Anniversary

Today is my one year running anniversary.  I began a new life, my running life, on August 13, 2009.  I remember it well.  I ran 2.5 miles through the streets of Cuyahoga Falls, with walking spells every half mile or so.  As I progressed, I decided to only walk "that one block" and to run at least 3 or 4 blocks.  It didn't take long to get the walking spells down to 2 or 3 blocks per run.  Pepper ran with me from the beginning.  However, last year was not as hot as this, and we were able to run together always.  I have left her at home for the last few runs because of the heat.

Today's run was 5.6 miles past the clocktower and Rockin' on the River; from there on to the Glens trail, then city streets to State, to Broad and back home.  It was a satisfying run with sweat, blood and cheers - a few teenage girls were impressed with my svelte physique and naked feet and couldn't hold back the appraise.  OK, so maybe some of that is in my head?

When I began, one year ago, it was without shoes and the idea, planted by Christoper McDougall, that if we were born to do this, I had better get to it.  Today I am so much better off than the day before I started.  Like many, I had "run" before.  As part of my high school hockey team, we went out for 2 mile runs, on occasion, before the season started.  I "hated" every minute.  Today, I consider running fun.

I consider barefoot running essential.  I bought my vff's in December and used them mostly for that month and the following January and February, with a few bf winter runs sprinkled in.  I do like the Snow.  Otherwise, all of my running is barefoot.  I try to do most things outside of running barefoot as well.  I get told off by the "establishment" on occasion, and usually argue the merits of a barefoot lifestyle with them, or just let it slide and get out of there with my beer.

On to the Blood!
Today's run was also fret with injuries.  I smashed my left big toe on a rock on  Glens Trail, then dragged the same on on the sidewalk on State Road.  These two injuries got the juices flowing.  Then I dragged my right big toe on the Broad Street Sidewalk, but it was only a scrape and no blood.  I think both Barefoot Josh and Viper are playing Opposum (see picture above) and aren't actually hurt.  Since they have shown no proof, I believe they are only trying to psyche out their potential competitors, lulling them into a sense of confidence with stories of broken toes.  So, here is my gory photo of the day:

No one can say I'm faking it!  This stuff ain't always easy or pain free.  But I'll take this pain any day over the pain of a heart attack.