Exercise
We of course used to be very in shape. Now the only shape we are is round compared to when we got married. No surprise there really I think it happens to the best of us. But after six years of marriage we both finally felt that it wasn't only time to do something but we wanted to. So I started researching running a while back we gave it a go with a little program and failed at it pretty quickly. Mostly I think we got bored and the running was hurting my knee, which I have had problems with for a while. So after some more research I found out about barefoot running. I watched and read interviews/reviews for a little over month before getting my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers. Since I wasn't sure when I would get another pair I went with a pair of Sprints. After two tries I finally got the right size. I walked in them for about a month before running. I knew that my body needed some conditioning over all and time to get used the shoes. My feet were a little sore for the first few days but nothing to bad. The bad only came when it was time to start running. My calves are probably almost conditioned up after three months of running never over a mile and a half. The best part of all is my knee doesn't hurt at all after a run. Which is pretty amazing since running your typical way heel to toe I could hardly walk the next day my knee would hurt so much. So now not only are we running regularly but were running "barefoot." Will is even running a little on his real bare feet.
We have both gone full time VFF wearers so you pretty much will always see us with some funny shoes on. I had ordered a pair of blue camo KSOs but the strap started to fray so I sent them back. With inventory being so low I didn't have many options on another pair and I didn't want to wait till mid March for another pair in my size so I got a pair of Classics which I am loving.I did do one run in them and didn't like that at all. But for your everyday wear that are great and a lot easier to get on and off fast. I ended up ordering two pair to make sure I got the right size this time and I think Margaret thought a pair was for her. They don't have VFF right now for kids and I doubt they will. But I did find Margaret a pair of minimalist shoes they are also expensive at half the cost of a pair of VFF. But I was able to find a pair brand new on a forum for $7 shipped so that was without a doubt my deal of the week. They were not the color or size I would have picked paying full price. But then again I probably wouldn't have a pair at full price and both Will and I want to keep her feet in good shoes too. They are Preschoolians for anyone interested. We will have this pair for a while cause they are pretty big right now.
We have gave ourselves a little challenge. We both want a pair of Bikilas when they come out. They are the first pair of VFF designed for running. So in order to get a pair we both have to run five miles. Will has already done four so I don't think he is going to have much trouble. I think he is pushing to run his five totally barefoot. I on the other hand have a little ways to go. We are also planning on running all the local 5ks like we used to. A while back I picked up a jogging stroller at a garage sale for $10 bucks and its safe to say we have got our moneys worth. So we can shouldn't have any issues doing the runs with Margaret as long as she is in a good mood and has plenty of snacks. We have even talked a little here and there about doing a half marathon.
One other thing I want to point out about VFF is that before Will started wearing them he couldn't bend his toes at all. He really couldn't get them to move. He has been wearing his full time since November and he can not only move them but bend them a fair amount. So all the talk you hear about them strengthening tendons in your toes is true.