WolfDreamer Returns, Stronger, Faster, Smarter, Calmer

[WolfDreamer]

I have been away from this community for a while now and felt it was time to return. I need as much support and motivation as I can while I attempt to rebuild my daily discipline. Below are my current goals and how I plan to achieve those goals:

STRONGER:

GOAL: By the end of this challenge, I will have increased my physical strength by at least 25% as measured by an increase in number of reps to failure of kettlebell single-arm overhead press.

HOW: I will pick "heavy things" up and put them back down for at least 20 minutes, three days a week; this will include mostly kettlebell training with some "greasing the groove" using resistance bands, random heavy objects, and my kids. Training will look like this:

Sunday -- Benchmark (single arm overhead press to failure, count reps; 30 minute run, note distance)

Monday -- Five rounds of:

200 meter run
kettlebell clean and press x 2 each side
goblet squat x 5
two-handed kettlebell swing x 20
rest 2 minutes

Tuesday -- 30 minute run; record time

Wednesday -- 5-10 rounds of:
25 double-arm kettlebell swings
30 seconds rest
25 alternating kettlebell swings
30 seconds rest
25 single-arm kettlebell swings L
30 seconds rest
25 single-arm kettlebell swings R
2 minutes rest
Alternating kettlebell clean & press x 30 (15 per side)
2 minutes rest
Alternating kettlebell dead snatch x 14 (7 per side)
Straight leg singe-arm kettlebell deadlift x 30 (15 per side)
Overhead triceps extension x 15

Thursday -- 30 minute run; improve previous distance

Friday -- 15-45 minutes of:

clean with left hand
press with left hand
one arm front squat with left hand
one handed swing with left hand
park the kettlebell, recover, repeat with right hand

Saturday -- Distance run on trails; mark distance and pace

FASTER:

GOAL: By the end of this challenge, I will be able to run a sub-30 minute 5k as measured by a 5k run.

HOW: I will run for 30 minutes at least two days a week, with a distance/endurance run at least one day a week and sprint/speed intervals at least one day a week (see 200 m run above).

SMARTER:

GOALS: By the end of the challenge, I will increase my daily use of Duolingo; I will increase my daily reading habit by at least 5 minutes a day; I will learn at least one new thing daily.

HOW:

I will set a reminder to complete at least the daily requirements to achieve a 30 day streak on Duolingo
I will set aside at least 30 minutes of reading time daily
I will use apps such as Humane and Kinnu to learn new information, as well as the NPR app and podcasts.

CALMER:

GOAL: By the end of the challenge, I will improve my mental health by reducing my angry reactions to stress.

HOW:

I will use a meditation app to increase my meditation/contemplative prayer practice from 10 minutes to 15 minutes.
I will take 30 minute mindful walks to help clear my mind.
I will write down what I am grateful for and create daily affirmations using the 5 Minute Journal app.
I will practice a relaxing breathing technique (short inhale through nose, long exhale through mouth) and apply this technique in moments of stress and frustration.
I will listen to music that elevates my mood.

 

[Fremen]

Welcome

 

[Ughoji007]

wish you the best of luck in attaining your goals

 

[Mamatigerj]

 

[WolfDreamer]

Welcome

Thank you.

wish you the best of luck in attaining your goals

I appreciate it! Best of luck to you, as well.

 

[Anek]

Hello and welcome (back)!

 

[JCU]

Welcome back!

You have some excellent strategies! Best of luck with them!

 

[WolfDreamer]

Hello and welcome (back)!

Welcome back!

You have some excellent strategies! Best of luck with them!

 

[WolfDreamer]

I tested positive for COVID earlier this week and had to take the rest of the week off from work. I should be getting better Sunday or Monday (when I can return to work). So no progress on my physical challenges yet. I have, however, been meditating and reading and also keeping up my Duolingo streak (51 days now). I have looked through the Long Covid collection just in case I don't feel fully recovered next week to ease back into working out.

 

[Gandhalfit]

Get well soon

 

[JCU]

 

[Fremen]

Healing vibes

 

[Anek]

Healing vibes!

 

[Mamatigerj]

Healing thoughts and prayers

 

[WolfDreamer]

Thank you everyone who sent healing vibes. I feel so much better today. I'm going to attempt my benchmark workout tomorrow rather than my usual Monday workout, while not overdoing it. I guess the good news is I know I will see progress because I haven't worked out in over a week, so the bar will be set rather low. But I am ready to get back at it, just baby steps so as to not overdo it.

 

[WolfDreamer]

Week 1 Update:

So, I recovered well enough from COVID. I did not work out much last week, other than a few runs, including a night time 5k trail race. I did complete the benchmark with the following results:

• 30 minute run: 2.44 miles
• kb press total: 8 per arm

I was consistent with my SMARTER goals but slacked with my STRONGER and CALMER goals. However, this week is looking better for me already. Feeling stronger and more prepared than last week.

 

[WolfDreamer]

I wish I could say my progress has been "Great!," but it's more of a "Meh," at this point. I do plan on following the same challenge goals until I accomplish them but perhaps taking a simpler approach. I make so many excuses for why I do not do the things I know I need to do, but I also try to be gracious when I consider how hectic and busy my life really is most of the time. With six kids, three dogs, and a full time career, life really does interfere with my plans.

But I'm not giving up, nor am I abandoning my goals. I am always grateful for those who check up on me when I've been "off the boards" for a while.

 

[Gandhalfit]

I've been off for a long time so I know how you probably feel but, never give up, never surrender

 

[WolfDreamer]

I've been off for a long time so I know how you probably feel but, never give up, never surrender

Thank you for understanding, and for the motivation to carry onward!

This morning, I completed a kettlebell workout using a Lebe Stark video. I will link the video below. The workout included:

Two rounds:

• hand to hand deadlift (2 minutes)
• strict press (1 minute L/1 minute R)
• single-arm swings (1 minute L/1 minute R)
• 1 minute rest

One Round:
Farmer's Life: alternate suitcase carry, rack carry, overhead carry (1 minute L/1 minute R)

I felt great both during and after the workout. I love working with a kettlebell, and the videos really help me visualize how I should be completing the exercise.

Onwards!

 

[WolfDreamer]

11/28/23 Update:

• 2.85 mile run in the cold (32F/1.1C); time was 31:17; while running, this song came on, and I became very overwhelmed with a flood of dopamine and felt near tears:

• started reading Lazarus, a graphic novel series by Greg Rucka
• read an entry in the Henri Nouwen collection The Only Necessary Thing
• sat in quiet contemplation
• listened to a podcast interview with Brian Johnson, founder and CEO of Heroic (also hosted Philosopher's Notes on Youtube); he talked about his new book, Arete, which I plan to get soon. Through this interview, I learned several things about what Arete really means and how it is relevant to the Stoics and to today's society.
• listened to the Skyrim soundtrack

 

[WolfDreamer]

11/29/23 Update:

• used another Lebe Stark video to complete the kettlebell workout below
  • 2 rounds of:
    • clean & squat (2 minutes)
    • jerk (1 minute L/1 minute R)
    • snatches (1 minute L/1 minute R)
  • 1 round of:
    • Farmer's carry (1 minute L/1 minute R)
• sat in quiet contemplation for 10 minutes
• continuing Lazarus, a graphic novel series by Greg Rucka
• read another entry in the Henri Nouwen collection The Only Necessary Thing
• listened to an episode of ManTalks in which Connor interviews the creator of the Instagram page The Tin Men.
• listened to more of the Skyrim soundtrack
• completed the daily requirements for Duolingo

 

[WolfDreamer]

I have been in the midst of Andrew Huberman's extensive conversations with exercise scientist Andy Galpin. It is very informative but also a lot to process. Luckily, Huberman also has a Youtube channel of clips from his episodes. Because I know that most people do not have 12+ hours to listen to every episode, here are just a few of the best:

 

[neilarey]

@WolfDreamer this specific series with Andy Galpin is one of the best podcasts series on fitness out there to date.
I highly recommend EVERYONE watches there asap

 

[WolfDreamer]

@WolfDreamer this specific series with Andy Galpin is one of the best podcasts series on fitness out there to date.
I highly recommend EVERYONE watches there asap

I agree. It was a lot but was also very valuable.

 

[WolfDreamer]

I've updated my goals for 2024. Ready to make this an awesome year!

STRENGTH GOAL: I will increase my strength by 10% in 7 different kettlebell exercises (swings, goblet squats, kb push-ups, racked squats, deadlifts, rows, snatches, and overhead press) by training four times a week for 12 weeks with a 35 lb (16 kg) kettlebell. I will measure my strength by the number of repetitions I can perform with good form for each exercise and record my progress in a journal or an app starting January1st and follow up with weekly strength tests. I will follow a periodized kettlebell workout routine that also includes warm-up, cool-down, and recovery sessions. I will also eat a balanced diet, drink enough water, and get enough sleep to support my training. Achieving this goal will improve my overall health, performance, and physique.

SPEED GOAL: I will run 5k in less than 30 minutes by following an 8 week training plan beginning January 1st that includes interval training, tempo runs, long runs, and recovery runs. I will measure my progress my timing my 5k runs and tracking my pace and distance with the Nike Run Club app. I will also do some cross-training and strength training (see above) to prevent injuries and improve my overall fitness. Achieving this goal will challenge me and boost my confidence, as well as help me prepare for longer races and improve my health and well-being.

MEDITATION GOAL: I will meditate for 20 minutes every day using a guided meditation app. I will track my meditation sessions and duration on the app and on a calendar. I will start January 1st by adding 5 minutes to my current 10 minute meditation practice every week until I reach 20 minutes. I want to meditate more because it helps me reduce stress, improve focus, and feel happier. I will achieve my goal of meditating for 20 minutes daily by the end of next month.

JOURNALING GOAL: I will write in my journal every day for at least 10 minutes, using prompts or free writing to express my thoughts and feelings. I will track my journaling habit on a calendar or an app and aim for a 100% completion rate each month. I will schedule a time for journaling that works for me and make it a priority in my daily routine. I will also prepare a comfortable and quiet space for journaling and have a notebook and pen ready. I will write in my journal to improve my mental health, creativity, and self-awareness. I will also use journaling as a way to reflect on my goals and progress and celebrate my achievements. I will write in my journal every day for the next six months starting January 1st and then evaluate the benefits and challenges of my journaling habit.

 

[WolfDreamer]

It has been nearly a year since I created this Stronger, Faster, Smarter, Calmer post. It is fitting that I return almost two weeks following my 45th birthday. If you recall, I was also active on Nerd Fitness, but after some leadership changes and some prominent members leaving the forums, I decided to back away, as well. So this will be where I post most often. I will update the programs I have completed since my last post.

I have been consistently lifting weights and strength training for about 6 weeks now, and I have been training for a half marathon, which is coming up this Sunday, October 20th. A friend from out of state (KY) is joining me.

My goals to become stronger, faster, smarter, and calmer still stand, but I will update my SMART goals soon.

Today's workout:

Around the World:

• 24lbs x 5
• 24lbs x 5
• 24lbs x 5

Skullcrusher (dumbbells):

• 50lbs x 5
• 50lbs x 5

Bench press (dumbbells):

• 70lbs x 10
• 70lbs x 10
• 70lbs x 8

Seated Palms Up Wrist Curls (Dumbbells):

• 24lbs x 15
• 24lbs x 15
• 24lbs x 15
• 50lbs to failure (20 reps)

Triceps Pushdown (Bar):

• 45lbs x 10
• 45lbs x 10
• 45lbs x 8

Hex Press:

• 70lbs x 10
• 70lbs x 7
• 70lbs to failure (4 reps)

Farmer's Walk (Dumbbells)

• 140lbs -- 25 yds
• 140lbs -- 25 yds
• 140lbs -- 25 yds
• 140lbs -- 20 yds

 

[JCU]

Welcome back!

Happy Belated Birthday!

 

[WolfDreamer]

Woke up feeling good this morning. Today is a day filled with teacher meetings, but I carved out time to do Level 1 of the Core for Runners
workout. I could have completed more reps, but time was my only obstacle.



I'm developing an interest in Warhammer 40,000, although I know that at the moment I do not have the budget to get into the board game, nor do I have the console for the video games. However, I'm listening to a Warhammer 40,000 lore podcast and playing the mobile game, Freeblade, in which you get to play as an Imperial Knight.

 

[WolfDreamer]

Completed the Daily Dare (20 Scissors) and Level III of the Daily Workout (Herald). My arms felt a slight burn every time I got to the elbow clicks.



Listened to this amazing music while I completed the workout:

 

[WolfDreamer]

It is finished. I completed the KSF Fall Classic Trail Half Marathon yesterday in just under 3 1/2 hours.



I won't lie; it was one of the most challenging things I have ever done, especially the climb during the last few miles. The course puts you on one of the steepest trails in the park. I did it, though. My friend from Kentucky followed me the entire way, even though he is a more seasoned trail runner and could have finished much sooner.

This story get much better, though. A few hours later, while I was relaxing at home, he texted me, wondering when my next big race will be. Then he offered to pay my race fee and anything I would need for nutrition. He also revealed that he was building a kit of racing gear to send me, including shoes and a running vest. This is because we had a conversation on the trail about my hesitancy to sign up for bigger races because they are usually expensive, and the best gear for longer races is usually costly, as well. His words: "There's absolutely no reason that gear and race fees should be the reason for you not to pursue this a little further."

So... it looks like in April I am running the Red River Gorge 50k in Kentucky... and receiving some new gear to train beforehand.

 

[Fremen]

Congrats

 

[JCU]

Congratulations!!

That is an amazing friend!

 

[MadamMeow]

That is certainly quite impressive. Way to go!

 

[Obsinosterous]

Congratulations!

 

[aku-chan]

Congrats!

 

[WolfDreamer]

I finally got back to the trails this weekend. I ran 5.8 miles on the Meeks Mountain trails in Hurricane, WV (pronounced Hurricun, and that's not a joke). The trees were beautiful, a mix of yellow and orange both on the trees and on the ground. I love running on trails in autumn.

I joined a group challenge on the Fitness Nerd Forum group on Facebook called Outrun the Horror. Participants are separated into teams, and the team with the most physical activity at the end "survives" the challenge. I also just found the Haunted Hive event and plan to participate in that, as well.

 

[WolfDreamer]

Workout today:

Kettlebell swings: 35lbs 3 × 20
Barbell bench press: 115lbs 4, 3, 3
Dumbbell incline bench press: 70lbs 5 × 5
Kettlebell snatch: 35lbs 3 × 10

350 total kicks for the Haunted Hive challenge.

Ended my day with

 

[WolfDreamer]

STRONGER:
DD -- 50 Side-to-Side Backfists
HH -- 200 Squat Hold Punches
WoD -- Toned Arms level III

FASTER:
2.85 mile run, avg. pace 12:41/mile

SMARTER:
Reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Listening to an episode of Everyday Ultra podcast

CALMER:
Five Rites
Morning Breathwork

 

[WolfDreamer]

I received a text message today from my half marathon running buddy that he's sending my package out either today or tomorrow. I can't wait. The good news is that he lives in a neighbor state, Kentucky, so it should ship quickly.

Here's what I know about the contents of the kit so far:

Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 7

Running vest: Rab 12L

And probably a bunch of gels (I'm pretty sure he's a fan of Maurten gels because they're unflavored, higher carb, and easier on the stomach than most other gels). I'm not sure what else he has added to the kit, but we shall see when it arrives. It will be like an early Christmas gift.

 

[Laura Rainbow Dragon]

I received a text message today from my half marathon running buddy that he's sending my package out either today or tomorrow.

Sweet!

 

[WolfDreamer]

10/30/24

STRONGER:
DD -- 20 Lunge Step-Ups
WoD -- Vanguard
KB -- 100 Kettlebell Swings (5 x 20)

FASTER:
2 x 100yd barefoot sprints at %80-%90 effort

SMARTER:
Reading -- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Listening -- an episode of The Strength Running podcast titled "Ultrarunning + Strength Training: How to Get Strong and Gain Endurance with Coach Holly Martin"

CALMER:
Meditation -- Meditation Challenge Day 1
Breathing -- Morning Breathwork

I think Vanguard may be the first level 4 difficulty workout that I made it to Level III. I'm definitely feeling it in my adductors and in my quads, which is good. For the kettlebell swings, I changed it up and kept it interesting by doing 20 two-handed, 20 single/left, 20 hand-to-hand (h2h), 20 single/right, and 20 more two-handed.

Coaching is going pretty well. I coach little league basketball, a group of 4-5 year old boys who love to play and have a lot to learn. Our first game is next weekend, Nov. 9th.

 

[Anek]

I really enjoyed The Midnight Library, how are you liking it?

 

[WolfDreamer]

I really enjoyed The Midnight Library, how are you liking it?

I love it. It's honestly the kind of book I like, ones in which the protagonist faces the end of his/her life and goes on some sort of fantastical spiritual journey, learning lessons they may have missed or neglected in life. Books like The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The Traveler's Gift, etc.

 

[WolfDreamer]

I think I'm going to start the Zen program as my morning routine starting Friday since I started the 30 Days of Meditation challenge anyway and Zen includes meditation. I really like the Five Rites workout that I did yesterday, but it took longer than the amount of time I typically have in the morning, especially once I start running 4-5 miles almost every day to train for the 50k.

Here is a promo video of the Red River Gorge Ultra in Kentucky. This is where the 50k race will be.

 

[WolfDreamer]

10/31/24

STRONGER:
DD: 30 seconds calf raise hold
WoD: Team Zombie
KB: 100 kettlebell swings (5 x 20)

FASTER:
3 x Hill Repeats

SMARTER:
Read: Locke & Key graphic novel series by Joe Hill (I'm on Volume 3, perfect for the Halloween season)
Listen: an episode of The Strength Running podcast titled "Are Super Shoes Unethical? Philosopher Sabrina Little on the Fairness of Super Shoes"

CALMER:
Meditation -- Meditation Challenge Day 2
Breathwork -- Equal Breathing (5 secs inhale, 5 secs exhale) 5 minutes

My 50k training officially starts next week on Monday. Monday is a Rest Day according to the plan, but I'll likely use it to do some other kind of leg or cardio workout. I think I'm going to keep 100 kb swings as part of my daily routine, at least for the next 30 days. Darebee should add a challenge for this. I know not everyone has access to a kettlebell, but you know me: gotta get that badge. @neilarey? Thoughts on a 30 Day Kettlebell challenge?

 

[Laura Rainbow Dragon]

What did Sabrina Little have to say about Super Shoes?

 

[WolfDreamer]

What did Sabrina Little have to say about Super Shoes?

She actually wrote about it in this article.

Mostly that they interfere with the true spirit of the sport. She says, "My worry is that supershoes threaten the spirit of sport. This is because they significantly distort the relationship between the effort someone puts in, and the output they get from the effort. The shoes are a kind of 'middle term' that mediates how well someone is able to run." In other words, someone can train hard and train properly but then show up on race day and get beat by someone who had the money for better shoes. "Supershoes can be expensive, so privilege dictates who has access to the shoes in many cases. And athletes receive varied impacts from them. Some people benefit much more than others do." The best example of this that they talked about was school track programs where one school or its runners may have the budget or the finances to afford super shoes and another may not. The super shoes runners have an advantage over other runners because the shoes are designed to make you faster, and they will make you faster. Sabrina talks about a race of her own where she trained very little but her time was within one second of her time the previous year when she had trained more. "It was strange bouncing along, feeling like the equation between energy input and performance outcomes was distorted in my favor."

Personally, my concern is that supershoes affect our relationship with our body. I'm not a fan of thick-soled shoes that give me little/no ground feel that sends certain signals to my brain. If I train in a pair of supershoes, and I run a PR, how much of it is my body and how much is the shoe? Or, worse imo, how much is it my body adapting to the shoe? I'm also not as interested in winning as I am in completing, so "super" speed is not something I desire.

That being said, I think supershoes look great, and I'm sure they feel great. But I can tell they're not for me. I've tried on a pair of Hokas (can't remember which ones), and, for me, they were comfortable but clunky. I don't think they were supershoes, but based on the images I see of the supershoes, I think I would have the same opinion: it's just too much shoe for me.

 

[Laura Rainbow Dragon]

Thank you for the link, and for sharing your own thoughts @WolfDreamer .

While I respect one's personal reasons for using or not using Super Shoes, such as yours, I have encountered arguments similar to Little's in the past and am not a fan of them.

I don't disagree that having money to purchase expensive equipment advantages one athlete over another. It certainly does! It bugs me though when people wring their hands over runners making use of technology to aid their performance when we are talking about a cost differential of $200 between high-tech running shoes and cheap running shoes, whereas in other sports (such as cycling) the cost differential is tens of thousands of dollars (in the extreme case with cycling, actually hundreds of thousands of dollars!) and the mediating factor of one's equipment is also much, much higher. Why are runners uniquely hated on for making use of technological advancements when technological advancement is accepted (and usually much more expensive) in every other sport? Why are runners alone criticized with ridiculous claims such as Little's that we're "violating the spirit of the sport" and made to feel bad about (tiny compared to other sports) financial advantages when, even with high-end shoes, running is still one of the most financially-accessible sports there is? (This argument is especially egregious coming from Little. She's sponsored by not one, but two high-end equipment manufacturers! She's being paid to do a sport the rest of us need to invest our own coin to participate in. And she's dissing on people who choose to spend $200-300 of their own money on a nice pair of shoes.)

My understanding is that the advantages of super shoes aren't just in performance. Their increased cushioning aids in recovery by enabling one to get back on the trail/road faster after an injury. That same increased cushioning can help to prevent injury in the first place. There have also been studies done that show the newer foams perform significantly better in winter running conditions. As someone who is not currently an elite runner myself, but who does hope to be able to continue running for a few more decades yet, these types of technological advantages certainly interest me. (I've not tried any super shoes myself yet. I'm currently running on your standard EVA + Olefin midsoles. But I'd definitely consider PEBA in the future if I could afford it.)

 

[WolfDreamer]

STRONGER:
DD: 30s jumping jacks
WoD: Ironheart Day 1
Monthly Challenge: 10,000 Punches -- 160 punches completed
KB: 100 kettlebell swings (5 x 20)

FASTER:
Temple Run Workout (rainy day, so I decided to do something fun)

SMARTER:
Read: continued Locke & Key; read a research article titled "The Importance of Landscape during Long-Distance Running Activity"

CALMER:
Zen Day 1
Meditation Challenge Day 3
Morning Breathwork

Some takeaways from the article:

"A variety of studies show that some environments can facilitate and enhance the health benefits of running, while others hinder them. Therefore, it matters where (e.g., in what geographic location, indoors or outdoors) a person runs. Therefore, running routes should run through high-quality green areas related to the idea of green infrastructure, which is an important element connecting various forms of slow mobility in natural environments. Green infrastructure promotes the development of a sustainable environment, ensuring a higher quality of life. The integration of pedestrian (including running), cycling and horse trails with the concept of green infrastructure allows for the utilisation of ecosystem services within the context of a connected bioregion."

"Our research clarifies the principles of landscape perception, proving that route planning should take into account the diversity of landscapes expressed in the diversified profiles of routes, the diversity of land cover and its types of use, even distribution of ascents on the running route, the presence of viewing spots and contrasting landscape scenery along routes."

 

[WolfDreamer]

Thank you for the link, and for sharing your own thoughts @WolfDreamer .

While I respect one's personal reasons for using or not using Super Shoes, such as yours, I have encountered arguments similar to Little's in the past and am not a fan of them.

I don't disagree that having money to purchase expensive equipment advantages one athlete over another. It certainly does! It bugs me though when people wring their hands over runners making use of technology to aid their performance when we are talking about a cost differential of $200 between high-tech running shoes and cheap running shoes, whereas in other sports (such as cycling) the cost differential is tens of thousands of dollars (in the extreme case with cycling, actually hundreds of thousands of dollars!) and the mediating factor of one's equipment is also much, much higher. Why are runners uniquely hated on for making use of technological advancements when technological advancement is accepted (and usually much more expensive) in every other sport? Why are runners alone criticized with ridiculous claims such as Little's that we're "violating the spirit of the sport" and made to feel bad about (tiny compared to other sports) financial advantages when, even with high-end shoes, running is still one of the most financially-accessible sports there is? (This argument is especially egregious coming from Little. She's sponsored by not one, but two high-end equipment manufacturers! She's being paid to do a sport the rest of us need to invest our own coin to participate in. And she's dissing on people who choose to spend $200-300 of their own money on a nice pair of shoes.)

My understanding is that the advantages of super shoes aren't just in performance. Their increased cushioning aids in recovery by enabling one to get back on the trail/road faster after an injury. That same increased cushioning can help to prevent injury in the first place. There have also been studies done that show the newer foams perform significantly better in winter running conditions. As someone who is not currently an elite runner myself, but who does hope to be able to continue running for a few more decades yet, these types of technological advantages certainly interest me. (I've not tried any super shoes myself yet. I'm currently running on your standard EVA + Olefin midsoles. But I'd definitely consider PEBA in the future if I could afford it.)

You make some very valid points. I started running barefoot, so my opinion of shoes is a little critical anyway. I'm also less of a competitor and more of someone who just loves to run and loves to be on the trails, so speed and whether the shoe I am wearing makes me faster are not priorities to me. I do love your point about recovery and injury prevention and can see the value in having shoes that promote both of those. I would be reluctant, however, because some of my worst plantar fasciitis flareups have come after running or walking in thicker soled shoes. This may have been my own fault (perhaps poor posture, form, etc.), but after running barefoot so often or running in minimalist shoes, I equated the change to thicker soled shoes with my injury. Maybe I'm wrong because, as you know, correlation does not imply causation.

I was unfamiliar with Little before this interview, so I was not aware of her sponsorships. I agree that running is definitely more affordable than nearly all other sports. It is still true that anyone can run in any gear they want, but not necessarily injury free and likely not very fast. There are other ways besides shoes to enhance speed, endurance, focus, agility, cardiovascular strength. Why are the shoes getting so much criticism? I remember reading Born to Run, which I enjoyed as a book and was motivated to continue with barefoot running as a training tool, and thinking, Yeah, but... there's no way barefoot running is the best or safest option for everyone. And running an ultra in barefoot shoes just sounded like a gateway to serious injury to me. But, I guess people have done it.