Running in Vibrams page

[BoldAsLove]

Hey all,

So I'm doing a Tough Mudder in 8 weeks and am starting to train in earnest. At a TM in September my sneakers were so waterlogged and clumsy by mile 10 it was actually dangerous (the last 2 miles I felt a constant threat of losing my balance in the mud and turning an ankle). So, my goal for this Mudder is to run in Vibrams. I've walked/hiked long distances in them, but am new to running.

Anyone have any tips on how to work my way into running 10+ miles in the vibrams by April? Yesterday, I walked .8 miles to the gym (and .8 back) and ran a mile on the treadmill in them. I feel fine. How quickly can I go up each week (.5 miles for the next few, then 1 mile)? Is there a certain point (say, 5 miles) where the gradual approach no longer has a benefit? Also, is it safe to do HITT in vibrams - I alternate 90s at a 6.0 jog, 60s at a 9.5-10.0 sprint.

Any input appreciated!

- BAL

[primalrob]

if you're on a treadmill, the HIIT will be fine, and i would aim for adding 1/2mile each week. if you can get outside, however, that will be much better. a treadmill isn't going to prepare you for a tough mudder; you need to go off road. his some trails and hills, hike a bunch, etc.
i would recommend staying off the street for those distances in vibrams. maybe it's just my form, but i feel like i wear out my soles quicker on roads and sidewalks.

[MissJecka]

a treadmill isn't going to prepare you for a tough mudder; you need to go off road. his some trails and hills, hike a bunch, etc.

Agreed.

However, if the OP is in a winter climate right now, running outside in Vibrams probably isn't a possibility at the moment.

If you must run on a treadmill, make sure the incline is set to at least 1%. If there is a program on the treadmill for "hills" or "intervals", do it.

I'm doing a Tough Mudder in June and was thinking about investing in Vibrams becuase when I did another shorter mud race a couple of years ago, my sneakers were incredibly water-logged and even though it was only a 5k distance, it was very uncomfortable! I can only imagine how it'd feel after 10-13 miles! But... I am hesitant to buy $100 Vibrams just to ruin them with the mud.

[BoldAsLove]

Thanks for the input. It is still pretty cold here (DC) and the rubber soles mean my feet FREEZE in Vibrams. Hopefully it will warm up soon though.

MissJecka, I got both my pairs of Vibrams for $50, check around for sales, often you'll find them for less popular colors. I figure, if I already look like a weirdo in five-finger shoes, who cares if they are purple? Also, from what I hear you can throw them in the wash and salvage them after the race.

Also, I always put a 1.0 incline when I run on a treadmill. But I'll try to start mixing it up.

[BoldAsLove]

MissJecka ... looks like REI has KSOs for ~$50. Vibram FiveFingers KSO Multisport Shoes - Women's - 2011 Overstock at REI-OUTLET.com

[MissJecka]

MissJecka ... looks like REI has KSOs for ~$50. Vibram FiveFingers KSO Multisport Shoes - Women's - 2011 Overstock at REI-OUTLET.com

Nice, but those have barely any tread! I've read a lot online about folks using Vibrams during Tough Mudders and they slip-slide around because of the lack of tread. The KSO Trek looks better, as they have more texture and treading on the soles, but they're $80.

The ones I've heard are the best are the Spyridon because they're made for trail-running - better tread and thicker sole so you can't feel rocks and roots: Vibram FiveFingers - Trail Running Minimalist Shoes for Men – SPYRIDON LS | Vibram FiveFingers

[BoldAsLove]

Nice, but those have barely any tread! I've read a lot online about folks using Vibrams during Tough Mudders and they slip-slide around because of the lack of tread. The KSO Trek looks better, as they have more texture and treading on the soles, but they're $80.

The ones I've heard are the best are the Spyridon because they're made for trail-running - better tread and thicker sole so you can't feel rocks and roots: Vibram FiveFingers - Trail Running Minimalist Shoes for Men – SPYRIDON LS | Vibram FiveFingers

Interesting, I hadn't thought that my KSOs might now have enough tred for the TM. I just purchased some new spyridons on Ebay for $60. Thanks!

[MissJecka]

Interesting, I hadn't thought that my KSOs might now have enough tred for the TM. I just purchased some new spyridons on Ebay for $60. Thanks!

Nice! I may check on Ebay for a good deal!

[Mama~Mare]

I did the warrior dash (no where near as long as the TM) in my 5 fingers. For the most part they were great especially in the water. Very slippery on the mud and wet grass which slowed me down quite a bit. I also nailed a rock just right with my heel and had one hell of a bruise for about 2 months that hurt like a MF.

For the time being I've retired them for gym use only...............they do come squeaky clean in the wash

On a separate mud run I used a pair of old tennies that were mostly mesh and they did just fine in the water and I was quite appreciative of the tread on the mud and slick grass