Had a great barefoot run today on a local concrete running trail. The surface is such a joy after some of the surfaces I had been forced to run on the last few weeks. Unfortunately, the weather's been wet and unpleasant lately. After sitting on my butt long enough, I decided to test my barefoot running skills by chancing some wet concrete. Why not, right?Wet surfaces usually are a little more unforgiving, as the moisture softens the skin and makes it more likely to incur injuries (ie. blisters, scrapes, etc). Running in wet conditions is usually a great test of running form. I figured after nearly a year of barefoot running, it was time to give it a shot.
Thankfully, by the time I got out there, the trail had some dry spots. But I did have plenty of opportunities to get my feet wet! Several puddles plus strips of wet concrete gave me enough test. I'm beginning to think that barefoot running and minimalist running is getting more accepted, or perhaps people just don't say anything anymore. I encountered several folks on my run today, which lasted about an hour, and no one said a word about me not having shoes. I don't know...I guess I don't usually mind it.So yes...after about an hour out jogging through puddles and on wet surfaces, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the condition my feet were in. They looked awesome. If anything they were cleaner than usual, haha. It was a nice feeling knowing that my running form is to a point where moisture isn't a problem. It's a huge confidence booster.
Overpasses....yuck.I hate running near roads. Why? Because vehicles tend to kick up pebbles that always land on the sidewalk. So running next to roads or under an overpass always makes me grit my teeth and just get through it. Luckily, since I've been running through my neighborhood lately and therefore have spent way too much time stepping on pebbles, I have a new appreciation for how much cleaner the surfaces under overpasses are on this running trail. They're still no fun, though. Definitely the only hazard on that trail.
