New Balance Minimus MT-10

After 2 weeks of barefoot running ( like it very much) in the oval track and in the grass and after numerous research in the Internet Ive decided to buy NB. You know people are staring me in the oval as if im a psycho while barefoot running. :D

My journey in barefoot/minimalist running started a month ago. after joining a road run (13 km and 21 km) in Cebu where Ive seen all kind of people running in barefoot, running sandals, and running sandals ive said to my self to try it. Ive been suffering from different pains in my body (the back pain and Plantar fasciitis is i hate) and ive buy differ rent kinds of shoes from different manufacturers so ive said to myself maybe its not the shoes, maybe its my running style as i usually land in the heel. I use to try to practice landing on my mid-foot (or its really mid-foot?) but as i rack up distance my form deteriorates. So one day after a practice in the oval and a minor foot pain from plantar fasciitis and it really felt good. My notion that running barefoot is not good was erase at that moment.So every week for 1 day i run barefoot after a workout in a relatively short distance and slowly building miles in it.

About the shoes, its really light (7.5 OZ in size 9) the materials are top notch. The fit is comfortable It really molds my foot into it. You can wear socks or go sock-less in it. It has a 4 mm difference from the heel to the forefoot so its not really a true minimalist shoes but i really like it because my calves dont hurt that much compared to barefoot only.

Iloilo Anti Rabies Run- October 8, 2011

1st Savannah Adventure Run- Sept. 24, 2011

A runners request on race day

1. Start the program before the race. Runners are too tired after the race to listen others have work. Yes, work even on a Sunday.  Just give the damn prices and medals so we could eat breakfast!
2. We need hydration. I have experienced a race where theres no cup at the water station and at the finish line.
3. Medics and volunteers must welcome runner at the finish line. We give our all at the race and at the finish line no one gives a damn how we feel or are we all right. We have to look for a water station in a sea of people while the organizers volunteer is busy taking pictures for there face-book and medics is busy chatting in the ambulance.
4. I thought the food are equal among runners. How come others have 4 bread and i have 1. Others have 2 energy drink and i have none. There must be a system in which runners have equal opportunity at the finish line. I guess thats what we get if were slow.
5. If you have 2,000 runners please get a bigger road. This is not a parade. I have seen people with banners that cover the entire road.

Zensah Calf/Shin Sleeve Review

Last Monday, after almost a month of waiting a postman arrived to give me a notice that my package is ready to be picked at the post office. It was my 3rd compression sleeve to combat my left leg shin splint. Before this purchase i used a 250 pesos compression stocking. The problem with it is that the compression is a little tight although not in the point that it is uncomfortable. Also the cuff is a little uncomfortable because it is small and it feels like digging in your skin.

My second compression sleeve is an Adidas Techfit  calf compression sleeve. It is a little cheap at around 600 pesos. Please note that this only one piece not two. This product really compress your calf to the point that it hurts if you wear it for an extended of time. The material is a little thinner just like my socking with rubber webbing that support the sleeve and the target muscle. One problem i encounter is the size is maybe a little small. I buy the recommended medium BTW. It is hard to put on, especially in the ankle area. So i give it to my sister and she loves it to the point that shes contemplating to buy another one. Also it is not effective on my shin splint.

So after so many research i ordered the Zensah calf/shin sleeve as it is the first compression sleeve that targets the shin and the calf. Its an expensive product, almost a new pair or shoes but what i have found out this product really works as advertise. The materials are first class. It is a thick  94% nylon and 6% spandex. It is anti microbial as i tested it for a week without washing it still smell fresh in this tropical climate.  The fit is snug and the compression is comfortable, not too tight not too loose.

So, does it really relieves the pain in my shin? I don't know really as i have not have any shin splint in a week before this product arrive. Maybe this is due to a new shoes, a leg strengthening exercise, a good warm-up before running and some stretching.

What it gives me for a moment is it makes my calf area warm and loose in my early morning runs. The recovery from muscle soreness is fast as i now able to run everyday and at a greater distance. I use my zensah almost 24/7  as it is really comfortable and keeps my legs fresh. Too bad i only have one pair.

Update: Run my first 10k race today with Zensah and its really effective. No shin and calf pain whatsoever and best of all my legs is still fresh. Glad to found this product.