Keith Bateman runs M55 Aussie records for 3,000 meters and 1500
Note the five-toe Vibram shoes.
Keith is shown at his 3K a week ago. He ran the race in Vibram Fingers.
About Ken Stone
Ken has followed track as an athlete, writer and web-master since the late 1960s, and saw most sessions of track and field at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He also attended the 1988, 1992, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Trials, the last three as a blogger and Patch correspondent. [More...]
Ken Stone
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8 Responses
Wow, well done Keith. Even as a mere sprinter I can recognise these marks as great times!
Vibram Fivefinger shoes are fabulous. I train in a pair identical to those Keith wears in the photo. They are the Bikila model, which are true hybrid shoes. Cross between spikes without the spikes, flats and the radical Fivefingers concept. I can use them in the gym and on track sessions. I’ve been a fan for a while, though it was interesting to see the anti comments when I posted about them on the Masterstrack forum.
Word of advice. If you buy, buy from a stockist, not eBay. There is a mass of fakes around – mostly genuine soles on cheap uppers. Vibram has a web page about fakes. I’ll find it and post link.
Meanwhile, well done Keith, again. Keep some left for Sacramento!
As promised, the link about fakes is:
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/counterfeits/how_to_spot_a_fake.cfm
The black and white KSO pair I was stupid enough to buy cheap on eBay split on second wearing.
These shoes to me are kin to barefoot training. When I was having plantar Fascia problems two years ago I started walking barefoot. It helped. It took a while to build up to one lap, but now I use barefoot jogging and walking in all of my workouts, weather permitting. I have noticed much improvement in my feet strength and had fewer leg related injuries since then. They have them in the Cincinnati area, but I have not invested in them yet. I like the feel of the ground. They are a good idea for training, but not for competition in sprinting or hurdles that I can see.
To me some “shoes” and what is put in them can be just as an advantage as steroids. We got High Jump shoes, Long Jump shoes, Sprint spikes, Distance spikes, Throws shoes and etc. For real level compition how about a no shoes track and field meet.
Been wearing Vibrams (Sprints)for two years now. Always did some barefoot running before but they make it easier on the feet. But like anything else if over done can cause problems rather than help.
Thanks Tom
I wore spikes for the 1500m as it had been raining and I was worried about grip – going back to Vibrams for 3000m next week! Igot sore in calfs and quads after Saturday’s run and no pain after the 3000m 🙂
I saw some fake Vibrams – the local stockist is also the importer and bought some for some reason (probably to show stockists) – just a totally smooth sole on the ones I saw.
Though not a runner, my daughter the chiropractic intern, has a pair and loves them. She’s also a 4th degree black belt in TaeKwondo, and after workouts or teaching, she says the shoes give her comfort and support.
Hey Keith I read the information on your website about barefoot workouts. It is very good information and I will continue to train and improve.
Pleased to announce an update – last night I ran 8:56.80 – I reckon that’s a new world record! Ran in spikes as there was a shower of rain just before the start and was worried about grip. Slight wind , temp around 30C – field of 20 Results: http://www.clubsonline.com.au/uploads/athleticsresults/nsw/3000-live/
splits: http://www.clubsonline.com.au/uploads/athleticsresults/nsw/3000-live/009-1-01.pdf
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