Thursday, July 14, 2011

Shoes as Tools

Since I made my Declaration of Shoe Independence yesterday, I'm trying to shift paradigms from a shod runner who occasionally runs barefoot to a barefoot runner who occasionally runs in shoes. During this changeover I promise not to preach to you about ditching your shoes.

Last night, I ran with my office mates what I consider my last run as a shod runner. But it wasn't the last time I run with shoes.

I don't believe it's possible for me to go barefoot all the time and still enjoy running, at least not where I live. Some of the trails are too difficult and the climate can be too harsh for me to feel comfortable running barefoot all the time. But that doesn't mean I won't try.

However, when faced with a run that exceeds my limits of running barefoot, the choice between putting on shoes or going home is simple. As many barefoot acolytes will tell you, shoes are tools.

Sometimes your feet want a little protection. Until then, I plan to see just where and how far I can go without.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

And sometimes your feet want some warmth!

C said...

The ad at the bottom of your post is bright pink and trying to sell me broadband. Doesn't quite fit with your blog style.

misszippy said...

Good for you. I'm sure your feet will be happiest this way. Wish I had been smart enough to transition as slowly as you have...one of these days I'll be there.

Nitmos said...

I also identified something as a tool around here...but I'm not sure it was the shoes. Good luck, shodless wonder!