Altra Instinct Review.

I've had my eye on this new offering from Altra for some time now, and was delighted when they finally became available in April.  I was eyeballing this particular shoe for its minimalist qualities, slight cushioning and traditional appearance. The folks at Altra seem to have spent unusual amounts of time studying the barefoot market, listening and learning, and the Instinct is an excellent opening salvo for what many hope will be the first in a lineup of great minimalist offerings.

Along with the Instinct (primarily for road running), Altra is also introducing the Adam, designed especially for barefooters and minimalists; those who prefer something more akin to the Vibram Five Fingers, yet without the attention-grabbing "toes". I've only run in the Instincts four times so far, so this review is my experience after just a couple of long runs, some interval training and a few sprints, exclusively on the road. So let's get with it.

Appearance:  Right out of the box, this shoe should satisfy those seeking a more traditional, less flamboyant running shoe.  Arguably boring, the Instinct is clearly designed to be functional, not flashy.  There are no color choices (at least not now), so what you see is what you get. If your goal is simply to get out there and run without the stares, this is right up your alley.

Feel & Fit:  Immediately upon lacing up the Instincts, you begin to realize just how well these shoes are made. A cursory review of the exterior reveals solid construction at every seam, superior materials in all the right spots. The toe box supplies more than enough room to allow your toes to splay.  In fact, I tested the toe box while running and was able to wiggle my toes freely without touching any part of the box. Sizing note here: I went with my standard shoe size and have found it to be just fine.

The interior of the shoe is equally crafted with an eye to the natural runner/barefooter.  While the Instinct comes with two different inserts (one with a slight arch support and one that is just plain flat), the shoe is designed to be worn without insoles all together, if you wish.  This is how I prefer them.  Being a huge fan and user of Vibram shoes, I like getting as close to the ground as possible.  To be clear, however, the Instinct allows nowhere near the ground feel of Vibram FF.  But in Altra's defense, I don't believe the shoe is intended to compete head to head with Vibram.  Rather, I see the Instinct as more of a transitional shoe for those just getting started with minimalist running, or for those already well on their way who prefer a slight bit of cushioning for road running.

Cushioning:  Although the shoe is definitely Zero Drop, there is a solid bed of cushion from toe to heel.  For some purists, this will be unacceptable.  But for those who prefer (or need) a slightly softer ride, the Instinct will fit the bill nicely.  I recently put about an hour of hard road running on them and was pleasantly surprised to find my feet relatively rested within a short period.  If your running is primarily limited to the street (as mine is), the Instinct will not disappoint.

On The Road: As I suspected, the Instincts were very comfortable. I was concerned, after wearing Vibram exclusively for the past two years, that any new shoe was going to take some getting used to.  I prefer to run sockless, so I expected to get a few blisters or hot spots the first few times out.  To my surprise, such was not the case. I did get a slight rubbing on my right achilles when walking, but that soon went away.  I believe as I break in the shoes they will become even more comfortable and flexible.  Compared to Vibramm FF, they are a bit stiff, as you might imagine.

For those who have made the switch to minimalist running (or thinking about it), the Altra Instinct is definitely worth checking out. While not a shoe that feels anything near the Vibram FF, it is a great transition shoe to begin the journey from "heavy heel strike" to Zero Drop.

Hannah's Spring Recital.

Ethan's Spring Recital.

Good Running Form.

Two years ago I joined the ranks of Minimalist runners.  At the time, I was not at all sure how long I'd be among the ranks, but I was intent on delving into this movement with both feet.  Fortunately, I started with some of the best Minimalist shoes out there: The Vibram KSO.  Other runners may start with something more transitional, like the New Balance Minimus, Nike Free or Merrell Trail Glove, but I did not.  Consequently, my changeover to a more natural running style was easy and a bit quicker. When it comes to overhauling your entire running form, however, slower is definitely better.  I could have easily sustained an injury because of my zeal.  Mercifully, I did not. Since that day, it's been a journey of learning, implementing and learning some more.  Each and every day I come across articles and stories from folks who are making the move to minimalist or barefoot running, and I try to heed each piece of advice or wisdom shared. Runners are not overtly unique. While some are indeed set apart in both athletic ability and mental toughness, most are people just like you and me, who want to run better.  More efficiently.  Without pain. 

Among the many training videos I've watched over the past year, there are two which explain as clearly as anything I've seen the basic steps to attaining better running form.  It involves primarily three areas:  1) Posture, 2) Mid-foot strike, and 3) Cadence.  But rather than trying to explain each in detail, simply watch the videos. They are short.  Indeed, there is no need for extensive prose on the subject.  A quick explanation of running form is necessary, but to see it demonstrated makes the point outright. 

Take a look at this website and click on the short video in the left sidebar.  And take a look at this one, too.  Running properly is not rocket science, so for some, this video may be uninspiring and obvious.  But to others (like it was for me), this could be a most illuminating instruction on the matter; a welcome wake-up call and the beginning of a renewed passion for running.

Happy Trails.

Birth of a Minimalist.

It began a couple of years ago. I had the urge to start running again. 

Over the years, running has always been something I enjoyed but rarely stayed committed to. The monotony of it all...the injuries that would follow; it was too much to keep with. The routine (and the lack of results) just didn't motivate me enough to continue the day-in-and-day-out pounding. For one reason or another, I would fall off the running bandwagon, only to try it again at a later time with little change.

During my running tenure, I have worn countless shoes from just about every company.  Nike Air Huaraches, Saucony Shadows, the Asics Gel Nimbus... these are just a few of the brands I laced up over the years.  Some of these were my favorites at the time, giving me months of enjoyable running (well, enjoyable may be too strong of a word).  But none of these models could ultimately spare me from the eventual injury that would sideline me for days or sometimes weeks. 

In all candor, many of my injuries were most likely caused by user error; not stretching enough, increasing mileage too quickly, no measurable goals, bad running form, etc.  So I am NOT blaming the shoes; at least not directly.  It's on this point -- bad running form -- that I want to dwell for a bit.  Because all things being equal (and I know they're not), the shoe itself can only do so much.  It can cushion, it can stabilize, it can protect, it can minimize. But it can not make up for poor running form.  No shoe -- no matter how expensive or loaded with whiz-bang technology -- can overcome the strains put on a body from poor running form (or being slightly overweight).  Worse, shoes can actually hide issues or inherent weaknesses.   Shoe company catchy slogans and marketing fluff will never change that.

Two years ago I caught a glimpse of something that held out hope of transforming my running, and my enjoyment of it.  It was a concept called Minimalist running; also called Barefoot running.  There is a distinct difference, to be sure, but more on that at a later date.  For me, it was simply a revolutionary concept that held out the prospect that running could once again be a joy; a painless joy.

So I started.  As I do with many things, I researched a great deal before tossing out my running shoes and hitting the pavement unshod.  I read reviews, articles; anything I could find to help me understand this new (to me) way of running.  It sounded intriguing.  And if I could experience even half the benefits of this running technique, I was in.  I was at least going to give it a try.  So I started by purchasing my first pair of Vibram KSO Five Fingers, and with little or no prep, out the door I went.

It took me a while to change my running form, but it was not awkward.  In fact, it was comfortable; I found movement and momentum more natural and freeing.  In essence, over the weeks that followed, I had rediscovered running.  Or more likely, for the first time. Yes, a "barefooter" was born. 

The experiment is now almost two years old.  To date, no significant injuries, aches or strains. Will it last? Time will tell, but I am enjoying stronger legs, calves, feet and ankles.  And that can only help my running.

So what is good running form?

Stay tuned.

Battle Creek Park.

Mall of America.

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

We had another beautiful weather day today.  So we took full advantage of it by spending a great deal of time outdoors at the local zoo.  Here are a few images of the day...

North To Minnesota.

After two full days of driving, we finally arrived.  The first thing to hit us was the temperature change.  Down in Houston it may be in the 70s and 80s, but up here they're still finishing up winter.  The kids have really never seen snow before, so the first order of business was to try to find some.  It did not prove difficult, as there were many places where snow remains on the ground from the most recent snowfall.  We are here visiting dear friends and have several adventures planned for the week.  Stay tuned for more!

Early Spring.

When He Comes In The Clouds.

When I took this picture I immediately imagined that this is what it might look like when Christ comes in the clouds; or when the trumpet sounds from heaven.  In truth, they were both merely watching bubbles.  But I still enjoy the look of wonder on Ellie's face.

Declaration of Dependence.

Most of the anxiety in our lives (and I would argue all of it) is due to things that are completely beyond our control.  Think about it -- our health, our wealth, our job security, our personal security, our friends, our future, our kids' future, etc. You name it. There is nothing you can lose sleep over that cannot be ripped from you (or tremendously altered) at a moment's notice.

So what is our response? Pull the covers over our head in despair? For many, that's exactly the response -- or worse. But not for us. We have hope. I sleep better at night, even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty, when I remember this truth.

What are you depending on?

New Vibram Bikila LS Review.

(Updated toward the end of this post)

They arrived in the mail yesterday.  I eagerly anticipated my morning run to see how they would feel.  I'm already a fan of the Vibram KSO and previous version of the Bikila, but was looking forward to the subtle improvements of the newest offering.  Namely, the Lacing System.

My first concern was the overall sizing.  Would this model be consistent with previous models (Vibram sizing is very precise; even the smallest mistake can make the shoe unwearable)?  But as suspected, the sizing was spot on.  With the lacing system, the shoe slips on much easier now, able to accommodate a wide variety of foot widths.  In addition, the snugness of the fit can be controlled by a simple tightening or loosening of the speed laces.

 

All in all, I'm very pleased.  My run was comfortable, as always.  And the shoes were not near as tight as with previous versions.  Very comfortable, and very slick. 

Updated 5/15/2011

I've been wearing the Bikila now for three months and continue to be extremely pleased with them.  They are as comfortable now as they were on day one, with very little sign of wear and tear (nothing more than what you might expect from the high impact areas on the shoe).  My primary use for these shoes is road running; very little trail work. Judging from the wear so far, I would estimate I have another four to six months in these Vibrams before needing to replace.  Compared to your average running shoe, that's a heck of a deal.  If you are looking to go minimal, the Vibram Bikila is an excellent choice for function and comfort. 

In Praise of Netbooks.

I love netbooks. 
Small. Portable. Lightweight. Inexpensive.

I've owned two netbooks over the past year. One I purchased for the sole use of taking overseas to China (I sold it when I returned to the states). The other, more recently, was to replace a home laptop that seems to be lumbering to a slow death, although it's only two years old.  I've grown weary of PCs that don't seem to last very long before initiating their breakdown sequence of stalls, crashes, lengthy responses and overall lackluster behavior (issues I don't seem to encounter with my Mac Mini ). 

Getting used to the smaller workspace and screen size is about the only adjustment I had to make, but once accustomed to it I had no complaints.  In fact, it's been downright fun to work on these undersized overachievers.  My particular model is the Toshiba NB505, although my original choice was the Acer Aspire 532h. Availability was the issue, as it's hard to find a decent selection of netbooks in retail outlets. Online is the way to go, if you don't mind buying without touching first.

Bottom line, I'm tired of plopping down $1000+ for a decent laptop or desktop, only to have it perform admirably for a couple of years and then quit.  Even if these netbooks prove to be no more reliable than their more expensive and larger brethren, at least it will only set be back a few hundred.

Budget concerns?  Give netbooks a try.

Embracing Uncertainty.

Life = Uncertainty.  There are no two ways around it.  We may think we have things figured out; how the future will unfold; a firm grasp on all the plans we've made.  But in the end we know nothing.  We have no idea of what any day may bring forth, or what seemingly insignificant circumstance will arise to change our plans and goals forever.  This reality will either crush us and cause great anguish, or drive us to relinquish control. When such vagaries rise up and slap us in the face we have but two choices:  Run from them or embrace them.  Running works for a while, but ultimately there is no escaping the "fog" of life. There is no growth and no maturing without difficulty. We gain wisdom by walking through adversity, not seeking to avoid it -- even when we don't see the next step clearly. Each action we take will teach us and train us to move forward amidst doubt. 

I read a great book recently which challenged me to remember that life is a labyrinth of decisions and responses. We cannot idle, waiting for what we think might be the best answer. We simply need to make a decision and move forward.

Going Against the Grain. And the Pain.

I have been running in Vibram KSOs for a little over a year and a half now with excellent results.  No significant foot, ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain.  Granted, I don't run very far and I limit myself to three or four days a week max.  My goal in this coming year, I hope, is to increase both my mileage and frequency.  Either of these goals have proven problematic in past years, primarily due to the various pains mentioned above.  But I have discovered that I can, in fact, run relatively pain free on a regular basis.

Just this morning I ventured out into a dark, cold 26-degree morning.  Now you northern folks may think 26 degrees is a spring day, but to this native Houstonian it's nothing less than an arctic blast. I've been eager to break in (although they don't need it) my newest pair of Vibram running shoes -- the Bikila.  A run under such conditions would normally cause me to stiffen or cramp up at the very least, or bring on a tightening of ligaments and muscles leading to shin splints or any number of joint pains.  But to my continued delight, I not only felt great but enjoyed my run.  The Bikila model performed flawlessly (as I suspected).  It's more than just the shoe, however.  It's the move to minimalist running that has transformed my running form this past year and caused my lower legs and feet to strengthen, enabling fewer pains and injuries. 

Tired of running in pain?  Look into minimalist or barefoot running.  You may find it odd at first, but it could very well be a solution to at least some of your running pains.  I'm excited to see a whole host of companies coming out with their own particular brands of minimalist running shoes in response to brisk demand, brought on most assuredly by happy runners. Did I just use the word "happy" and "runner" in the same sentence?   

Retrain your mind.  Think outside the running box.  Try something new.  And have fun.

Memories of Christmas 2010.