Out of the Cave

For the first time since August 12, 2013, I ran outside. I wasn't overly nervous, but the landmarks highlighting the pre- and post-accident made me aware. Of course, it was all on the road before.

I recently purchased a pair of Luna sandals - Mono. I read the book, Born to Run, years ago, and have re-read it many times since. I wasn't pursuaded into running in sandals until the last go-around. So when the sandal company had a sale, I bought my first pair.

The reason I mention purchasing Luna sandals is not to undermine the real value of running. Rather, it is to highlight the ability of enjoying the experience of running. I have been injured every single year since I re-started running. Every injury has been in shoes. This last one, the worst of all...a broken 2nd metatarsal bone in my foot, happened while wearing Vibrams, See Yas. I don't think it was the Vibrams that caused the injury. I do think my inability to run correctly ALL THE TIME in them played a part.

So what is the necessary correction? Find a logical pairing of shoes and terrain, and include the time / access variables. Today, I had the time.

Over my lunch break while working from home, I set off in my Monos. I ducked through the neighbors side-yard, which backs up to acres and acres of farm land, recently plowed to the ground. It was soft from the rain and spikey from the shorn winter wheat or corn...I'm not a farmer, so to be sure is just a guess. I reviewed the potential route on Google Maps, weaving in and out around the tree line, across the road, over the stream and ditches, through the subdivision, and back through more acres of plowed farm land.

To say it was a challenge assumes a negative slant. It was a positive, adventurous run. Had I not taken it, I would have always wondered what it was like, and always assumed it would be the perfect forum for all my future running. As it turns out, running in soft, very muddy, and private farm land is not as productive as I would like. The Monos became laden with mud on the bottoms, but probably much less than if I had been wearing Vibrams or shoes. The laces (ATS) haven't been fine-tuned yet, so I stopped multiple times to adjust. After 4.5 miles, I came to a part of the farm where the subdivision was expanding. It was newly plowed mud...thick, wet, and uninviting.

In order to maintain the positive experience of running, running in Lunas, and finally being outside, I cut across a large mud field and got back onto the road. The subdivision road winded through to the main artery, and ultimatly back onto Pryor Road, where I would run all the way back to my own subdivison.

It was a glorious run. I am grateful to have a pair of sandals that felt SO GREAT on my feet. I am grateful to be able to run. I am grateful to have the time to run. I am confused as to what kind of running I am becoming.

Overall, I am quite happy with my Luna Monos...I am going to continue running in them. However, I might be back on the road full-time...maybe that is where I belong.

Peace,

M