Criminal Profiling Topic of the Day: (or not) The Verdict is In!

No, this post has nothing to do with criminal profiling or Casey Anthony. I just have to rave about my Vibram Bikila FiveFingers running shoes! They rock, they really rock! The first time I wore them, I wasn't so sure I was really going to like them, but the second time out, I was sold.

Here is why:

My first run in the Vibrams was very interesting. First thing I noticed, was I definitely could feel the ground; not in a bad way, but it was right there, not somewhere under a big thick sole. Then I tried to jog which is fairly impossible in Vibrams because you can't land on your heels. You are forced into a run, at least a slow run, which for me felt like I was moving in very, very slow motion, a weird sensation like running against the wind which there wasn't any of. Also, my calve muscles immediately hurt like heck. I realized then, that I never much used my leg muscles when I jogged; I kind of just lumped along.

So, forty minutes later, I had made it around the lake twice, slow running and walking. I knew I had done something useful since I had discovered my calf muscles but I wasn't too sure about that strange slow motion feel. I kind of preferred the regular way shoes felt but I had to admit I also like the freedom and the no socks, no rubbing toes, and no stress from coming down heavily with each step. I decided i would hold out on my verdict and see how things went.

I took a day off to recover (well, to walk again) and then I went back for Round Two. What an amazing second run! This time I actually ran and ran with the form of an African marathoner! My form completely changed from my normal jogging style. I was landing on the balls of my feet, my shoulders pushed back and chest was out. I could feel my calves again and my stomach muscles had to contract. I could hardly hear my feet hit the ground and when other runners came up behind me, I could hear them thump, thump, thumping along for a good while before they caught up to me.

Somewhere in the middle of racing along like a barefooted Kenyan (okay, this was just my second time and I wasn't really racing; but there were moments where I could see the light), I knew I was never putting a regular pair of running shoes on my feet again, at least not for this.

Vibrams may be the freakiest shoe you will ever wear, but your feet and your running style will thank you for it. I am hooked.

Criminal Profiler Pat Brown