First unshod (no Fivefingers) mile run.

Excellent! Congratulations!!

I agree about the mindfulness... ever since starting to run barefoot, the idea of listening to music while running, or any such thing that could distract me from paying close, intimate attention to everything inside and around me, would be out of the question.

I often find myself not in the present when I am running barefoot. I haven't had a problem with it. I think I've learned how to remove myself "mentally" from the "physical" act while still being aware of what's ahead of me or below me. Perhaps it will come with more experience. -TJ

I think I wasn't clear, I love being in the present while running and wouldn't have it any other way. I can zone out anytime. To each their own though.

On longer BF runs, especially when running on a well known and not too challenging path I often entertain myself by reciting long poems like the Wreck of the Hesperus, the Walrus and the Carpenter, Gunga Din, or the Yongy Bongy Bo. Other times I sing, but the poems work better with my breathing.

On woods trails though, it's got to be 100% right in the moment or bad things can happen.

Truly, that's one of the best parts of BF running. I love the feeling of seamless connection with my feet on the earth and my legs heart and mind all doing their parts together.