Griff

On this Veteran's Day, I went to the 5:30 Advanced Class at Crossfit Carmel.  Fittingly, the WOD was a hero workout.  

"Griff"

For Time

Run 800 meters

Run 400 meters backwards

Run 800 meters

Run 400 meters backwards

This Crossfit WOD is name in honor of USAF SSgt Travis L. Griffin, 28, who was killed April 3, 2008 in the Rasheed district of Baghdad by an IED strike to his vehicle. Travis is survived by his son Elijah.  

My time:  12:36 and I was not the last to finish despite my anxiety of running with elite guys....two who finished in the 9 minute range.  Crazy times!

This was my first real run in my Vibram shoes.  WOW!  What a difference!  No heel striking.  No supinating!  Post workout soreness set in to my calfs and man...they are still on fire.  However, I can see how the Vibrams can really help me run more efficiently.  I wonder if the Vibrams were the reason for my first 800 meters being 3:40 which is INCREDIBLY fast for me, or if it was the fact that I was chasing all the advanced guys, many of whom are triathletes, endurance runners, and much smaller guys than I am.  Either way, what a great way to honor Veteran's Day, and what a great Crossfit WOD!

Vibram Five Fingers

In my quest to become a better runner, I decided to take the Crossfit plunge back in June.  If you've read my blog or just know me in general, you will know that I'm quite addicted, enthused, engrossed to/with Crossfit.  However, as I got deeper into Crossfit, I have run less and less.  But I want to apply my gains w/Crossfit to running and get after my goal of a sub 2 hour half marathon at some point.  I also just want to become a better runner and stop suffering from so much pain when I train for distance races.

A handful of Crossfitters with whom I work out wear the Vibram Five Fingers shoes in hopes of becoming a more efficient runner.  As silly as these shoes look, everyone I respect who wears them swears by them.

I've taken the plunge. 

I'm hoping for the following:

• Stop heel striking.
• Stop pronating.
• Eliminate knee and lower back pain after training for long distance running.
• Become a more efficient runner.

Monday night will be my first workout with them, so stay tuned for a report of how things go.