I can’t remember the exact day, and I didn’t write about it (that I can find, but remember this blog has been scrubbed of all things Running Room, so there may have been a mention in one of those posts).
Regardless. I thought it was the Book ‘Born to Run’ that stoked my barefoot fire, but it wasn’t. The book just stoked my fire to run. You know. Running in general. You know how I know that? because of this.
Friday, March 26, 2010I just finished…… the book ‘Born to Run’ By Christopher McDougall. If you haven’t read it… do. I wish it hadn’t ended. It made me appreciate running in a way I hadn’t ever before. Even before I finished the book, when I was only part way through, I found myself liking running more and more. Lots of my running friends tell me (and I used to say this as well) ‘I most like the feeling of satisfaction I get at the end of a run’. While reading this book, I found myself enjoying the act of running more and more. My run last Wednesday, which I hope is a sign of things to come, was my most enjoyable run ever. I concentrated on running ‘easy’ and ‘light’, as the books reluctant hero Cabello Blanco (White Horse) puts it, and it really was just that. For me, it doesn’t mean there isn’t effort, as there is still lots of effort, it’s just that my mind tells me that what I am doing is good and honest and I am free to be myself. This alone makes the effort seem easier and lighter, if not incredibly worth it. So now, at the end of a run, I am pretty sure I am satisfied at the effort and all the things it is doing for me health and mindwise, but I am at least as much sad that the run is over. I am incredibly far from ever being an elite athlete of any kind, but this thing (running) is just getting started for me. I was a passionate runner before reading this book, but it sort of gave me permission to really love it. Thanks Mr. McDougall for a great book! It doesn’t matter if you are old or young, big or small… Let’s go for RUN!!! *woot* |
I think it was actually Barefoot Josh that peaked my interest. I was reading Running Down when I came across this crazy and funny barefoot dude in North Cackakalacky that shucked his shoes, and he wrote about it in a way that made sense.
So, well over a year later, Thanks Josh! I will be running my 4th barefoot half marathon this weekend at the Red Deer Marathon, and I couldn’t be happier!
I think being crazy and funny is a requirement to run barefoot.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you're welcome, but I really had very little to do with it. You (the lover of running accoutrements) were the one who thought objectively and took the time time to learn how to do it.
Have fun at the races!
I wonder if anyone who reads McDougall's book is not inspired to run?
ReplyDeleteI know someone who didn't actually finish reading the book. She was a runner too.
ReplyDeleteI just read it in the past week and am also inspired- and have also set a goal to be able to run 1 mile barefoot by the end of the summer! I currently run in Merrell Barefoot (Pace Glove).
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Have fun with it Liz.
ReplyDeleteBorn to Run is on my "to-read" list. I own a copy. I'm hoping I'll have more time after I get married.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the marathon. Will look forward to reading your account!
ReplyDeleteI loved that book. It didn't make me want to run barefoot, but it made me think that running an ultra might be pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteYou've always been an inspiration Neil. Great so see where you have found yours.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to chapter 25 on a run, stopped, took off my shoes off and finished the run. Oct 30 2009.
ReplyDeletejust started reading Born to Run as well...crazy.
ReplyDeleteHi Canada. I hope you rock your race.
ReplyDeleteGotta tell you Neil that book is what lit the fire beneath me too!!!! Best of luck on your race!! (mamarunbarefoot)
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