Vibram Fivefingers - Help

[Bart Hodlik]

Originally Posted by Liam McKarry

Ok - maybe I should re-phrase the original question:

Is 1K of running with VFFs going to cause problems when I change shoes to complete the rest of the 5K?

I guess from the posts that the general opinion is that 1K is to far to begin with even if it did feel fine.

I'm going to vote with everyone else that has said take your time. You HAVE to build up to it.
When I first got my VFF's I think it took me a good month or two before I felt comfortable enough to do any long distance running in them. And it also depends on the type of surface you're going to be running on. A track is going to be far different than a street.

Originally Posted by Liam McKarry

Ok - maybe I should re-phrase the original question:

Is 1K of running with VFFs going to cause problems when I change shoes to complete the rest of the 5K?

I guess from the posts that the general opinion is that 1K is to far to begin with even if it did feel fine.

I don't think it is going to cause problems except be an inconvenience. When I run 5ks, I just wear running shoes. Next summer tho I will definitely work up to (using 400s and maybe 800s) running 5ks in them.

[Jerry Mobbs]

Originally Posted by George Mounce

Another thing everyone should be doing are the 6 foot drills, which you can find here (wfs): http://download228.mediafire.com/bsz...oot+Drills.pdf

Interesting article.

Thanks

[Michael Buzny]

Originally Posted by Gavin Steel

Liam...I too get this problem however it is nothing to do with the vibrams...

I have a pair of the classics and have yet to try running in them. I am only using them for met-con and weightlifting.

I usually run wearing a pair of high end saucony running shoes. After about a mile in to the run I feel my calves start to tighten up. If I continue it gets to the point where I can't run anymore and even walking is painful for the next few weeks, stairs in particular.

I've made enquiries into what causes it however all I get in response is I must have tight calves and to spend time stretching them every day.

I had a timed mile and a half run at work recently and only just managed it before the tell tale signs set in.

I am hoping that switching to the vibrams is going to help alleviate my problem.

You may want to look into the possibility, you have developed chronic extertional compartment syndrome. I developed it in my calves (which is where most people do), and it progressed to the point were I required corrective surgery. I don't have issues any more, but I have to make it a point to stretch my calves before and after running, and taking supplements like creatine, or NO2 products is a no go.

Here are a few links (wfs) on the subject
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chr...ndrome/DS00789
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/over...ompartment.htm
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/88014-overview
http://www.theacc.com/sports/c-track...061005aab.html

[Gavin Steel]

Originally Posted by Michael Buzny

You may want to look into the possibility, you have developed chronic extertional compartment syndrome. I developed it in my calves (which is where most people do), and it progressed to the point were I required corrective surgery. I don't have issues any more, but I have to make it a point to stretch my calves before and after running, and taking supplements like creatine, or NO2 products is a no go.

Here are a few links (wfs) on the subject
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chr...ndrome/DS00789
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/over...ompartment.htm
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/88014-overview
http://www.theacc.com/sports/c-track...061005aab.html

Thanks for the links Michael....this certainly makes more sense than just "tight calves"...My problem seems to have developed over time, as I used to be a decent runner. Now I avoid running unless absolutely necessary and despite warming up and stretching them off I still end up with what feels like intese cramps.

I think I'll make an appointment at my docs and see what he thinks as this is a problem I need to get sorted.

[George Mounce]

Originally Posted by Jerry Mobbs

Interesting article.

Thanks

You are very welcome, you can thank Dr G for informing me, and they have made the life of everyone I have passed it on to so far much better, not to mention my running, walking, and general movement has become much more stable.

[Tate Rivera]

Quick question George, do you have any recommendations those drills should be done? Is it a continuous thing, or is there a time when they will no longer be beneficial? Thanks.

Sorry for the hijack!

[David Vessey]

Partial hijack: any chance anyone has another link to that article? The link provided seems to be dead.