Friday, October 9, 2009

Flashback Friday: Barren without the Track

It was much easier to post on Fridays when I had my track sessions and I could just mail it in. Instead I'm feeling the pressure of a strong followup after I made a big splash earlier this week with posts about going barefoot, my first barefoot run, and then not advocating that you go barefoot -- but also not advocating that you shouldn't go barefoot.

Hello? Did you guys totally ignore the part where I announced my next marathon?

In other developments: My abs hurt, either from doing situps too soon after running a marathon, running barefoot, or eating too many cookies.

Back Talk
Wherein you people get your overpriced synthetic socks in a bunch over someone going barefoot.

Jess shared similar concerns about my going barefoot as many other commenters (including the Al and The Enthusiast, which totally sounds like a sweet band name): "I like not having to worry about stepping on needles or some other crap like that ... shoes all the way."

Answer: I read (and watched) this very helpful posting from the New York Times' Roving Runner, who asked Born to Run author Christopher McDougall the same question. “I’ve got this special equipment I like to use,” McDougall said. “They’re called eyeballs. I see a rock, I just step next to it. There’s a lot less out there than you think.”

X-Country2 is not down with my frugal running habits: "Half the reason I run is because I love shopping for running apparel. I'll save elsewhere in my life."

Answer: And that's totally cool. I choose to save for life's big-ticket items ... like a new banjo.

Happy Hour is nearly upon us, teammates. Have a finely brewed weekend and good luck to all you racers -- especially those running the Towpath Marathon and the Chicago Marathon. Run well and drink well. Cheers!

3 comments:

Junk Miler said...

Yeah, I totally bailed on you in the comment threads. I had received a message from the upper echelons of the Barefoot Cult that we are not allowed to sling mud. Only wade in it, warning people about the brown acid.

And I, ever the good acolyte, must obey my orders. One of us... one of us...

Spike said...

were you doing sit-ups while eating cookies, because that would be the second most awesome think you have ever done.

happy Friday!

Jess said...

Well, that's where we differ: My eyeballs aren't always paying attention, so I have to have shoes to make up for those eyeballs' lack of acuity.