stay true to a healthy diet and remain focused

I have chosen these as goals to keep me in check and avoid over training while still having something to strive for.  I should be able to complete all these goals and continue to build a solid aerobic base at the same time.  The first and last aren't really goals but a way to keep me on the right track and injury free.  Barefoot and injury free speaks for itself, if you've read Born to Run.  I chose 3 because I have always had a fascination with Adventure racing and like the ideas of cross training to stay motivated.  4 because I love to compete and although I would only be racing my heart rate, competition events excite me.  Finally 5 because of the disappointment of my first and only attempt of the 10K.  I have no idea of what time I will be capable of this year (still trying to build my aerobic base) so a time anywhere between 50min and 40min would be acceptable, preferably closer to 40min. 

This all means I have to progress from my current power walking pace to actual running!!!  Lets hope 2011 is filled with quiet roads and long trails, best of luck to all.   Go bare and keep running.  

Vibram Five Fingers

Made an online order for my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers today, and pretty excited about it too.  I went the Trek Sport (pictured below c/o the Vibram Five Fingers Site) option as they offer my tender, new to running barefoot, feet a little more impact protection and grip than the KSO's.  Took me quite a few hours to find someone online who actually stocked what I was after in size, type and colour.  Lucky for me I have relatives in the States who can forward on stuff that I buy online over there.

Apparently they're my Christmas present so will have to wait till Christmas Day to check them out.  I will post a review for barefoot beginners as soon as I have put them through their paces, or should I say after they put me through my paces?  The internet probably doesn't need another review of VFF's but I'll put one up anyway in the name of saturation.

Coming along...

I have been for a couple of runs this last week.  I have been trying to keep my heart rate below 148bpm as a half arsed attempt to follow what I know of the Maffetone Method.  I have not read the book yet so just going off what little I've read on the internet.  Bloody hard to keep my HR that low and find myself walking a lot up hill.  Definitely looking at getting a HR monitor, soon.  All seems to be going pretty well though.

My first run turned out to be a bit over 9km, shoed for most of it but barefoot for about 2-3km, so probably over did it a bit.  Pulled up a little sore mostly muscular, but definitely could tell I had run barefoot.  Actually easier on the road than in the grass, didn't have to worry about those pesky prickles.

Second run was a little shorter probably around the 5-6km mark, with about 2-3km again barefoot.  Pulled up a little better this time, still a bit sore, again mostly muscular and general foot pain.  I'm sure thats normal....right?

Today was my third run, 2km pretty easy going, took about 13 and a half min.  Didn't check HR this time, too lazy.  HR definitely got over the 148bpm max but it felt so good.  Stood on a bloody small rock that bruised the bottom of my foot.  I'm sure it won't be the last one I stand on, just like I'm not sure if I will ever have feet hard enough to stop it happening again.  It was only a little rock but shit, that little blighter really bruised me good.  Iced my foot after the run to try and speed up recovery.  Already a little stiff and sore, probably accumulative soreness as I have done next to no running for quite some time.  My second toe in on both feet is sore too on just the pad though.  They are the last to leave the road along with my big toe I guess, so no wonder they hurt a little.



 

Chia

My first order of Chia seeds arrived today..."EXCITED"...  If you don't know what they are Google it and jump on the band wagon, like me.  

Made up a quick batch of Chia gel and put a spoon full into a couple of tubs of yogurt for myself and the young fella.  Have to say I really liked the new texture and the young fella didn't seem to mind a bit.  Pretty excited about this stuff and hope it lives up to expectations.

Going for a run this afternoon, never know might not be able to stop.  I have only just started running again after a good 2 year break from any kind of running, so chances are I won't notice a difference even if there is one.  Will dose up some more before my run and see what I see.

Cheers

Entry 1

The first ramblings for the blog...  It is late so I will make this short and sweet.

I read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and like many others probably, things for me started to change.  I decided that it was time I started running again, like I use to when I was a kid, barefoot!

I'll let you read the book and work out why, this blog is for myself and anyone else who's crazy enough to watch, to see how and track the progress of my latest obsession.

Lets see where my bare feet can take me!

http://www.highlytunedathletes.com.au/

Check it......no really....DO IT! http://highlytunedathletes.blogspot.com/ The blog spot has a lot of good reading and info on all things heart rate monitor. If you are in the market this place is definitely worth a look.