Now, I'm not much of a runner . . . more of a hiker. But the past few days I've been walking on the all-purpose trail in Blacklick Woods (a Columbus Metropark out my way). I haven't been able to do much hiking lately, and my soles are getting a bit soft. The trail is gravel, though it's a fairly fine gravel (though one has to look out for the occasional larger piece, or areas with many larger pieces). There are some paved parts, but the gravel is still next to it. So it's a nice challenge, and good stimulation.
Anyways, there were a bunch of joggers/runners out this noontime, and it was interesting to note the different forms. Many were tromping loudly. I could tell that one guy was skidding a bit on each step, just from the sound. There was one guy who had a beautiful mostly-forefoot stride. But they all had shoes on.
But then I decided to run a bit, just to see how it went on the gravel. It went just fine (it's my lungs that aren't up to it!). But out of the 4-mile path, I ran about a mile of it. It helped that there was somebody coming up from behind me, and I just felt like showing off a bit.
As he passed me (hey, I didn't say I was fast!), he said, "You're the man!"
I told him it looked more impressive than it really is. (And that is so true, isn't it?) I also told him that the feet build up just like any other part of the body, if you use them. Just like runners legs and lungs do.
He seemed to get it. (But I doubt I got a convert.)