Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Born to Run... with no shoes

So, I was talking to a close friend {one that's older, so of course he is way wiser, right?} who pretty much seems to have life all figured out. No really, this guy is amazing. I'd explain but, I am lazy so you guys can just take my word for it. K, cool :)

ANYWAY. We were chatting it up and after many excited questions from on part and many patient/explanatory answers on his part {he's so cool, have I said that yet?!} he has me convinced to go out today and buy this book,


 


Of course, I would get pink ones.

Let me rewind a bit.. Serious time guys.
For those of you that don't know, I ran a marathon in November 2009. It was by far one of the proudest moments of my life completing 26.2 miles. Of course, for the simple fact of completing that task but also because not too long before that, I was in a car accident that took the life of someone so very dear to me and it nearly took my own as well. As I lay in the hospital bed, the doctors proceeded to tell me that they weren't sure if running would ever be in my future again. At that point, I couldn't help but think my world, my life, my everything was over. A few years down the road, and with the help of my beyond amazing family and friends, I competed and finished one of the hardest physical tasks imaginable {to me anyway}


Did I mention I have the best family and friends ever? 
Here is your proof. They all traveled from near and far to watch me compete. 
This is what love looks like. I am so blessed. 
Ok... BACK to the original point of the post {I have to have ADD or something, I swear}. I still suffer from pain in my foot that was hurt in the accident and my back as well. Maybe this no-running-shoes thing will actually work! Hey, what do I have to lose?! 

What are your guys thoughts?! Anyone ever tried the "no shoes while running" theory, had a pair of vibrams before, or had a friend that did? 
Please, share with me your knowledge :) 

21 comments:

Shay said...

This post just proves even more how terrific you are- so sorry you had to go through all of that but a marathon? AMAZING! I did a half and will not be doing a full...ever haha! My BIL and some of my friends have these shoes and SWEAR by them. I have read a lot of hype about them and am a sucker so I totally believe it;-) ha. Really though, the theory behind them, I think, is pretty legit! Good luck!

amanda said...

I'm not a runner by any means, but it's so encouraging to hear your story about the marathon!!

Anonymous said...

I've read the book and I own an a pair of Vibrams and I love both!!

If you do go with the Vibrams I would definitely recommend starting out slow in them. I made the mistake of trying to start off at 3 miles in mine (on the treadmill) and the balls of foot were blistered terribly. I also had incredibly sore calves the next day - I guess because the Vibrams make you use muscles that you normally don't use with regular running shoes. So, I've taken to wearing them in everyday life and slowly working up my mileage running with them!!

Good luck and congrats on the marathon!! Your story is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes <3

-Stephanie.

Valerie said...

oh, my dear sam. thank you for writing this - i'm reminded again why you are awesome and why i love that we're friends!

my half-marathon buddy rachel h. actually read born to run also, and then did a lot of barefoot running herself! even in the winter. she's tough.

Amanda Moury said...

I have zip knowledge on running/running shoes/and marathons. However, those photos of you finishing the race, serisouly brought tears to my eyes. You can see EVERY emotion on your face. You are a STRONG woman. Holy cow! You make me want to run my heart out - and I detest running. Keep on keeping on my friend, you are so awesome.

lindsay said...

good morning friend ♥ i remember when we talked on the phone about your marathon and how you thought you might never be able to run...i shared this story with matthew not too long after and told him and said "if she can do it i can...no excuses"

you are such an inspiration inside and out and i thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such an amazing friend.

thank you for sharing your story and reminding us how special this life we have really is and to never take one second for granted.

on a side note (well sort of) i have never tried running without shoes, but i am kind of interested...i've heard great things about it and have read many great comments on those shoes.

let me know what you think if you try these babies out :)

i love you sam!

xoxo
lindsay

la petite lydia said...

This post is truly inspirational! That is amazing about completing the marathon.

Suze said...

Girl you got perserverence ;) congrats on completing the marathon! let me know how those shoes work out for you :))

BlackPearl said...

This is amazing post! You are so inspiring!

Unknown said...

Cute shoes! Cheering you on from South Georgia! xoxo

Jessica said...

My brother in law has those shoes and LOVES them. Wears nothing else while working out now. :D

Unknown said...

Sam, your story makes me love you and your blog even more. I lost someone dear to me in car accident in 2004. I have moved on with my life, but not a day goes by that I don't think about it. Congrats on running the marathon! It is an awesome accomplishment! Too bad you don't live closer to me- I think we could be great freinds!!

Leslie said...

You're such an inspiration! I would never be able to run a marathon.. it's one of the hardest physical tasks in my book! I don't know anyone with vibrams.. but I see people wearing them around campus and have heard they're great!

Megan said...

Wow...I am truly inspired after reading this! : ) I'm so glad that you were able to complete your marathon. I love the pictures!

I have never tried Vibrams, but I've heard a lot of good stuff about them!

Amy said...

I saw some of these babies today! They are so neat! And I know someone who wears & loves them. Thats the only thing she and her husband wear and they're both avid runners. You are so lucky to have such a great support system. I've been a little bloggy MIA lately, and I'm so glad I've had the time to stop back by. I've missed your blog so much!
Hope all is well & the new year is treating your right!
Love love love!

Hello Again Vintage said...

Your story's truly inspiring. It's wonderful to hear that you were able to get through those hurdles in life. :) I'm so very proud of you!

Nuha said...

Sam, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are incredible and I'm sure it made him so proud to have you run that Marathon. Thank you for sharing, sometimes we need to see other peoples struggles to be thankful for our own.
xoxo

-Mallori said...

Hey Sam!

I have a couple friends at school who are more die-hard runners than I am for sure! They have those shoes, and they say once you break them in, they are AMAZING to run in! From what I understand, the shoes help you with any running imperfections you may have.

Just be careful about how far your first couple of distances are...They are definitely shoes you need to break in. My friend Colleen ran 3 miles in them her first time and had blisters all over her feet.

Good luck with the new shoes if you get them! And as always, thanks for the encouraging comments on my site!

Jenni Austria Germany said...

my ex-boyfriend swore by those shoes! had had broken his foot before playing soccer....i thought his were ugly but i like the pink ones :)

Rachel said...

i've never tried those shoes before, but i have a pair of nikes that are suppose to feel like you're running barefoot - and they are awesome!! they really feel like you're running on air. i forgot what they're called, though... congrats on your marathon! that is so awesome and truly inspiring :)

Brooke T said...

wow this is amazing!! I have no idea why I haven't been here in forever :( Thank you for your sweet words Sam!!