First Road run in Vibrams

knox2613 · Jan 21, 2017

It's not much, but I just ran my first 1.6 miles on the road in my Vibram 5 fingers. My time was a measly 16 min.

My goal is to run a 5 K this spring. As a former sprinter, I have never run a sustained 3 miles in my entire life. My muscles are fast twitch, so this is very different for me. At 48, this old body WANTS to move like it did when I was 17. That just isn't happening.

I am just glad I survived...

Makamaespm · Jan 21, 2017

Don't downplay your pace. you're still going faster than the guy sitting on a couch. I'm not fast at all, so when I transitioned and my mile was your 1.6, I was sad-panda at first but then realized that it gave me an opportunity to enjoy my time on the road and run for me.

Lorri · Jan 22, 2017

6 mph is a perfectly good speed, especially for a beginner, nothing wrong with that at all. I run at 6.55 mph and i'm perfectly happy with that as that will give me a 4 hour marathon time.

My view is that 6.55 mph will give me all the health benefits of running while at the same time it is gentle enough to not wreck my joints etc., which is a big concern as one gets older - i'm 52 and want to be doing this for at least another 40 years so longevity is important to me.

Tristan · Jan 22, 2017

Well you're about half way to the 5k, shouldn't be a problem to be ready, good luck! Remember not to increase too much at first.

I wouldn't even worry about your pace for a while, in fact you might want to look into the maffetone method if you're just starting out and have plans to build endurance and go for longer distances especially. It's about taking it slow at first and building an aerobic base. Even if you don't follow it strictly it has some good info.

I know the feeling you want to do good in your race, but one nice thing about taking it easy at your first race is you can feel even better when you do it a second time and do even better. Don't set your bar too high the first time.

I can run sub 20 minute 5ks but most (or all) of my runs in the last month or two have been around 9 to 10 minute average pace. Don't sweat it too much.

knox2613 · Jan 22, 2017

Thanks so much for the encouragement everyone! I sincerely appreciate it and will take it to heart and not worry too much about my speed.

Never heard of the Maffetone method, but I will check it out now.

Kyrrinstoch · Jan 23, 2017

Tristan said:
I wouldn't even worry about your pace for a while...

I completely agree. Don't worry about how long it takes you to go whatever distance you're trying for - just get out, go, ignore the stopwatch and just enjoy the run. Your distance and pace will improve on their own.

dharmadan · Feb 1, 2017

This may be anecdotal, as I've only seen this on the 'net (a mentor's newsletter), but he states, and I do believe, one can run 3x daily distance on race day, without walking.

A votre sante. D.