The Proof is in the Vibrams

Last night I exchanged some texts messages with Denwaldo about a possible run in the rain.  Although I was indecisive, I ultimately had convinced myself to do it.  Then the lightning started, my gusto diminished, and I ended up texting Denny that it wasn't going to happen.

Funny thing is though, soon after that text, the storm began to clear just enough where I ended up going for it!  I noticed that the rain had also slowed, still strong, but much lighter than earlier.  I slapped on the Vibrams and headed out.

It actually felt like quite an adventurous run.  I was already getting wet due to the rain, but there were tons of puddles (muddy ones at that) in my path.  It was an odd sensation to step through them unabashed, instead of trying to step around them.  Since I was trying to simulate an unconventional run, I knew what needed to happen. 

I also realized that my calves still weren't where they should be, particularly my right calve, so I knew it would not be a long distance run.  Total roundtrip mileage was just shy of 3 miles.

I present the following evidence of my adventurous outing:

My Assessment: The Vibrams felt great in the mud and rain.  I really think these are the running shoes I might wear on event day.  I say "might" because there are a few observations I need to address before I conclude with any certainty.  Specifically, my calf is the primary concern.  Before I blame the shoes for the calf pain, I need to disprove some other theories, such as:

• I am not working my calves in any serious way on my resistance gym days.  I need to step up the effort on that front.
• I have not been stretching my legs and calves everyday as I should be (and as required by my therapist).
• I am not warming up prior to my runs.  Starting to run cold may be a contributing factor.
• My long distance runs have all been outdoors.  There is something to be said for running on the treadmill for a few more weeks (months) before transitioning to outdoor running.  The hard concrete has a different effect on me than the treadmill does.  The only time I've had calf issues has been with my outdoor runs.  So far I'm batting 1000 indoors.

All in all, the run was great.  I enjoyed the cloudiness and coolness that the storm brought in.  Since it was late in the day, there wasn't that immediate heat and humidity caused by the reappearance of the sun.  My only hold up was the calf soreness (not pain really) which I'm going to address by working out the calves more, running only indoors for a while, stretching everyday, and warming up prior to running.  If I do this and I still have an issue, then the shoes will be the last possible explanation I can think of.

I honestly don't want to part with my shoes, but I am open to any possibility at this point.  In the past few years, with the succession of knee injuries, I've gotten use to accepting reality and this may just be another one I may have to come to terms with...but not yet.