Josh and the Spartan Race
Friday, May 13th, 2011A couple weeks ago, VFF’er Josh, shared photos from the Spartan Race in Miami with me. It seemed to me that he had a great story to tell about the race and his Five Fingers experience, so I invited him to share with us:
So six months and forty pounds ago, I decided to give myself a lifestyle change. I started running and eating right. One of my old friends was asking me if I had ever heard of barefoot running. He convinced me that I should start changing my running style. I did, but I took my sweet time getting rid of the “bricks” on my feet. Back in January I dropped a hint on Facebook that I wanted to run the Warrior Dash. It was only three miles with a few obstacles thrown in. For my birthday, my wife surprised me by registering me for the Super Spartan Race (8 miles, non-refundable).
So, with the money spent I decided to start training for this race. About a month before the race I finally spent the money on the best investment I have ever made in running. I bought a pair of Vibram Five Finger Bikila LS’s. And I slowly started making my way back up to the pre-barefoot distance. About a week before the race I was ready to run the race in the Vibram’s.
The day of the race I was a little nervous about running through a state park and obstacle course in Vibram’s. It was my first race, which surely didn’t help. As the race started through a sidewalk and a small dirt trail I was optimistic about the race. As it turns out, that was nearly the only smooth surface I would encounter. I ran on paths made almost entirely of rocks (not gravel). I ran on gravel before, but these little stones were a little rough in comparison. My feet were getting sore in the first 2 miles. Then we entered the woods. It was mile after mile of the same jagged rocks, dirt, and exposed tree roots. After tiring out over nonstop vertical terrain I stopped picking my knees up as much as should have. I didn’t realize that until I had jammed my toes on both feet twice.
The obstacles that required traction (climbing ANY surface) were easier thanks to the Vibram’s. While several traditional running shoes let their wearer down (typically down to their knees in rocks), I never lost my footing on the run or obstacles. Chainlink fences, ropes, rocks, logs, concrete, wood, sand, mud, or anything else they could throw at me fell to my mighty Vibram’s. I am glad I wore them.
Although, having the passing conversation with a quarter of the racers I encountered was getting a little repetitive.
before the muddy madness
after the muddy madness
He looks way too happy, covered in all of that mud!
Thanks, Josh, for sharing your story and experience with all of us. Congratulations on your first race; keep up the good work. Long live VFF!
If you’re interested in participating in a Spartan Race near you, visit spartanrace.com. Events are hosted all across the US, but also in Canada and the UK.
