The last couple of days have seen good runs. But I want to dwell a little more on Tuesday's experience. That day I was recovering from a couple of tough runs, and was looking for something a little easier, and soft on the feet. Usually a path in the woods works in that situation. But things had changed over the winter.
I got myself in a bit of a bind. My feet were sore to begin with, and the path was covered with sticks that had fallen over the winter. There were some snow and ice patches, and the dirt was cold and crusty. So by the time I got to the other side of town, I was feeling pretty tattered, and had a two or three mile run to get back via the roads.
The thought occurred to me at that point that I had a bit of an adventure ahead of me, but I would make it. So a situation that I once would have avoided at all costs – being miles from home with sore feet and no shoes – became an acceptable reality. Something I need not fear.
Barefoot running has taught me that lesson many times. For example, there is the fear of what people will think. I have always had issues with that sort of thing. But finally I think I am moving past it.
What do I have now that I didn't have before? More of a knowledge that I will come out on the other side of whatever situation I face. I know, running home isn't that big a deal. On the other hand, not long ago I never would have dreamed of running several miles barefoot, even under perfect conditions. And that particular prospect – being in town with no shoes and having to get home – might have been the stuff of nightmares.
That fearful perspective has turned out to be totally unfounded. The seemingly absurd has become the everyday norm. What other assumptions are wrong?
I got myself in a bit of a bind. My feet were sore to begin with, and the path was covered with sticks that had fallen over the winter. There were some snow and ice patches, and the dirt was cold and crusty. So by the time I got to the other side of town, I was feeling pretty tattered, and had a two or three mile run to get back via the roads.
The thought occurred to me at that point that I had a bit of an adventure ahead of me, but I would make it. So a situation that I once would have avoided at all costs – being miles from home with sore feet and no shoes – became an acceptable reality. Something I need not fear.
Barefoot running has taught me that lesson many times. For example, there is the fear of what people will think. I have always had issues with that sort of thing. But finally I think I am moving past it.
What do I have now that I didn't have before? More of a knowledge that I will come out on the other side of whatever situation I face. I know, running home isn't that big a deal. On the other hand, not long ago I never would have dreamed of running several miles barefoot, even under perfect conditions. And that particular prospect – being in town with no shoes and having to get home – might have been the stuff of nightmares.
That fearful perspective has turned out to be totally unfounded. The seemingly absurd has become the everyday norm. What other assumptions are wrong?
