Trail Dance

It’s been an interesting experiment trying to learn barefoot technique.  I’m finding that my movements are not as they have been in the past… trudging through the woods with boots.. smashing twigs and plowing over rocks  — I now feel more connected to nature.

It was apparent to me that about 2 min into this morning’s barefoot hike that the mosquitoes had been out in full force.  I swatted a bit, killed a few, then felt the insane amount of bites on my head and my neck…. I could either turn around, or keep going.  I tried to focus on something other than the bugs, but then realized that my zen oneness with nature is not up to monk par.  I couldn’t think of anything other than the stupid bugs!  So.. I did what most people do when they want to get away… I ran.

my zen oneness with nature is not up to monk par…

I didn’t think for a moment that I was going to outrun the bugs… but I could make my hike faster by running a bit, and it gave me an opportunity to play with the concept of barefoot running.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• If you normally would take one or two steps from point a to b… take three or four.
• You will not be able to run over a rock or a root barefoot without feeling some hurt.  Look at the trail like a skier or mountain biker would, plan your steps and pick a line to follow a few feet out in front of you.
• If you walk / run with soft feet like a ninja, you are going to see some crazy wildlife. (ran into a herd of deer… literally found myself about 6 inches away from one as I rounded a corner — we both got a surprise.)
• Don’t worry about sprinting up the hills… you’ll burn out because barefooting downhill takes a lot more steps than with shoes.
• Dance with the trail and run like water would flow.

Next time I’m bringing bug spray (non-toxic of course).  Be well and stay positive.