My sandals which I have been wearing now for about three years have recently developed quarter size holes in the mid-foot area. The only reason I can think of is that as I have been learning and practicing barefoot running with a mid-foot strike instead of a heel strike, my walking has also become more mid-foot.
So, since I still haven't gone and replaced the $5 sandals yet, when I took the dogs out today for their walk I wore a pair of ballet flat shoes. About half-way in my pinkie toe on my right foot was really being rubbed the wrong way. So, I took my shoes off and walked barefoot the rest of the way.
I got a few strange looks from passing cars, but the majority of the sidewalk was free from debris, and I was enjoying myself quite a bit.
I put Kayla back in the house, and took Nicki back out for our second walk. Shortly after starting, I just felt like running! So, we ran. 
On our way back, Nikki actually was acting like *maybe* I'd succeeded in tiring her out just a little bit and was actually keeping almost pace with me. So, I put a little burst of speed on, and of course, found out she wasn't so tired. She did NOT want to let me run ahead of her. 
It was truly a beautiful day, and I was really happy to have a chance to do some barefooting. With all the rainy/cold days we were having for awhile, I had stopped doing my barefoot runs and gotten out of the habit.
I'm planning on doing my final paper for one of my classes on barefoot running - how to get started, why it's better for you than shod running, things to watch for, etc. If anyone's interested, I can put it up as a google doc *after* it's graded. (I wouldn't want my professor to google it to see if I copied some other source and find it already online!!)
Financially speaking, barefooting is great on the pocketbook. No shoes to buy!
If you are interested, a great place to read up on it is at Runner's World online in the Barefoot Running forum.
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In yesterday's mail I got my $50 gift card from mypoints for Walmart. That pretty much wiped out all my points. I may use it for some clothes for work (if I get the job) or for groceries, then put the same amount into savings.
If nothing happens to my car this month, I think that this will be the first month since January of this year that I'll actually be able to put money into savings!!!!
Although ... I need to register for my classes for Spring semester, and they usually require a portion upfront. Well... at least I won't have to take out the full amount from savings for it!!
Took My Shoes Off and Ran! :D
November 8th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
November 9th, 2009 at 12:58 am 1257728304
November 9th, 2009 at 01:37 am 1257730643
November 9th, 2009 at 05:12 am 1257743522
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November 9th, 2009 at 03:17 pm 1257779856
I can only imagine why.
BA,
yes, it can be a controversial topic. 30 years of hype from the big shoe companies has entrenched the idea that wearing high heels-- oops, running shoes with the heel built up high, is the way to go. Injured? Must need more cushioning. More injured? Must need more stability/ structure. Oops, your knees gave out, your hips have gave out, guess your running days are over.
There's a fairly well known barefooter who's run hundreds of marathons and ultras. He started when he was 16, and retired 65 years later from competing. His nickname I think is cookie.
Yea, I am familiar with the five fingers, although they're considered minimalistic rather than pure barefoot.