I finally brought my barefoot running to a whole new level. It wasn’t preplanned or intentional. But I guess it was meant to happen.
It’s been about 2 years since I have run with typical running shoes and I have come to love the freedom of running with non-supportive shoes. It all started with my coach, Lisa Keller announcing that I just HAD to read the book "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. about two days after I started the book I was hooked. I now have a mix of shoes that I adorn when heading out for a trot, from Vibram Five Fingers to Zoot triathlon shoes (like pull-on slippers). I have also run without anything on my feet for short periods on the treadmill or around a track.
Lately I haven’t been running much at all and I was jonesing for one when I woke up this morning. Paul had to be at work early again so I decided that the kids and I would go on a little adventure of sorts. We figured out how to get the double chariot and Ryland’s bike in the car. We planned to drive up to this area we are interested in living, park, put the girls in the double chariot, Ryland on his bike and I would get in a little run as I pushed the chariot. Our objective was to run through part of the neighborhood to check it out and to end up on the coastal trail.
I made sure I had drinks and snacks for our 15 min car ride, cool water to pour over the our heads during the run, even colder water to drink, more snacks for the kids on our little adventure, sports drink for me, sunscreen, bike helmet, camera, sunglasses. Check. Check. Check.
We got to location, got everything out and put back together. Water over everyone’s head; water down everyone’s throat; sunscreen on all exposed parts; helmet on Ryland. Loaded up the chariot – kids, water, camera, snacks, sunscreen, phone. Ok! Lets to do this. Final check before locking the car…I look down at my feet. Flip flops. Uh Oh. Hmmmm. This might be a show stopper.
Well, let’s try it. We've invested too much to just put everthing and everyone back in the car and go home. First few steps…not too bad. Would actually be better if the flip flops were more mickey mouse. They are the moldable kind – you put them in the oven and then wear them to mold them to your feet. But I hadn’t done that yet. So they had more arch support than I wanted and were overall too cushy. No big deal unless you are running. And my stride was already messed up, trying to push a double chariot. I didn’t want an injury. Hmmmm. The trail looks pretty clean. Maybe I can just do it barefoot. The trail is concrete so maybe not too too hot yet. Let’s try it.
It worked out great for most of the way. The last little bit I had to put the flip flops back on because the trail along the coast is asphalt, which was way too hot without some sort of protection for my wimpy feet. All in all, it was a complete success! I might get a couple blisters, but we got the run in and had fun doing it. We got to the beach, had a little break, potty break, another little “shower” to cool down, warm drink (cold doesn’t last long here) and made it back without incident. Woohoo!! Celebrate the little victories!! Then, quickly back to A/C to cool down and rehydrate!
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