Brett bought me a very inspired birthday present and it arrived yesterday... a pair of huaraches, straight from the fair hands of Barefoot Ted in Seattle. So this evening we headed up into Richmond Park to try them out.
It was a stunning autumn evening - it had been a clear blue sky day so the evening light was lovely and warm, shining through the autumn trees and bouncing off the turning leaves. There were also several bonfires burning - that and the chill in the air definitely made my body realise that fireworks season is almost upon us!
Anyway, onto the shoes... they were great. Fantastic barefoot feel, surprisingly comfortable and I didn't get little stones caught in them like you do with normal sandals. I need to do a bit of experimenting with tying and knots but, as it was, I didn't need to stop and adjust them at all during the 5 mile run. Probably won't go out and run a marathon in them tomorrow but it might be a good aim to build towards that... I've learned from past experience (Vibram Fiver Fingers last year) that I mustn't get too excited and build things too quickly - a month out with calf and ankle problems was the result. So I will continue lots of calf stretching and ankle strengthening exercises (one leg squats on the TRX and ankle raises) and build things slowly...
It was dark by the time we finished our run and there was a huge harvest moon bobbing over the park - perfect end to the working week. Let's hope things are looking as beautiful tomorrow morning when we head out for our long run...
