I think this may in some weird way sort of fall into the discussion Jason started about "Our Message", although I really haven't tried to spread any message. If people ask, I talk to them about running barefoot. I'm enthusiastic about it and I think that either sparks a bit of interest in those who ask or it pisses them off. I've definitely had my share of discussions with barefoot haters (some down right verbally violent about it) but most others are just enamored with the idea of running barefoot although they probably mistakenly believe they can't do it themselves for "ABC" reason.
Anyway, literally in the last two weeks some strange things have happened. I'm working up in Illinois for 6 months and I have had five (5) people approach me from the Air Force ranks and ask if I'll help them "learn to run barefoot". That's awesome! I don't know why it's happened now, since I've been running less in Illinois than I was in Texas, but it's happened nonetheless. I gladly signed myself up for that task. The really odd part is I didn't prosthelytize while in Illinois...I just went out running and people saw me and started talking amongst themselves. Score one for the example method.
I'm currently at home in Texas for a three day visit. I ran into one of my neighbors in my favorite brewpub (www.freetailbrewing.com) last night who has been a struggling runner for the last few years. He's been plagued with back, knee and foot injuries since I met him. He saw me running barefoot about a year ago and talked to me about it at a neighborhood party. At that time he adamantly talked about how he thought it was a huge mistake to run barefoot. No problem. I like the guy and we had a civil discussion about it. Last night he told me he wants to run barefoot and asked if I would help him. Another score.
So, I'm thinking the iron is hot, I may as well strike. I'm going to go ahead and start my barefoot cult. I knew this day would come....
Anyway, literally in the last two weeks some strange things have happened. I'm working up in Illinois for 6 months and I have had five (5) people approach me from the Air Force ranks and ask if I'll help them "learn to run barefoot". That's awesome! I don't know why it's happened now, since I've been running less in Illinois than I was in Texas, but it's happened nonetheless. I gladly signed myself up for that task. The really odd part is I didn't prosthelytize while in Illinois...I just went out running and people saw me and started talking amongst themselves. Score one for the example method.
I'm currently at home in Texas for a three day visit. I ran into one of my neighbors in my favorite brewpub (www.freetailbrewing.com) last night who has been a struggling runner for the last few years. He's been plagued with back, knee and foot injuries since I met him. He saw me running barefoot about a year ago and talked to me about it at a neighborhood party. At that time he adamantly talked about how he thought it was a huge mistake to run barefoot. No problem. I like the guy and we had a civil discussion about it. Last night he told me he wants to run barefoot and asked if I would help him. Another score.
So, I'm thinking the iron is hot, I may as well strike. I'm going to go ahead and start my barefoot cult. I knew this day would come....