2 weeks to 50.

There have been no recent posts because there have been no recent developments. Several early morning runs. dozens of short runs. Two new things. First, my pride and joy, the first shoes I was ever able to run LONG in, has became extinct. The New Balance 1220, (a six year old model to date) is no longer available in my size. So, I went shoe shopping for the first time in 6 years. I went to our local running store. The service is great here. The salesmen (and women) are bad ass. Ultra-runners on down to the ultra-fast. The dude had me remove my shoes and walk. He then knelt with his head to the floor and observed my arch and foot-strike. He had me try on several pairs of shoes but the problem with this store is there sizes. They have NO wides. They claimed to have some on order but I couldn't wait. With 14 days to 50 miles I need to get these guys broke in. I found a pair at Fleet Feet. They have been good so far. Second, I have been working on a new challenge. Barefoot-ish running. I also am running some of my shorter runs in Vibrams Five Fingers. These shoes have NO support and virtually NO cushioning. It requires a change in running posture. While running in traditional shoes, the elevated and highly cushioned heel encourages heel strike. While in Vibrams (and all cultures in human history where modern shoes were unavailable) the forefoot strike is required. Landing on one's forefoot or "the ball" of ones foot allows the flex of the arch and Achilles, and the musculature of the calves to absorb the otherwise devastating shock. Blisters have formed but they will soon be callouses. Pictures to come.