Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Runs Were Not

Amid driving east and west, north and south across the Carolinas, from the Piedmont to the mountains, from the forest to the beach, between banjo stores and beer joints, a craft fair and a wedding, I somehow forgot to run. Nope, not a single stride from Tuesday to Sunday last week. The only semblance of exercise were some seriously sweet moves on the dance floor after I delivered a tearjerker of toast.

To make up for my week of sloth, I bundled up last night for a shoeless run through my neighborhood. However, this neighborhood route calls for running a long stretch on sidewalks, which suck sweaty mat-haired balls to run on with bare feet, I learned.

I made it about a mile before I turned tail and ran back home for my T6 Racers. The next three miles were much more comfortable--and about two minutes per mile faster.

Two lessons learned about going barefoot:
  1. My feet still need to toughen up
  2. No more sidewalks
A Powerful Thirst
I'm still debating whether to write up a review of the local watering holes I visited and the regional beverages I drank. But for now, I thought I'd share a quick and mostly complete list of both.

Establishments:
Flying Saucer (Raleigh, N.C.)
Dugan's Pub (Brevard, N.C.)
Village Wayside (Asheville, N.C.)
Blossom Cafe (Charleston, S.C.)
McCrady's (Charleston)
Henry's (Charleston)

Beverages:
Black Forest (draught)
Hell's Belle Belgian Blond (six pack)
Highland Gaelic Ale (draught)
SweetWater 420 (draught)
Biltmore wines (tasting)
Gateway Kolsch (draught)

I appreciate those of you who suggested some places to go on my southern journey. I didn't have much opportunity to check the comments after I left, so I'll have to put those places on a list for next time.

Someone mentioned Jack of the Wood in Asheville, which I have been to but didn't have a chance to revisit. My buddy (the newlywed) and I stumbled in there a couple years ago and caught the now defunct Old-Time band the Forge Mountain Diggers, whose fiddler and guitarist went on to reform the Freight Hoppers.

10 comments:

Jen Feeny said...

Barefoot question: How do you manage it in the cold??!? I mean aren't your tootsie's freezing?!?!?

Jess said...

What was so bad about the sidewalk? Was just a harder impact on barefeet? Or was it freakin' freezing cold because it's cold outside?

Junk Miler said...

If you don't like running on sidewalks, then you should run on sidewalks. Learning how to run barefoot is about learning how to make the uncomfortable comfortable. Grasshopper.

Re cold, so far I know I'm good down to 40 degrees. Just dress warm - hat, gloves, etc. After a mile or two, you'll be looking for puddles to cool your feet.

Sounds like you had a good enough time in Cackalacky. I was wondering why the price of beer went up, then I realized you were probably causing a shortage.

Junk Miler said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jess said...

Running barefoot in the cold, huh? I guess you lost a few brain cells on the southern trip.

Carolina John said...

very cool! I was just at the flying saucer in raleigh last thursday night. it was my first time in there, i just freaking moved to raleigh. glad you had fun!

Ms. V. said...

I think I'd like to see you dance. :)

Spike said...

sometimes its just best to take a few days off; glad you enjoyed yourself and danced your self-respect away.

sidewalks hurt, especially if you have the misfortune of hitting one with your face.

C said...

You must have been doing some serious drinking while I was away as you apparently have very few brain cells left. I'm not going to rag on you for running barefoot. To each his own. However, I will mock you mercilessly for beginning this endeavor in late fall which for most of America is now early winter. Smooth move, Ex-Lax.

Oh, and belated congrats on the marathon PR.

Junk Miler said...

I have to agree with Xenia; although I admire the badassitude. My feet feel like they did when I first started, so it's got to be double sensitive for you.

But hey, if you can do it, why not?