The VFF Sprint Encounter

Last Wednesday, September 22, I was able to grab a pair of VFF Sprint during the media launch of the Vibram Five Fingers at Paolo's Bootcamp, in Metropolitan Club, Rockwell. It has been almost a year since I've been dreaming of having a pair of VFF, and such a dream come true for having been a part of the product media launch here in the Philippines, through BarefootWear Inc, and EventScape Manila.

When I first received the invitation, I decided to also invite MinnieRunner for her to get knowledge about barefoot running, and to be able to appreciate the advantages and the good things about VFF. I remember a year ago when I have her check a photo of the VFF, she was so un-interested that I turned like I'm exaggeratively excited about such a very simple-looking product. Well, not for now, check out how excited she was with her new pair of VFF.

I never thought I would own a pair (the other pair is for MinnieRunner).

So after the event, we were supposed to attend our regular aNR Ortigas Wednesday session. But since me and MinnieRunner was so excited to road test our new VFF sprint, without being stressed with the scheduled speed-drill exercise on our aNR, we just decided to have a break-in run at UP academic oval. So we did. The feeling was great while running and getting a feel of the road, the asphalt, the rocks and pebbles. I was able to make around 3.3 km Tempo run, 1.1 km relaxed run, and another 2.2 km of pure walk, for a total of 6.6 km initial break-in mileage.

What happened on the next day, and even up to today, was a great muscle ache on my calves and a few aches at the ball of foot. I guess I over-exerted my break-in run due to the excitement, or my leg muscles may just be adjusting with barefoot running.

Come this day (Friday), a civilian day in our office. I have to report to our office and have some "career-matter" conversation with our HR. I decided to wear my VFF so I could flaunt it to our officemates (lol, I didn't realize that wearing a VFF would make you proud among the populace). So what happened?

Before going straight to Stradcom, my officemates invited me for a coffee [lunch-]break. I ordered hot choco, and during one of our laughing conversations, I accidentally poured a good amount of chocolate on my pants. Not wanting to go back to the house and change my outfit, I still went to the office with a stained pants. So the next sequence of events, I had these intriguing questions asked to me:

1. On the elevator going to the 3rd floor to our HR's office, "Why are you only wearing a pair of socks?"
2. At the 3rd floor hall with other HR personnel, "What is that thing that you're wearing?", "Is that a shoe?", "Can I touch it?", "Does it really need to be in different colors?", "Can I see what the sole looks like?", "How does it feel when you're walking?"
3. Inside our HR Manager's office, "What happened to you Pedo, you have only been off to work for a few days and now you're already 'namumulubi'? (ugh, guys, help me to translate that word!).
4. On the other building, I have also received not just questions, but also great compliments: "You look like you have a monkey's feet!"; "Great barefooted monkey look you have there!"
5. Then during our Town-hall Meeting at the end of office hours, those same questions revolved around me for the nth time whenever I pass a group of people or table. I was like a product endorser, answering the same kind of questions and repeating my foot-raising actions for them to see each side, and what's on the sole of my VFF.

Nobody noticed the stain on my pants, but they noticed the VFF

A lot of people had become really curious, and I also get to know that some were already planning to buy one but don't know where to find the store. I was glad I was able to give them some idea about the VFF, what does it do, what is it for, what's the advantage of being barefooted, and the store location of BarefootWear Inc.

Now I think I already understand what my other co-runners wearing VFF feels when they are also confronted with these same questions (of which, I was also one of those so curious about them and their VFF). It's funny! But what's great in owning a pair of VFF? You would feel proud of being BAREFOOTED.

You should keep posted for more of my future adventures with VFF. I'm also planning to buy a pair of Bikila, and give my pair of Sprint to my loving wife.

Special thanks to Mr. Kim Faner of Eventscape Manila, and to Mr. Vince Escalon of BarefootWear Inc.