Thinking that I could run like usual in my Vibram FiveFingers, after only doing a few miles previously, I did a seven mile, cross country run in them. The run was great but man did my calves ache the next day… and the next… and the next…
I didn’t run for a week almost.
But now I’m back running and am taking it a bit slower. After a couple of tester runs I’m back more seriously. Monday was 4 miles and yesterday was 5 miles. Today is my rest day and my calves feel a bit tight but generally pretty good. Tomorrow will be 7 miles, Friday 7 or 8 and then after another rest on Saturday I’m gearing up for a big 10 mile plus.
Obviously we’ll see how my calves do but that’s the plan.
I do feel like I need to eat a bit of humble pie regarding the FiveFingers. I was very bullish when I first got them. I did 3 miles straight off even though everyone said do less than that to start with as you need time to adjust.
I didn’t need time to adjust, I was born to wear these things! Well, perhaps I was but I’m 33 now and have 33 years of walking and running in ‘normal’ shoes to contend with.
So, my advice is: if you get a pair of Vibram FiveFingers (and I suggest you do), take it easy! If you think you’re different, you’re not!
Rehabilitating your calf muscles has caused some epic soreness in the Five Fingers running community, so you’re not alone. I know my calves locked up over and over again for weeks while adjusting to VFF style natural running.
Stick with it — it may take a lot longer than you’d expect to full adjust to VFFs, but you will get there!