June 16, 2011

Advice Needed!!

So, this weekend my husband and I decided to take our boys down to Salida to visit my sister/brother in-law.  They just moved into a new house, so we haven't been able to visit them recently because they've been crazy busy moving.  Our boys love their aunt and uncle, so they are super excited!  AND, we get to see our dog, Sidus, again!  They have been watching him for us since we're not able to have him in our apartment.

Anyways, this weekend just so happens to be the FIBARK festival (HERE) in Salida and they have some pretty fun events.  One of the events is a 10K trail run Sunday morning.  Here's what they say about it:
 Join us on the NEW trail run course utilizing the new Arkansas Hills trails that Salida Mountain Trails has been working so hard to build. This is a 10K course around and behind Tenderfoot Mountain that will put you to the test after a weekend of festivities.
It will put you to the test???  YIKES! So, what do you think I did??

I registered for it!  YIKES again!  Am I crazy?  I haven't really done any trail running recently, but it is something that I love to do.  In fact, I'd like to get more into it next year after IMAZ.

Anyways, here's where I need your advice!  I don't know what shoes to wear!  Basically, here are my options:

1.  Wear my VFF Bikilas.  I've run a little over 4miles on them and have been fine, so I don't think another 2 would be THAT big of a deal?  BUT, I know that overdoing it in minimalist shoes can be dangerous.

2.  Wear my Brooks ST4 racers.  Ummm...these things are racing flats and have no traction!  I don't think this is a great option because I don't really know what the terrain will be.  BUT, if it says it will "put us to the test" I'm assuming there's going to be some hills...with downhills...which makes not having any traction on my shoes very tricky!

3.  Wear the Merrell Pace Glove trail shoe I just got.  This would seem like the obvious choice because they are trail shoes, but here's the thing.  I have only run 3 miles in these shoes and my calves were KILLING me by the end!  My body is no where near being used to running in these shoes and I think wearing them could lead to some type of injury.

So, what would you do?  HELP!
      

19 comments:

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Can you run in the trail shoes again to test them out? I wouldnt pick the other options for trail, more chances of an injury in VVF and the ST4's

JC said...

I wish I could offer some shoe advice for you, but I have no idea. The trail race seems like fun though!

Teamarcia said...

This makes me nervous. I don't think I'd risk the first two options. After reading the Idiot's Guide to Barefoot RUnning I'm with BDD. Can you work with the Merrell's more?

Christi said...

I have to go with what BDD and Marcia said. I don't think I would risk running in the vibrams on the trail.

funderson said...

Hey! I had to restrain myself from shooting over and doing this race myself..too much Funderson traveling lately.. Anyway, whenever I waffle about shoes, I go with what I'm most comfortable with. I'm betting if it's your road shoes they will be just fine. I run on our trails all the time in road shoes...just take baby steps on the downhill and you'll be golden...have fun!!

CautiouslyAudacious said...

I'm leaning towards option 1. I agree with BDD as far as if you have to time to fit in some more training in the #3 trail shoes try that but I would make sure it was on hills. If not stick with #1.

Good Luck and have fun!

Tales of Roads & Trails said...

yeah, I would give it a GO with the trail shoe considering that the minimalist shoe is one in which you want to be comfortable enough to where you know you will handle the ground your in. Good luck!! sounds like fun

Unknown said...

eeeeek... I would be so worried about not having trail shoes on, but I totally understand why you wouldn't want to wear your trail shoes. Hum... I don't know what to tell you! :(

Ironman By Thirty said...

I'd go with the trail shoes. Like BDD said, can you run in them once tomorrow quickly to see how you manage first?

Julie said...

I've got no valuable insight for you...but I did want to say GO GET EM!

Michael said...

I say go for option 3 and just take it slow.

Emz said...

Ok I'm zero help but
I
Just
Wanna
Say...

You. Are. Awesome.

Austin said...

like you said, just be careful w the minimalist stuff...too far too fast hurst for days...though i do some vff's.
is there an option 4?

RunToTheFinish said...

ohh i am against the jump in mileage in barefoot shoes only because it would be awful to get injured...I like the idea of trying the trail shoes again

Jill said...

I don't think there's a lot of difference in support with the Vibrams vs the Gloves, they're very similar only one has toes and one doesn't :). I'd say the Gloves. But don't you have the PI Transition? A little more substance than the Glove or the Vibrams.

Jon said...

I would wear shoes if I was in your position.

AM! said...

Hi!
I don't have an idea/answer...but looking forward to seeing what you choose.

and yah, killer trail runs rock. I just did the Dipsea last wknd, and my legs are still sore-out of commission. I didn't do this race last year b/c I knew it would destroy my legs for my HIM training.

happy friday;-)

Alisa said...

I would vote against the racing flats since you don't know the terrain. I lean toward the VFF since I agree there isn't a huge deal between 4 and 6 miles however, have you worn them on a trail? I'd be afraid of rocks/branches etc.

If you've worn the VFF on a trail and been fine then I vote for those, if not, I guess the trail shoes and just be wary that you'll be sore the next day.

i Dunno!

Regina said...

I'm surprised you have calf issues with the trail shoe. I'd have thought you would with the VFF, I did and had to back off and start over..all is well now.

I would go with the trail shoes. Your calves should be pretty strong from the barefoot running. But what the hell do I know ;). Good luck!