Tag Archives: Minimalist Shoes

My first marathon with EVO Barefoot

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Tokyo marathon 2011 (PixUp)
I would like to sincerely thank Barefoot Store Singapore again for giving me the opportunity to try out their EVO Barefoot.

The Experience

It certainly not easy to run a full marathon with EVO Barefoot because this is my first time going such distance with a minimalist shoe. But I have to say the experience is good. The shoe is light allowing me to lift up my legs with less effort.

Also I had my socks on during the start of the race, but i removed it because II feel that without the socks it allows me to feel the ground > This is important because usually at 30KM I will hit my peak or I would start to stoned :) but with EVO as it allows me to feel the ground I was able to enjoy the run much better as compared to normal shoes.

However, because this is a minimalist shoe… there is not much support for my arch especially I am a serious flat footer. During some part of the run, I did feel aching around the arch area but this was solved some stretching on the feet. So too all flat footers I believe with sufficient training this would be a great alternative shoe for flat footers because it is so hard to find good looking and light flat foot shoes.
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10km run at MacRitchie Reservoir with Vivo Barefoot Ultra

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Blogging

The weight of ultra on feet is extremely light, its feels like I am running without a shoe. And because of the thin layer of sole, it also makes my steps on rocky stones along the macritchie trail “sensational”. As compared to Vivobarefoot EVO, EVO provides a little bit of more comfort because of it cushion sole. On the other hand, this “sensational” feeling makes me pay more attention and adapt better  to the ground condition.

With functional plug-in tongue and laces, I decided to remove the plug in tongue for this run because I was afraid that the rough edges on the tongue would create friction with my feet. However, there were some abrasion still. The shoe laces is good, a light pull and you are tight and comfy to go > maybe I could try my next triathlon with the Ultra

Blogging

Close up on my feet shows the "cut" skin on my last toe.

One of my running mate points out a concern, “if you wear this shoe without a socks,and this shoe is made of plastic like material, wouldn’t there be more heat generated while running making your feet to sweat more?

My answer to this is no. Surprisingly I do not feel much sweat on my feet and because of the holes that provide much airing, my shes do not smell as bad :P

Running with Ultra at MacRitchie trail, I do not feel so worry because of the puncture resistant sole, it makes me focus more on my running style and tempo.

I will be doing more runs with Ultra and will give more updates :)

*Vivo Barefoot Ultra is not out yet in the market, thanks to Barefoot Store I have the opportunity to try. I would like to mention that there is a sock provided when you purchased the Ultra. It is mainly use for winter purposes. You can find more information from the video below

Here is video introduction on Ultra

The new improved Terra Plana EVO II (No Mistake)

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I would like apologies to all Evo lovers. In an earlier post, I mention “I received a new minimalist footwear from barefoot. And because I was not sure of the name I called it the EVO2.“

I made a mistake. Because there is a new EVO2.

The minimalist shoe I had received was a new model named “Ultra”. It is a new additional to the minimalist shoe family among Terra Plana.:)

Now for the “No mistake” True Blue EVO 2

The New EVO 2 :) Hope I clear up the air here. I will post the updates on “Ultra” soon.



My Port Dickson Triathlon 2010 Pre race thoughts

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This coming weekend, I will be heading down to Port Dickson for a triathlon race. I’m actually quite excited about the race despite that fact that I competed a ironman race. This is in fact my first OLYMPIC DISTANCE TRIATHLON - unlike an ironman race that focuses more on endurance,  an Olympic distance in my perspective focuses more on speed. And I always prefer to go with a slow start. :P Nevertheless, I am going to do my best and I am going to do it with EVO

And every time before a race that comes up I will be watching pump up videos to pump my spirits for the race. Here is a video  that I would like to share with everyone: )

Here is also my target for the race and I will be back to update my experience at Pd :)

Swim 1.5km- less than 36mins

Bike 40km – Within 1hrs 30mins

Run 10km – Within 55mins

Using Dopie for 20km Run

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20km mark with zyy.sg

From the previous post of Bandit run at Sundown marathon 2010

I would like to share some photos with Dopie fans, Dopie you can use it for walking, I use it for running :)

Running with Dopie - enjoying every step

Aaron helping me to take a photo at 20km mark

I’m selling my Newton Running shoe for Vivobarefoot’s Evo

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Selling my newton running shoes

After a few attempts on Vivobarefoot Evo, and a few attempts on Newton Distance S.

There is no going back to cushion shoes. Minimalist shoe brings me to a whole new level in running, and I truly feel good when I am in Evo, feet is lighter, no heel strike and I could feel the ground.

So now I decided to sell my Newton Running shoe (and Newton was on my wishlist) for Vivobarefoot’s Evo.

Model: Distance S

Size: 10

Going for 50% off retail price – SG$100 :)

Running with Terra Plana Dopie

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Cuts from Strap

Today I just completed a 20km run with Terra Plana Dopie. The experience was great but the strap is still creating problems for me. Along the run, the strap keep rubbing against my skin resulting in light cuts on my feet.

Blood stain on strap, the area that gives me the problem

The “blood stained” area on the strap. So half way down the journey I decided to loosen the strap. I feel more comfortable but the foot bed keeps on giving me the flapping feeling.

Marathon Singapore confirmation

Marathon Singapore confirmation slip

Despite all the cuts and abrasions, I have decided to use Dopie for my 2010 Marathon Singapore event.This is because after I started out minimalist shoes I could not go back to cushion shoes also my love for running increased. Each run gives me a new experience because I could feel the ground and when I starts to feel the ground I learn to embrace the environment, this makes my running more enjoyable.

Furthermore, This year the 42km for Marathon Singapore will be totally new experience for me.

1. it would be of a different route as compared to the same route for 2006,2007,2009

2. It is also for me test out Dopie and my love for minimalist shoes.

3. My target is to have a sub 4hrs for my marathon

I just fell in love with going barefoot – my first Dopie from Terra Plana

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Born to RunAfter reading “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall, I am even more motivated to explore the wonders of “Barefoot running”. when it comes to barefoot running there are 2 types actually >

1. The “real” barefoot running meaning the runner really goes without any form of canvas or support. Not even “Minimalist  shoes” like Evo, Fivefingers, Nike Free, Newton and many others…ect

2. The use of “Minimalist  shoes”

There is a review here that talks about the 3 difference between the minimalist shoes and barefoot.

I also gotten a Newton shoe, I have not written a review on it because I only had 2 attempts on it but after using Vivobarefoot Evo I am already very much used to the minimalist shoe, to keep story short on my second run on Netwon, I do not feel very comfortable.

Well, as you would have know in my wishlist I wanted to get a pair of Chacos, because I begin a loyal customer of Chacos but today I have made my mind to make a change to Terra Plana – Dopie.

My first pair of Dopie – I brought it from the “Barefoot” store located at Orchard Ion B3 at $69.90 and I hope I can used it for 2~3 years – I was using chaco sandals and that lasted me for 3 full years I am expecting the same quality from Dopie hopefully it can meet the requirement :)

so Why Dopie? I was thinking if I am serious in going barefoot, I should be training my feet in all condition from running to walking, furthermore I hope that using a “minimalist will help me lessen my knee pain. This also act as a form of training.

Dopie was designed by Matthew Harrison while studying at the Royal College of Art in London and developed together with Terra Plana into a finished product that is super comfortable, moulds to your feet and for those who care straightens out your toes and stops you getting bunions…

My Day 01 experience – I am still not used to the sandals and feeling a bit sore in-between the big toe also I top part of the white runner is rubbing again my skin making it uncomfortable as well (seen in photos below) Continue reading →