TNF 30km progessive run

TNF organised the 3rd series of the progressive run clinics on 26 Sept. Started at Rifle Range Car Park at 8am. The turnout was large and met a couple of my running friends. It was good to see my buddy, Kah Shin back from Swiss. We were to tag along with Jeanette. We got ourselves in the 3rd group and started our way twds Bukit Timah Summit.

I was in Vibram KSO and i had a couple of friends enquiring about the sandals. Like the previous 15km run, i started slow and steady in the KSO. Grip was there while i was going up the summit. Time to test it downhill in the trail. I was surprised that the KSO was able to hold on the rocks / gravels while going downhill. I did not slow down specifically even though i was in KSO. KSO passed my assessment in downhill.

Next was to see how well i am able to cope 30km in KSO. By the time i hit 20km mark, my calves were feeling and my achilles were feeling tight. I knew my barefoot training has not reached its form yet. I was seeing how far i can go. Can i complete the full 30km in KSO? I was glad to see Christian at the northern route of Macritchie. He walked with me a while and we chatted.  Next i saw Kenneth and Laura. They were the "sweepers" for the 20km run.

We hit the Rifle Range Link Road (Near ST Engineering) and i was glad that i had a few kms left with the last durian loop. Finished the run in 3:33hrs with Vibram KSO.

Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc

Two of my favourite shots at the recent Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, with my buddies. We will be sharing with our friends and families on our recent experiences at Steven's place tomorrow night.

SingTel Singapore Grand Prix

With much excitment and anticipation, i will be heading down to catch the F1 practice session  tonight. Planning began few months back... hopefully the event will live up to its name! We will see...

Had a nice run this morning in barefoot. Will be bringing the Vibram to office tomorrow.

Vibram FiveFingers KSO

I have heard of Vibram Fivefingers for some time. However, it has not occurred to me to try it. It was only during the race fair at Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc, Kah Shin and myself came across Vibram again. It was a casual chat that both of us would try the Vibram when there was an opportunity.

Opportunity did come when we learn that Nicholas is distributing it in Singapore. Went to try out the Vibram in Feder Sports and ended up buying an KSO.

With so much ethusiasim, i decided to put the KSO in the 15km "rockiest trail" in Macritichie the next day. Thankfully, i have been doing a few barefoot runs for the past few days and my feet did not feel awkard when i put on the Vibram. The first few kms were done conservatively and slowly to allow the feet to work in well with KSO. After the end of the 4km northern route, i decided to go on quicker pace towards Rifle Range. At this time, the trail are beginning to get more rocky and it was a good chance to test the KSO. At the end of the trail near Rifle Range Link Road, both my legs were still feeling perfectly fine ( i was expecting slight soreness but it did not happen). I decided to put KSO in a different terrain - road. As expected, it was easier and smoother when it was done over the tarmac. No doubt about it.

I was surprised that all the while, my running pace (in KSO) was somehow no different from my usual running pace (in running shoe). KSO also allows me to continue running in the same style as barefoot running. Besides, the toes pockets were certainly helpful against rocks, roots etc. At the end of the session, only my calves had a great workout.

More runs (longer distances) are going to be done in the next few weeks and i am definitely going to be seen wearing my KSO. A few of my friends have already been enquiring about the "toe sandals" i wore!

Back after a long break from Blogging

Decided to revive back my blog after a hietus long break.... Hopefully i will write more posts in days to come