The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [39]
• The amazed peers—This is a strange group. They are generally skeptical about barefoot running but may be interested in the benefits. These are the people that approach you after a race and say, “Wow! I can’t believe you just ran that race barefoot!” This group could be future converts as well. When encountering them always act humble and talk about how lucky you are to have had the opportunity to run such a wonderful race. Be genuinely nice and tell them they did a great job. Never push barefoot running on this group. At the next race, there’s a good possibility they will be in the “inquisitive” group as long as you don’t do anything to turn them off to barefoot running. This is why you should ALWAYS remember to smile!
• The hostile peers—This is the tough group. They are almost always young males, perhaps middle age, who are passionate about their shoes. They sincerely believe shoes are the variable that has brought them whatever measure of success they have achieved. While there is a tendency to ignore them, instead, allow your performance to speak for itself. Try engaging them in discussion using self-depreciating humor. It tends to disarm their hostility and allows them to see you for who you are. Your goal is not convert but to plant the barefoot seed. It may be several years before they think about barefoot running again, but they will. Perhaps an an injury will happen or maybe reading Born to Run will bring them around. They may even be exposed to barefoot running by friends or family. Whatever the case, do not disregard these people because every runner could later on become a barefoot runner.
As time passes, the acceptance of barefoot running has increased. When I first began my barefoot journey, the vast majority of runners were of the “hostile” variety. Today, most seem to have migrated to the “inquisitive” camp. Part of this migration is due to the increase in barefoot awareness and part of it has to do with the quality of the character of barefoot runners. As trailblazers it is critically important to be a good ambassador for barefoot running. Every person you encounter has the potential to be a barefoot runner. Never forget that.
Always Training
Those who have not yet tried barefoot running will often cite a lack of time to devote to training. To solve this time-management issue many recommend a regimented training schedule. However, for myself, I prefer a less organized approach. Rather than searching for opportunities to train, instead I turn everything I can into a training opportunity.
To start, at home I always walk around barefoot to help strengthen my feet and hone my tactile sense. It allows me the opportunity to practice walking with a midfoot strike versus a heel strike.
When weather allows, I walk around outside our house barefoot. The concrete sidewalk, asphalt driveway, woodchip landscaping, and grass lawn provide plenty of sensory stimulation for my feet. I also practice some of the drills casually by routinely picking up debris with my feet. Throughout the course of a day I’m always looking for opportunities to test and practice these skills.
Most places of work present a potential difficulty. However, if your career allows you to go barefoot, indulge. Otherwise, there may be some viable options such as wearing only socks or minimalist shoes such as those by Terra Plana, Feelmax, or Vibram. In the event you are the employer perhaps you can consider loosening up your policies on shoes. If you have the power to be an agent of change, embrace the opportunity.
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