N as in "knife"

Well, I’ve been congested, coughing, and full of phlegm for the past week and a 1/2. I’m still sick, but not as bad as it initially was. I didn’t do any exercise except for the random 50 or so pushups I did 2-3 times a week. I feel lousy and that is no way to step into fall and even more so winter.

So today, which will probably be one of the last few days of beautiful weather left in Chicago, I went for my first run in weeks. I just did a mile and I tried to gas it as much as possible. I completed in 8min43sec. So far so good. I’m gonna try to run consecutively 3-4 times a week. Start off with a mile and slowly build my way back up to the 3-4 miles I used to run all the time.

…and yes, I’m still using my vibram fivefingers. Those goofy little toe shoes. Still no joint pain and I’ll believe in them until they do me wrong.

…It’s nice to feel sweat. It’s nice to breathe in hard for air. Let’s you know you’re still alive.

WHOO! …and it felt great!

One rule that I will follow until I’m old and gray is : To run shirtless if it’s 70 degrees and over (god willing I’m even mobile at my older years, haha) I was simply equipped with running shorts, a hat, keys, ID, a little cash and my vibrams!

Today was the first day in a long time to be able to abide by this rule. It was sunny, had a good breeze and most important was my craving to run was really strong.

I just did a 3-miler and it took me 31’42”. Much longer than it should of taken me, but I’ll blame lack of running these past few weeks and the pure enjoyment of being outside and active! My vibrams have been doing me great. After running with them a whole lot I’m convinced this bare foot running is the way for me. No knee pains and the light weight nature of them are a great combination.

May there be many more runs to come!

…and it’s not over yet.

Sunday was church then hung out at home until the Bulls game. Went out with two of my buddies, Jerome and Justin. Jody met us up around 1/2 time. It was good chill time and the Bull’s victory was an added bonus.

Monday and Tuesday were pretty boring. The weather was crummy which didn’t help. Tuesday night I went for an unplanned 6 mile run with the Vibram Fivefingers of course. My body felt great majority of the run.

Wednesday, all I was looking forward to was the Bulls game all day. After seeing their amazing game Sunday I thought it would of been a repeat. Sadly mistaken! I went out with a group of friends. Highlights were jock jams bring blasted majority of the evening.

“I like to move it, move it” “pump up the jam” “hotsteppa”

Today was an interesting day at work. We had “partnership appreciation” where we held a ceremony and lunch to thank all the wonderful people who work with and support out school’s programs.

During that time I…

• set up the lighting in the assembly hall

• set up a few speakers, the projector screen and microphones

• made Caprese salads

All in a shirt and tie. GO ME!

Now, on to Friday! LETS GO BULLS!

Not too long ago I purchased a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. The weather was too cold or too snowy to give them a proper run and still is, but the sun was shining and I had to put them on for a run. Even more recently I ran that 5K which has put me into that running state of mind and good thing it did because I need to get my endurance and leg strength back.

So, after church and lunch I went home to do a little arranging and then prepped myself for a mini run. I was going to my friends house who was less then a mile away and took off. I took the advice of the guy at fleet feet and also the miscellaneous tips I read online and ran a very short distance with them since it was my initial run. I was at my destination in 7 minutes.

Besides the puddles of melted snow and the pathways untouched by a shovel the run was really fun. My feet were aware of all its surroundings and felt much more natural. I wasn’t slamming on my heels, my strides were quicker and was definitely a cool experience. You could feel all the pebbles on the floor, all the cracks on the pavement and all the eyes looking at the weird, Filipino kid running around in shorts and toe shoes in winter.

I didn’t feel any fatigue that people spoke of, but thats because I’m barefoot 90% of the time at home and even when I do wear shoes they are flat or non supportive anyways. My only major athletic shoes are my basketball shoes and my previous running shoes. I did feel a little stress on the lower part of my calf muscles after the run, but that went away almost instantly.

I can’t wait for more frequent and longer runs with the Vibrams!

So, yesterday after work I was trying to find a way to kill some time before I met up with my friend. Initially I thought I would just hit up the local starbucks, read the redeye and listen to music. However after driving down Western ave. for a little I decide to turn onto Lincoln Ave and the first thing I see is the new location for Fleet Feet, where I have purchased all my other running shoes. I then see a car pulling out of a spot right in front of the store so I decided to stop in there for awhile. It was almost as if it was meant to be.

I walk into the store and head towards the shoes. I see the brand new version of my previous shoes and pick them up. I enjoyed them a lot, but it was time to try something new. I have been looking at a pair of shoes for the past few months, but never had the chance to physically see them or try them on and there they were.

The Vibram Five Fingers!

I simply tried them on and the next thing I knew I was swiping my card at the cashier. So, i’m going to have to blame my amiga for having me meet her so late :D

Today at work I was able to try them out. I wore them all day and it was definitely a nice experience. I had no major problems with them except for my pinky toes kind of getting sore. I’m assuming it was because of my pinky toes actually moving freely and trying to grip for the floor. It was nice, but kind of a tease. I’m really curious as to how they will do on a run.