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
November 9th, 2009 at 01:23 pm 1257773035
November 9th, 2009 at 03:17 pm 1257779856
I can only imagine why. it's not like heels are one of the biggest torture devices for the sake of fashion ever invented (corsets come close) ...right? the few times I wear them, they tend to come off asap!
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. they're also almost as expensive as running shoes, although they last at least twice as long. I'm thinking of getting some water shoes for when it gets colder so I can keep running outside. Much less expensive alternative - or just a pair of warm socks could do.