OCR Text |
Show SPRING SPORTS - SPRING 2011 Monday, March 7, 2011 Finding the correct shoe type The introduction of the Vibram Five Fingers has caused a rift between barefoot and traditional runners By Braeden Jensen correspondent I The Signpost People familiar with Jthe current running scene might have seen Various athletes wearing gloves on their feet. At first glance, that is what Vibram Five Fingers shoes appear to be. These five-finger shoes have unique and colorful designs and are advertized to "hug the wearer's feet" and help them "feel like they are wearing nothing at all," at least on the feet. Vibram has been making soles for shoes since 1935, but recently they have said they developed a "concept that turned into a barefoot revolution." This revolution is intended to give runners and outdoor athletes the chance to train barefoot, but avoid the negative effects of exercising barefoot outdoors. Vibram's line of footwear includes several different designs and styles intended to work in many different outdoor settings, including running, water sports, hiking and rockclimbing. These specially designed shoes are meant to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, balance, agility and EYEWORKS, posture, as well as to help the feet and body move in a more natural way, Brandon Avery, a Weber State University student, "bought a pair of Five Fingers last summer, and he said he has loved them ever since. "I usually wear them when I run, but 1 also wear them hiking and bouldering," he said. "I go rock-climbing a lot, and you can't even feel them on your feet." He said that he even, wore them once when he went skydiving. Carrie Taylor, a runner and fan of the Five Fingers shoe, said she has enjoyed her shoes, but did warn that they can often draw unwanted attention. "Don't wear them if you don't want to attract attention," Taylor said. "I originally got them for running, but I wear them for everything, even going shopping and running errands." Avery even mentioned that he was stopped while riding the university shuttle and asked about his interesting footwear. "People stop me and say, 'Those are cool,'" he said. Taylor said that it was difficult to get used to the shoes at first because the shoes force certain muscles to be used that aren't usually used in running. "You are using muscles that normal shoes don't make you use," Taylor said. "It was hard to put them on at first, and it was hard to get used to." Avery agreed that the Five Fingers were very different from his usual By Susana Landaverde and have to adjust to new correspondent I The Signpost surroundings, climate and * 4387 Harrison Blvd. sf-y-'v. ..-AM >= Jvww.eyeworksogden.com pen; Mon-Sat. Try on glasses online! about the shoes as Avery and Taylor. Jordan Jones, a senior at WSU and marathon runner, said he wouldn't be comfortable wearing the shoes while running long distances. "I have weaker ankles See Shoes page 6 Living away from home WSU athletes who come from out of state learn to adjust to life in a new environment PROTECTION MEETS STYLE running shoes. "You get used to the weight on your feet with shoes, but you can't tell with these," he said. "It's cool to feel everything under your feet as you run." But not everyone has the same sentiment With all the stressors that students at Weber State University encounter from day to day, it is easy to . overlook the many hardships that athletes from out of state face. At WSU, many different athletes come from different states and even different countries, Getting to know you, Getting to know me culture in addition to having to manage their schoolwork and sport. Lauren Ballenger, a member of the WSU Women's Golf Team, is a freshman from Texas and one of the many athletes struggling to adjust to life in a new state. She explained that her first semester was a struggle, but now it is getting better and easier. "I came out here not knowing anyone," BaUenger said, "so trying to make friends and manage classes and work out was difficult." Being an out-of-state athlete can take its toll on some students, due to them not having a support system of family and close friends. "It definitely is harder because we don't have that emotional support," Ballenger said. Ballenger also said that .even competing and practicing in a sport is different from what she was used to back in Texas. "In Texas, you are able to play golf year-round," Ballenger said. "In Utah, due to the weather, it is very different playing golf and having to adjust to the weather." Ballenger has been able to fit some time in to travel home to Texas and visit with her family and friends. She went home for both Thanksgiving and Understanding Asperger's DIVERSITY COMMON GROUND Wednesday March 9th 12:30 pm Center for Diversity & Unity, SV 232 Develop an understanding of Autism Spectrum disorder Panel Discussion PI IOTO BY BRYAN BUTTERFICLD | THE SIGNPOST ADA accommodations available at 801-626-6413 Weber State University defender Tim Brownell checks a University of Utah player into the boards in a hockey game earlier this season. Brownell is orignally from Illinois and has had to learn to adjust to living away from his family. Christmas. She said her parents are supportive of her decision to attend WSU and are even present at every tournament she competes in. Despite her trips home, Ballenger still deals with bouts of homesickness. "I get really homesick," Ballenger said, "especially when there's a birthday in the family and I can't be there." For some out-of-state athletes, sofne of these challenges can. be harder than for others. Tim Brownell is no stranger to being away from home. A member of the WSU Men's Hockey Team, Brownell has been moving around since he was 16 years old. He was born in Illinois and moved within Illinois to Chicago. His family eventually made their way to Wisconsin, where they currently reside. Brownell is familiar to being away from his family; but said he keeps in contact with them on a regular basis. "I talk to my mom a couple times a week and my dad once a week," Brownell said. "It helps with, not getting as homesick." The hockey team at WSU is a club team, so Brownell has been able to do some traveling during the holidays to visit his family. "It's nice being able to spend those holidays with my family/' he said. For the majority of student athletes and out-ofstate athletes, it is often more difficult during the season to make time forfriendsand family. With busy school schedules and the season going on, it can be a lot to handle. "My family tries to come out as often as they can to see-me play," Brownell said, "but with the long drive and their schedules, it can hard to make that trip." Comment on this story at wsusignpost. com. Sipposf ates-O or our 24/7 Help Line (801) 621-4357 The Pregnancy Care Center (PCC) Washington & 29th (BGW center) " Free test, confidently & caring l •••.• MONDAY GET NOTICK) |