April 2010

[Sweder]

Ended up taking the Vibrams for a spin in the sun. I guess it's a bit like taking your motorcycle out in the good weather, or at least that's how it feels to me to run barefoot (or as near as dammit). Despite the relentless baking sun (yes, I did write that, in England, in April) and the dusty dry appearance of the downs I could still feel the earth yield beneath my lighter-than-usual tread and the delicious kiss of soft grass between my FiveFingered toes.

In truth this was quite a scamper. Five hot and hilly miles in 44 minutes is not bad considering the extreme vigilance required to avoid landing on sharp flint or skidding in the occasional bovine (or canine) deposits. At one stage on the homeward plunge I performed the fastest twinkle-toed routine seen in these parts, skipping nervously accross a particularly parched, stony section. A rapid glance at the Garmin told me I was moving faster than my Almeria half pace. Fast and fancy footwork indeed. With my eyes glued to the ground I felt like a (rather large and heavy) bird of prey, swooping low across the terrain in full reconnaissance mode. A shadow across the sun caused me to look up, and stone me if there wasn't an impressive aviator of that ilk hovering above the field beside me. From the baja-brown mantle across it's shoulders I took it to be a kestrel, though it seemed on the large side for that make & model.

I survived the course without mishap, breathless and pleased with my invigorating morning dash. Following a visit to the Vibram stand at the Virgin London Marathon Expo this week I'm planning to invest in the new FiveFingers KSO Treks, although at GBP 164 for a pair it may be some time before I part with the readies. Possibly when I head for the US in June for CWD Friends for Life. They retail at US$ 125 a pair there - bloody rip-off Britain. Until then I'll battle on with my thin-soled KSO regulars. KSO? Keep Stuff Out, I'm reliably informed. I must say I love running in them.