Take a Peek into the World of Barefoot Running

As a person who considers running not just a hobby, but a passion, I can honestly say that the greatest discovery in the world of running that I have made to date is barefoot running. There is something about it, the freedom perhaps, that seems to be so addictive. When I first heard about this practice, I was intrigued and had so many questions to ask. Doesn't it hurt your feet? What if it's cold outside? What about rocks? Glass? I looked into it and the more I discovered, the more it made me want to try it. I think the reason I love running so much is because it creates a sense of freedom; in fact I always used to say, "running is so different than every other sport because all you need for this is a pair of sneakers and motivation." Now it seems you don't even need the sneakers. Like every interest I come across, I figure the only way to truly appreciate it is to try it.

My first barefoot run was at my high school campus where I ran cross country for four years in high school. I chose this campus because it was the only place I could think of that had grass for me to run on. I had just gotten out of work and it was nine o'clock at night. I figured I would go and do maybe a three or four mile run just to get used to it and see how it feels. As I started the run, I couldn't believe how much I loved it. I felt so light on my feet, almost weightless. It's amazing how shoes that weigh only a few ounces can feel so heavy when you're running; and you never realize this until you run without them. As I circled the football, soccer, and baseball fields, I marveled at how effortless my seven minute mile pace seemed to be. After running 5 miles, I just didn't want to stop. I continued to run, for another hour and a half, and finally finished after running 13 miles.