For the second time in three years I ran Columbus, OH's Race For The Cure this past weekend. Both the previous time and this, I ran alongside my daughter, aged 10. She runs at about a 10-minute mile typically, which was perfect for me, since I tend to run a bit slower when barefoot, especially on unfamiliar terrain like downtown Columbus' city streets.
With this race in mind, I purchased a BRS T-shirt from the Zazzle store recently. I chose a sport tek model, colored light pink in recognition of the event's favorite color.
I only saw one other barefoot runner, my good friend, Jake. We drove together to the event. I saw one runner in a pair of VFF Bikila LS.
I wanted to take care mentally not to make the event about showing off, though that claim might sound rather hollow, considering my choice of top. Nevertheless, it was all in good fun. I did hear some interesting comments. Several folks gasped, some made remarks of bewilderment, and one lady shouted playfully, "Barefoot? Hey, we're not in Kenya!" She said this as I stopped while my daughter tied her shoe (no, she did not run barefoot). When I caught back up to her I replied, "Would you believe I'm Amish?" We both chucked, because I look neither Kenyan nor Amish. At least North America can lay its own claim to a people group that eschews modern footwear, for different reasons perhaps than the Kenyans, many of whom don't have much choice.
I am looking forward to running a longer barefoot race soon. Thus far, I have not broken the 5K barrier. Maybe this will be the year! Meanwhile, I will try to think of new ways to cover myself in pink for the next Race For The Cure!
With this race in mind, I purchased a BRS T-shirt from the Zazzle store recently. I chose a sport tek model, colored light pink in recognition of the event's favorite color.
I only saw one other barefoot runner, my good friend, Jake. We drove together to the event. I saw one runner in a pair of VFF Bikila LS.
I wanted to take care mentally not to make the event about showing off, though that claim might sound rather hollow, considering my choice of top. Nevertheless, it was all in good fun. I did hear some interesting comments. Several folks gasped, some made remarks of bewilderment, and one lady shouted playfully, "Barefoot? Hey, we're not in Kenya!" She said this as I stopped while my daughter tied her shoe (no, she did not run barefoot). When I caught back up to her I replied, "Would you believe I'm Amish?" We both chucked, because I look neither Kenyan nor Amish. At least North America can lay its own claim to a people group that eschews modern footwear, for different reasons perhaps than the Kenyans, many of whom don't have much choice.
I am looking forward to running a longer barefoot race soon. Thus far, I have not broken the 5K barrier. Maybe this will be the year! Meanwhile, I will try to think of new ways to cover myself in pink for the next Race For The Cure!
